BELGIAN REPORT
ON SCIENCE,
TECHNOLOGY AND
INNOVATION
2010
Belgian
Science
Policy
Office
BELGIAN REPORT
ON SCIENCE,
TECHNOLOGY AND
INNOVATION
2010
Belgian
Science
Policy
Office
Belgian Science Policy Office
Avenue Louise 231 Louizalaan
B-1050 Brussels
T +32 2 238 34 11
F +32 2 230 59 12
E burg@belspo.be
www.belspo.be
June 2010
FEDERAL COOPERATION COMMISSION ON STATISTICS CFS/STAT
EDITORIAL TEAM:
Ward Ziarko, Head of Department for R&D-indicators,
Belgian Science Policy Office
Alasdair Reid, Director, Technopolis Group
Nelly Bruno, Consultant, Technopolis Group
CONTRIBUTORS
BELGIAN SCIENCE POLICY OFFICE
Jean Moulin, Director, Scientific
and Technical Information Service
Bernard Delhausse, Advisor, Department for R&D-indicators
Eric Laureys, Scientific Advisor, Scientific and Technical
Information Service
BELGIAN MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Jean-Paul Marcel, Director, Royal High Institute for Defence
FLEMISH GOVERNMENT, DEPARTMENT
OF ECONOMY, SCIENCE AND INNOVATION
Niko Geerts, Policy Advisor
INSTITUTE FOR THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF SCIENTIFIC
RESEARCH AND INNOVATION OF BRUSSELS
Paul Van Snick, Expert
RESEARCH IN BRUSSELS
Nicolas Vanhove, Project Manager
MINISTRY OF THE FRENCH COMMUNITY, DGENORS
Richard Martin, Director, Department for Scientific Research
Marco Segers, Advisor, Department for Scientific Research
PUBLIC SERVICE OF WALLONIA, DGO6
Paul Chapelle, Advisor
Isabelle Pierre, Advisor
Design by Coast, www.coastdesign.be
Legal Depot: D/2010/1191/10
Published in June 2010.
Neither the Belgian Science Policy Office nor any person
acting on behalf of the Belgian Science Policy Office shall be
responsible for the use which might be made of the following
information. This work is copyrighted. It may be reproduced in
whole or in part subject to inclusion of an acknowledgment of
the source and no commercial usage or sale.
Recommended citation: Belgian Science Policy Office,
Belgian Report on Science Technology and Innovation 2010,
Brussels, Belgium
Printed in Belgium on FSC Paper
Table of Contents
1.
2.
Institutions and competences
for STI policy in Belgium, 5
1.1
Belgium, a federal country, 7
1.2
Who does what in the Belgian
STI policy system, 8
1.3
Co-operation and consultation
between Belgian entities, 12
1.4
A snapshot of Belgium science
and innovation performance, 14
1.5
Funding of STI policies in Belgium, 17
Federal Government policy in favour of
science, technology and innovation, 21
2.1
Objectives of the federal science
policy, 23
2.2
Actors and instruments of the federal
STI policy, 25
2.2.1 Federal Council for Science Policy
(FCSP), 26
2.2.2 Belgian Federal Science policy Office
(BELSPO), 27
2.2.3 Other Federal public services, 28
2.3
2.3.2
2.3.3
2.3.4
Implementation of Federal science
policy, 32
Funding Belgian participation
in international research, 33
Federal research programmes, 39
The federal scientific establishments, 46
Support to R&D activities and policy, 50
2.4
Perspectives for Federal STI policy, 52
2.3.1
3.
Flemish science, technology and
innovation policy, 57
3.1
General orientations of Flemish
STI policy, 59
3.2
3.2.1
3.2.2
3.2.3
3.2.4
3.2.5
Actors and instruments of
the Flemish STI policy, 62
Policy advice, 64
Government departments, 64
Other bodies of public interest in
the field of science and innovation, 66
Implementing agencies, 67
Innovation intermediaries, 77
3.3
Main research and innovation
performers, 82
3.3.1 Higher education institutions, 82
3.3.2 Strategic Research Centres, 85
3.3.3 Scientific institutes, research
infrastructure and knowledge centres,
92
3.3.4 Internationalisation of Flemish
research and innovation, 96
3.4
Perspectives for the Flemish
STI policy, 101
BELGIAN REPORT
ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
2010
4.
