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Initiative for a Competitive Brooklyn

ABOUT THE INITIATIVE FOR A COMPETITIVE BROOKLYN
The Initiative for a Competitive Brooklyn (ICB) is a subsidiary of the Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation dedicated to increasing the sustainability and competitiveness of Brooklyn business. ICB was founded several years ago with support from many sponsors, including private corporations and foundations, local businesses and city and federal agencies. The original research which dictated ICB’s first set of goals was by Harvard Professor Michael Porter and his group the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC). Our mission, principles and method reflect that heritage.

• MISSION: The Initiative for a Competitive Brooklyn will enhance the competitiveness of Brooklyn firms in order to create a high and rising standard of living for Brooklyn residents.
• PRINCIPLES: ICB was founded on hard data and strives to achieve real, measurable results in specific clusters of the Brooklyn economy.
• METHOD: The ICB engages a team for each cluster. Teams represent a cross section of people, orgs and agencies involved in the cluster. ICB staff implements team recommendations.

STRATEGIC BROOKLYN INDUSTRY CLUSTERS
Four clusters of the Brooklyn economy were originally chosen for ICB: Health Care; Hospitality & Tourism; Real Estate, Construction & Development; and Food Processing. The first three have shown real growth, and, while it has declined, Food Processing remains an interesting and changing Brooklyn industry. Please look at our ICB Updated presentation for information on all the ICIC clusters and these 4 in particular.

EMERGING BROOKLYN CLUSTERS
Our Green Construction and Self-Employed Brooklyn reports outline some of the characteristics of clusters we see emerging in the borough today.