About Mesopartner
Mesopartner is a knowledge firm that specialises in economic development, competitiveness and innovation.
Our strategic intent is to be globally acknowledged as an innovator in economic development practice. Combining theory, practice and reflection, we enable clients to explore options and support decision-making processes. We collaborate with strategic partners to create knowledge on contextually sound economic development.
We operate as adviser and service provider to development organisations (development agencies, ODA (Official Development Assistance) donors, development banks, NGOs, cluster networks and others), to decision makers in private and public sector and to consultants and consulting firms. Since 2003, the knowledge that we have shared, and the methodologies and tools that we have developed, have helped development organisations and stakeholders in many developing and transformation countries to conduct territorial and sectoral development in a more effective and efficient way.
Mesopartner offers the knowledge that local actors need to address the challenge of innovation and change in a systemic and complexity-sensitive way. We develop innovative tools based on local and regional economic development, cluster and value chain promotion, market systems development, strengthening of local innovation systems and related topics. We coach and equip practitioners, and conduct leading-edge learning events for practitioners. We facilitate development processes and give policy advice.
Today, Mesopartner is a global micro-enterprise known for pioneering participatory economic development approaches, including Local Economic Development (LED), cluster promotion, Quality Infrastructure (QI), and systemic analysis tools. The annual Summer Academy, an intensive training event, reflects Mesopartner’s dedication to empowering development practitioners worldwide. Committed to integrating systemic and complexity thinking, Mesopartner continues to collaborate globally, driven by a mission to advance practical tools, capacity building, and sustainable solutions in development
Mesopartner by numbers
21
Years of experience
113
Countries worked in
3
Based on 3 different continents
4
Number of Methodologies developed
History
Mesopartner was founded in 2002 when Dr. Jörg Meyer-Stamer invited Christian Schoen and Dr. Ulrich Harmes-Liedtke to create a consultancy focused on practical solutions for economic development. With roots in research and a desire to apply real-world approaches, the team introduced PACA (Participatory Appraisal of Competitive Advantage) as their first key tool. Developed from Jörg’s work in Brazil, PACA translates advanced management concepts into hands-on methods that aid development practitioners. Targeting the “meso” level between macro policies and micro-enterprise, PACA became a core offering and inspired the firm’s name, “Mesopartner.”
In 2003, Mesopartner formally organized in Germany as a Partnerschaftsgesellschaft, allowing the partners independence while fostering collaboration. The company grew, and new partners joined, each bringing unique strengths. Frank Wältring added research depth, Shawn Cunningham introduced South African market insights, and Marcus Jenal, who joined in 2015, advanced Mesopartner’s shift toward complexity thinking, helping develop the Systemic Insight approach.
Tragically, in 2009, Jörg Meyer-Stamer passed away. Mesopartner honored his legacy by establishing the JMS Scholarship, supporting young researchers and practitioners dedicated to innovation in development. His vision continues to guide the firm as it evolves and innovates.
Today, Mesopartner is a global micro-enterprise known for pioneering participatory economic development approaches, including Local Economic Development (LED), cluster promotion, Quality Infrastructure (QI), and systemic analysis tools. The annual Summer Academy, an intensive training event, reflects Mesopartner’s dedication to empowering development practitioners worldwide. Committed to integrating systemic and complexity thinking, Mesopartner continues to collaborate globally, driven by a mission to advance practical tools, capacity building, and sustainable solutions in development
