What is this service offering?

We assist government and non-profit organizations to assess the competitive position, market opportunities, barriers to growth and company assistance needs of the manufacturing sector, specific industries, and regional clusters.

Who might need this service?

Government and non-profit economic development organizations, industry associations and cluster organizations concerned with economic growth and competitiveness

How do we do this? What deliverables might we provide?
Regional Industry or Cluster Strategies
We provide robust and insightful understanding of regional industries or clusters that lead to actionable growth strategies. These assessments can include:

  • Structure and segments of the industry/cluster, size and growth, key players and regional assets
  • Key trends that impact the evolution of the industry or cluster
  • Regional competitive strengths, market potential, and barriers to growth
  • Strategic implications for policies, programs and services that overcome barriers and thus unleash growth opportunities
Assessment of the Impact of Key Trends That Affect the Sector/Industry/Cluster
Just as companies must adjust with agility to a changing world, government and nonprofit organizations that serve these companies must adjust quickly as well. We assess the impact of global competitive forces and industry trends (e.g. emergence of new global competition, new regulations, dramatic changes to energy supply or price, etc.) on the assistance needs and behavior of a program’s company clients. Organizations will gain insight into the implications of these trends for service offerings and program strategies.
Strategic Facilitation for Regional Cluster or Industry Organizations
Based on years of experience in facilitating collaborative processes that yield valuable insights, innovative thinking, and effective decision-making, we offer customized and structured strategic thinking support.
Why Stone & Associates?

No firm has more experience in conducting “real world” research on the needs and competitive position of small to mid-sized manufacturers (SMMs), based on our dozens of projects for the US Department of Commerce (NIST/MEP — National Institute of Standards and Technology, Manufacturing Extension Partnership and the Commercial Service).

Most consulting firms tend to focus on either public sector or private sector clientele. We have experience in both worlds. We are able to leverage our business experience to assist public sector organizations to better understand and serve manufacturing companies

Project Examples
  • Market Research and Analysis of SME Manufacturing Companies
  • Successful Strategies for Competing Against China / Low Cost Countries
  • Auto B2B eCommerce – Impact on US SMM Suppliers
  • RoHS-WEEE Impact on US SMM suppliers
  • Regional Cluster and Sector Growth Strategies
  • Market Research – SMM Competitiveness
More Details
Reports / Articles