4.2
4.2.1
4.2.2
4.2.3
4.2.4
4.2.5
4.3
5.
Actors and instruments of STI policy
in Wallonia and in the French
Community, 109
Policy advice, 109
Government departments, 112
Other implementing bodies, 122
Innovation intermediaries, 132
Main research and innovation
performers, 134
3
4
Perspectives for STI policy in Wallonia
and in the French Community, 143
5
STI policy in Brussels-Capital Region, 149
5.1
General orientations of STI policy
in Brussels-Capital Region, 151
5.2
5.2.1
5.2.2
5.2.3
5.2.4
5.3
6.
Figures
STI policy in Wallonia and
in the French Community, 105
4.1
General orientations of STI policy
in Wallonia and in the French
Community, 107
Actors and instruments of STI policy
in Brussels-Capital Region, 154
Science Policy Council of
Brussels-Capital Region, 154
Government departments
and agencies, 155
Innovation intermediaries, 163
Main research and innovation
performers, 165
Perspectives for STI policy in
Brussels-Capital Region, 167
Conclusions and perspectives, 171
1
2
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
BELGIAN REPORT
ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
2010
Understanding Belgium: federal, community
and regional authorities, 8
Regional presence of collective research
centres, 11
Belgian STI policy system, 12
A snapshot of Belgium’s comparative
STI performance, 15
Overview of government budgets allocated
to R&D (thousand current euro), 17
Share of public funding for R&D
(GBAORD and tax credits) by Belgian
authority, 2009, 18
Evolution of budgetary credits for R&D policy
of the federal government, 1998-2008,
in €m, 24
Budget detail for federal science policy
in Belgium, 2008, 25
Funding of R&D through tax measures
(tax revenue foregone in €), 29
FP6 participation by theme and activity, 35
Thematic specialisation index of Belgium
in FP6 vs EU27, 36
Federal research programmes: indicative
annual funding (2005-2010, million euro), 41
Funding of Federal Scientific Institutions
within BELSPO (2003-2010), 46
Flemish STI policy system, 63
VIS project and programme types, 70
Innovation support in Flanders by type, 71
FWO support types, 72
PMV risk capital and investment
instruments, 76
Collective research centres in Flanders, 81
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
Funding of universities in Flanders, 84
Flemish participation to EU FP –
share by type of organisation, 97
Flemish participation in FP6, 97
Structure of the French Community
and the Walloon Region, 111
Government budgetary appropriations
on R&D (in thousands €), 113
Budget appropriations for R&D of DGO6
per funding source (in thousand €), 113
R&D budget appropriations of the Walloon
Region by type of programme, 2001-08,
(in thousand €), 114
R&D budget appropriations of the Walloon
Region by type of beneficiary, 2001-2008
(thousand €), 115
Amounts awarded for Horizon-Europe,
per category of actor, in thousand €, 116
Additional funding allocated by the Walloon
Region to accredited research centres and
companies for participation in FP6, 116
Number of participations to funded projects
by Walloon organisations, 117
FIRST schemes – number of mandates
granted per year and budget
(in thousand €), 118
Programmes of excellence in Wallonia
(€ thousand), 119
SMEs R&D and innovation measures
in Wallonia (€ thousand), 120
Budgets allocated to R&D policy
in the French Community, 2008, 121
List of collective research centres accredited
by the Walloon Region, 138
Trend in budgetary appropriations for accredited research centres (thousand euro), 139
Compatitiveness poles: Budgetary
allocations of the Walloon Region per type
of beneficiary, 2001-2008, 142
Initial public budgets for R&D in
Brussels-Capital, 2004-2009 in million €, 153
PRFB, 2004-2008, 161
Boxes
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Collective research centres –
a ‘Belgian institution’, 10
Fiscal measures in favour of R&D activities, 19
Federal policy and support for intellectual
property, 30
Back to Belgium, international mobility
of researchers, 33
Federal space research policy, 38
Inter-University Attraction Poles, 40
Federal Programme ‘Science for sustainable
development’, 43
The Belgian Polar Platform, 43
Examples of research actions
of other federal public services, 44
Federal scientific institutions, 47
Federal institutes in the field of human
and animal health, 48
Nuclear research, 48
BELNET: the network of knowledge, 50
R&D business support (2 types: industrial
R&D projects and R&D feasibility studies), 68
Post-doctoral Research Fellowships (OZM), 69
