What are hubs and how do they make things happen?
Hubs are consortia of organisations throughout the world that are engaged in the support and development of entrepreneurs and SMEs, economic development and international trade at whatever level. Hubs are the gateways to the global network of similar hub organizations. Members of Hubs must be actively engaged in one or more aspects of the provision of guidance and support, professional or technical expertise, or business facilities that contribute to the process of building and growing client businesses. One organization in a region will take a lead role as the first point of contact and will help coordinate the activities and resources of all other organization members of the Hub. Organizations that comprise regional hubs may include:
• Science or Technology Parks
• Universities with Enterprise, or Technology Transfer resources and/or specialist technologies,
Corporate Research Centers, or Entrepreneurship Centers
• Local or regional business support agencies
• Regional and Local Economic Development Agencies
• Private companies engaged in business support of economic development activities.
• Business Incubators, Technology-Incubators or Innovation Centers
• Regional Investment Funds, Business Angel Networks, Venture-Capital funds
• Inwards Investment Agencies
• Local or regional government bodies
• Chambers of Commerce or other business membership organizations
• International Trade Centers or export agencies
