Benchmarking Study for Waste Valorization Cluster

Berytech is a leading organization in the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Lebanon, providing a conducive environment for the creation and development of startups through incubation, business support, counseling, funding, networking, and company hosting. 

Advancing waste valorization is key to tackling Lebanon’s waste crisis and unlocking economic opportunities.

As part of the ACT Smart program, funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, a waste valorization cluster is being established to drive innovation, collaboration, and circular solutions. Building on the success of previous initiatives in fostering cleantech innovation, this initiative will leverage best practices from European clusters to identify gaps, optimize strategies, and promote sustainable waste valorization.

Berytech seeks an external consultant to conduct a comprehensive benchmarking study for its newly established Waste Valorization Cluster.

The objectives are the following:

• Benchmark 3–5 EU waste valorization clusters, analyzing governance, funding, and innovation models.
• Compare EU clusters with Lebanon’s new cluster, focusing on adaptability to local crises.
• Provide actionable recommendations via a phase implementation roadmap.

The findings of this benchmarking study will support the cluster’s long-term growth and contribute to its effectiveness in fostering innovation and competitiveness.

The consultant will work under the direct guidance of the cluster manager, in close coordination with the Program Director at Berytech ensuring alignment with the organization’s strategic goals and objectives.

The consultant should deliver the following requirements:

Phase 1: Desk Research and Initial Benchmarking (4 weeks)

This phase will focus on desk research and analysis of publicly available information to establish a foundation for the benchmarking study. 

• Identify waste valorization clusters in Europe and select 3-5 of these clusters that are most relevant to the Lebanese context.
• Cluster Selection Criteria: Include a detailed methodology for selecting clusters based on parameters such as cluster size, sector focus, operational maturity, and market relevance.
• Collect and analyze public data on their governance structures, funding models, operations and impact.
• Assess key outcomes and lessons learned from these identified clusters, particularly in areas such as: Sustainability, Innovation, Job creation, Sectoral impact.

Deliverables for Phase 1

• Inception Report (7-10 pages) to include:
  • Executive summary
  • Methodology & Approach: Data sources, selection criteria, and benchmarking framework.
  • Cluster longlist with selection rationale
  • Data Collection instruments
  • Key metrics for assessment
  • Work plan with timeline
  • Risk Assessment matrix
• Draft Benchmarking Report:
  • Comparative analysis matrix
  • Including desk research findings, and preliminary recommendations.
• Presentation: Summarize key findings and preliminary recommendations for the Waste Valorization Cluster management team.

Phase 2: Stakeholder Engagement and Validation (8 weeks)

This phase will build on the findings of the desk research and involve targeted stakeholder engagement to refine the analysis and provide actionable recommendations tailored to the Lebanese context.

2.1 Stakeholders’ Engagement

2.1.1 Engagement with European Clusters

• Conduct targeted interviews or surveys with key stakeholders from 3 selected European clusters, including cluster managers, industry representatives, policymakers, and researchers (if relevant).
• Focus the interviews on specific areas of interest identified during the desk research phase (e.g., governance models, funding mechanisms, innovation strategies, stakeholder engagement).
• Limit the number of interviews to 3-5–key people across the selected clusters to ensure depth without overextending resources.

2.1.2 Engagement with Lebanese Stakeholders

• Understand Lebanon’s needs and challenges in the waste valorization sector.
• Conduct focused interviews or discussions with 5–7 key Lebanese SMEs from different stages of the value chain, R&D centers, public sector officials to:
• Validate findings from the desk research.
• Understand specific needs, challenges, and opportunities in the Lebanese waste valorization sector.
• Gather input on how international best practices can be adapted to the local context.

There are several available documents that provide useful background information to support this process and help contextualize discussions.

2.2 Roadmap Development

The consultant will develop a tiered implementation roadmap to translate benchmarking insights into actionable strategies for Lebanon’s Waste Valorization Cluster. The roadmap will prioritize interventions based on feasibility, impact, and alignment with Lebanon’s crisis context.

The tiered structure will distinguish between quick-impact interventions achievable within the current crisis environment (quick wins) and foundational changes requiring extended advocacy and resource mobilization (systemic changes).

2.3 Validation Workshop

Facilitate a validation workshop with the nucleus cluster member team which will include priority-setting exercises using weighted criteria (feasibility, impact, cost) to finalize recommendations.

Deliverables for Phase 2

• Final Benchmarking Report (30 – 40 pages):
  • Include an executive summary
  • Prepare a detailed report documenting the findings of the study, including:
    • Comparative analysis of operational models, best practices and strategies.
    • Key outcomes and lessons learned from European clusters.
    • Clear, actionable recommendations for the Lebanese cluster.
  • A tiered implementation roadmap with timelines, responsible parties and monitoring indicators
  • All raw interview transcripts and data sets as appendices 
• Presentation:
  • Summarize key findings and recommendations for the Waste Valorization Cluster management team.

The consultant should have the following qualifications:

• Master’s in Environmental Science, Waste Management, or a related field (preferable)
• Proven experience in cluster benchmarking, especially within waste valorization or related sectors.
• Expertise in cluster development, management and strategy with a focus on international clusters in the EU and the MENA region.
• Strong research and analytical skills with experience in conducting comparative studies.
• Familiarity with EU waste management and valorization practices, policies and innovations.
• Understanding of governance models for clusters.
• Strong report writing and presentation skills.

To ensure the selection of the most qualified candidate, the following criteria will be used to assess expertise, experience, and approach:

• Technical expertise and relevant experience
• Methodological approach and work plan
• Research, analytical and training capabilities
• Relevant international experience and stakeholder engagement