Strategic Basic Research (SBO), 69
VIS: Co-operative Innovation Networks, 70
Odysseus, a Flemish brain gain programme, 74
A top knowledge economy based
in three countries: ELAt, 100
Promoting participation in EU programmes, 115
FIRST measures, 117
Mobilising programmes, 118
Programmes of excellence, 119
Support to R&D for SMEs, 120
FNRS development plan (2004-2009), 123
BELGIAN REPORT
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2010
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
Popularising science and developing
a scientific culture in French-speaking
Belgium, 125
A partnership for researchers: action Plan
of the French Community 2010-2014, 126
www.innovons.be — a novel resource
for Walloon innovators, 129
Universities of the French Community, 135
The Concerted Research Actions (ARC)
& The Special Research Fund (FSR), 136
WELBIO: Walloon Institute for Life
Sciences Lead, 137
Regional impulse programmes, 158
Brains back to Brussels (BB2B), 158
Spin-off in Brussels, 159
Brussels Studies, 163
Incubators in the Brussels-Capital Region, 164
Belgian Presidency Priorities, 177
BELGIAN REPORT
ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
2010
Preface
Some ten years ago have passed since the last Belgian Presidency of the European Union (EU), but as in 2001, the 2010 Belgian EU Presidency comes at a time of enormous challenges and the launch of initiatives with a 10 year time horizon. In 2001,
the Lisbon Agenda and, the subsequent Barcelona goals of investment in R&D, underlined that the EU Member States needed to work together towards common goals.
The Europe 2020 Strategy1 put forward by the European Commission in April 2010
calls for a new focus on smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Smart growth implies developing an economy based on knowledge and innovation and builds on the
considerable efforts since 2000 to boost the EU’s investment in and output from
science, technology and innovation (STI). Yet, the strategy acknowledges that
investment in science that leads to results confined to the laboratory, technology
implemented without taking into account environmental or social impacts, or innovation products or services that do nothing to improve quality of life, reduce our
impact on climate change and reduction of biodiversity
As this report aims to underline, the Belgian authorities have anticipated many
of these trends in the focus of policy objectives and have sought to reinforce cooperation within the federalised institutional structure of governance to deliver a
coherent ‘policy-mix’ in favour of STI. Moreover, the Belgian authorities have increased public investment over the last decade and also taken action to improve the
effectiveness of scientific and business innovation funding and support agencies
and organisations to ensure ‘value for money’.
This 2010 Belgian Report on Science, Technology and Innovation (BRISTI) distils
in a clear and structured manner the significant and important efforts of the Belgian
federal, regional and community governments in favour of the sort of smart, sustainable growth, the EU is aspiring to achieve by 2020.
I commend this report to all stakeholders involved in the on-going debate on European research and innovation priorities and, in the name of all the contributors,
hope that the insights of this report contribute to achieving a strong and unified
European research and innovation area.
Dr Philippe METTENS
Chairman of the Board of Directors, Federal Science Policy Office (BELSPO)
1.
http://ec.europa.eu/eu2020/index_en.htm
BELGIAN REPORT
ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
2010
1
Introduction
The first Belgian Report on Science, Technology and Innovation (BRISTI) was
published in 2001, during the previous Belgian presidency of the European Union (EU). Although an update was published online in 2005 2 , this is the first full
update in close to a decade and is published in view of the 2010 Belgian Presidency
of the EU 3 . Like the previous report, this report a) sets out the institutional environment in which scientific research, technological development and innovation
(STI) takes place in Belgium; b) highlights the current policy orientations of the
Belgian authorities with responsibility for STI and places them in the context of the
EU level priorities. Rather than provide a ‘historical’ overview of changes over the
last decade, the report seeks to provide an up to date snapshot of the STI system.
