The FIELDFacilitation Working Group brings together an array of FIELD Partnerswith extensive expertise in value chain development and facilitation in order to share experiences andidentify best practices for facilitating value chain developmentprograms – and more specifically how programs can best work with “leadfirms” to accomplish their goals. 

Over the course of aone-year working period, the group will produce a brief on each of thefollowing topics:

Cycle 1: Definitions and Terms (Working Paper)

• Key principles of facilitation
• Defining lead firms
• Sustainability

Cycle 2: Lead Firm Selection Methods (Working Paper)

• Identification of lead firms within a value chain context
• Selection criteria / factors that lead to success
• Deciding how many lead firms with which to work

Cycle 3: Structuring and Managing Collaboration (Working Paper)

• Types of agreements / smart subsidies
• Ensuring commitment
• Establishing credibility and trust / balancing interests