These problems are not unique to the Negev, but nonetheless may harm the development of fruitful cooperation between research and industry. Bio-Negev, with the BGU as a key actor, is one of the first Israeli experiences in cluster initiatives and offers a basis to build on. There is no coordinating actor in the Negev as a whole, MOITAL is in charge of coordination. However, this holds back co-operation and strategic thinking in the sub-cluster.