The report also discusses the contribution of Belgian STI policies to the construction of the European Research Area (ERA), to promoting a more innovative Europe
(including non-technological innovation, etc.) and more generally to the goal of
smart, sustainable growth set by the Europe 2020 strategy.
Why should a reader of this report from another EU country be interested in the
development and focus of STI policy in Belgium? First of all, because Belgium has
a long history in excellence in higher education and research dating back to the
founding of the Catholic University in Leuven in 1425. Today, many Belgian academic research centres and scientific institutions remain at the forefront of research
in specific fields, co-operating at European and global levels to pursue scientific
‘roadmaps’ and seeking to attract foreign scientists to work on projects or to locate
permanently in the country.
With a highly productive industrial sector and strong presence in specific services, the Belgian economy is one of the most open in the world; both in terms of
trade and via the high penetration of inward investment in the national economy.
Business innovation in Belgium is driven by a number of key sectors including
pharmaceuticals, chemicals, biotechnology, microelectronics, and space and satellite communications. A sizeable share of business R&D is concentrated within
a limited number of multinational firms that have established or taken-over research & development (R&D) facilities in Belgium. There is, also, a substantial
R&D effort by a larger number of smaller firms often clustered in specific fields
of expertise.
2.
3.
http://www.belspo.be/belspo/home/publ/pub_ostc/BRISTI/BRISTI04_fr.pdf
http://eutrio.be
BELGIAN REPORT
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2010
2
Institutionally speaking, Belgium is a ‘mini-Europe’, each of the federated authorities (regions and linguistic communities) is singularly competent for the areas of
STI granted to it by the law. The long process of decentralisation, which began in
the 1970s, has led to a fascinating differentiation of institutions and policies adapted to the STI potential, and the social and economic needs of each part of Belgium
and its different entities.
A companion volume 4 provides an in-depth analysis of data and trends in indicators on Belgian R&D and innovation. This volume of the BRISTI report 5 sets out
a detailed description of the STI institutional and policy system 6 . The policy ‘mapping’ complements the statistical data and puts into context the choices made by
the Belgian authorities in terms of policy objectives and instruments to meet the
challenges specific to each region, or common to the country as a whole.
This volume is organised in four main sections, one for each of the Belgian entities:
The Federal Government
Flemish Government
The French Community and Wallonia, and
The Brussels-Capital Region.
For each authority, the report sets out their current policy objectives for STI, the
main actors and implementation measures and a perspective on future orientations
of policy, notably in the context of the European Commission’s Europe 2020 Strategy, and the future European Research & Innovation Plan.
A final section provides a critical perspective on future options for STI policy for
the federalised Belgian system in the context of the ERA.
4.
5.
6.
See Key data on Science, Technology and Innovation – Belgium, 2010
This volume has been written by representatives of the Belgian Authorities; supervised and edited by an
independepent expert.
Work on this report was concluded in March 2010 and wherever possible the most up to date information
was used. Budgetary data and statistical indicators mainly refer to the last available year (2008 in most
cases).
BELGIAN REPORT
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2010
1.
INSTITUTIONS
AND COMPETENCES FOR
STI POLICY IN BELGIUM
7
1. INSTITUTIONS AND COMPE TENCES FOR STI POLICY IN BELGIUM
1.1
Belgium, a federal country
Belgium is a federal country 7 composed of seven autonomous entities: the Federal
State, the three regions and three communities. Each entity elects its own government and parliament and establishes all regulations and institutions necessary to
ensure effective government within its realm of responsibilities. Each entity has
exclusive powers in a number of areas:
the Federal Government is competent for areas of national interest, such as, defence, justice, monetary and fiscal, social security and important elements of
health policy and research.
the communities act in fields pertaining to the needs and rights of individual
citizens; notably primary, secondary and higher education, scientific research
and culture. The concept of ‘community’ refers to persons that make up a community and the bond that unifies them, namely their language and culture. The
country has three official languages: Dutch, French and German, and, hence,
three communities: the Flemish Community, the French Community and the
German-speaking Community.
the country is divided into three regions: Brussels-Capital, Flanders and Wallonia. The creation of the regions responded to the need to develop socio-economic policies adapted to the specific needs of each territory. Economic development, innovation, land use, environment and natural resource management
and agriculture are among the major competences of the regions.
