In Mesopartner we combine two different kinds of work. Firstly, we build capacity for development. Sometimes this is done by leading a team, conducting a diagnosis or upgrading process, hosting an event, or by offering capacity building and coaching services.

The second area of our work is to consciously develop new methods, tools, instruments and concepts. We use our knowledge of bottom up development AND of the international discussion on better development cooperation to identify areas that we want to conduct research and development in. We try to combine different elements into a thematic area, and we work with a wide range of local, national and international partners to develop these thematic areas. The results of this thematic research is captured in publications, new or improved methods, robust tools, capacity building and modules, podcasts or policy recommendations.

At the beginning of 2012 we dedicated resources to the following thematic areas:

• Improving innovation systems and competitiveness from the bottom up,
• Unleashing the economic potential of the poor
  
• De-cluttering green  to unlock development opportunities
• Standards and quality that matter for competitiveness
• Organizational Development of Meso Institutions (forthcoming)

In the previous years we had focused attention on the following themes:

• local and regional economic development,
• Stimulating territorial creativity through clusters,
• Practically mobilizing actors in Value Chains,
• Strategy and scenario development

We develop these themes with our counterparts, customers, academics, researchers and interested practitioners. For each theme we will appoint a theme leader from within Mesopartner that will coordinate research and development activities. We will use each theme to develop material, methods and publications, or to build capacity. 

We invite you to contact us if you wish to participate in one of our thematic areas.