The JNCT was established as a research-oriented unit at the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MoPIC) in 1997 as part of a regional project funded by the Dutch Government. The team began with an initial mandate of creating a micro-level database of Jordanian industry through studying various economic activities and clusters. In January 1998, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) took over funding of the project until
Over the years, further responsibilities have been added to JNCT's task list. The team's approach to helping enhance the competitive advantage of Jordanian industries has transformed from acting in the capacity of a research house, to playing an active role in the implementation of its recommendations. The new understanding that JNCT introduced into its work with the private sector was well received. The team has been active in many sectors and development initiatives, and has succeeded in achieving several key successes. The natural evolution of the team's work now requires a process of institutionalization, monitoring and evaluation, and added sophistication for it to remain a driving force in improving