In practice, the Flemish region and the Flemish Community merged to form a single government, parliament and administration. The French Community and the
Walloon Region are pursuing the same objective by reinforcing collaboration at
governmental level.
FIGURE 1 presents graphically the institutional structure of Belgium in 2010.
7.
Five main constitutional reforms, that took place in 1970, 1980, 1988/89, 1993 and 2001, have progressively
put in place the legal framework and the institutions necessary for the establishment of a Federal State.
The last institutional reform in 2001 concerned the devolution of competence for foreign trade, agriculture
and development to the regions.
BELGIAN REPORT
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2010
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1. 2 WHO DOES WHAT IN THE BELGIAN STI POLICY SYSTEM
1.2
Who does what in the Belgian
STI policy system
As illustrated in FIGURE 3 , all the Belgian authorities 8 have advisory councils, ministerial
portfolios and administrative departments and implementing agencies, with diverse
responsibilities for the design, the implementation and the evaluation of STI policy,
within their field of competence. The institutional structure has evolved from a ‘common base’ since the 1980s as each of the authorities chose their ‘own road’ in terms
of ministerial and departmental responsibilities, creation of agencies, orientation of
their STI policy mix, etc. As a result, certain organisations that continue to have a
national mandate, such as the collective research centres, increasingly fulfil specific
missions related to regional/community policy objectives (see BOX 1 and FIGURE 2).
FIGURE 1 Understanding Belgium: federal, community and regional authorities
Belgium
The
Federal
State
8.
Communities
Regions
The
Flemish
Community
The
Flemish
Region
The
French
Community
Brussels-Capital
Region
The Germanspeaking
Community
The
Walloon
Region
The German-speaking Community, although officially, like the other Communities, entrusted with science
policy has not yet developed a policy in this area; since it does not host any scientific institution (university,
research centre, etc.). In practice, support to innovation in enterprises located in the German-speaking
Community is provided via the Walloon Region.
BELGIAN REPORT
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2010
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1. INSTITUTIONS AND COMPE TENCES FOR STI POLICY IN BELGIUM
Before exploring the institutions and policies of the Belgian federal and sub-national entities, it is instructive to present the specific powers and competence of
each authority in the field of STI.
The Federal Government is competent for the scientific research necessary for it
to perform its own general competences; scientific research (such as space, climate
and Antarctic research including the Princess Elizabeth Station) within the framework of international or supra-national agreements; networks of data-exchange on
a national or international basis (BELNET); the federal scientific institutes and museums; programmes and actions requiring homogenous execution at national or international level (including national networks for basic research); the maintenance
of a permanent inventory of the country’s scientific potential; Belgian participation
in activities of international research bodies.
The Federal Government can also take any action in areas belonging to the competences of the federated entities, if acting on the basis of an opinion expressed by
the Federal Council for Science Policy. These actions must, furthermore, either be
related to an international agreement or refer to actions and programmes going beyond the interests of one community or one region.
In addition, the Federal Government retains responsibility for a number of other key
fields of policy with an influence on STI performance, notably a strong intervention
through fiscal incentives to encourage the recruitment of researchers (by universities, researchers and enterprises), scientific visas, intellectual property law, etc.
The communities are competent in the following areas: research related to education, culture and other individual matters, such as health policy, and personal assistance. This covers both research in these areas as well as research conducted by
organisations of the sectors concerned, namely universities and other higher education institutes. It can be said that communities have the main responsibility for
fundamental research in universities and applied research in higher education establishments, including international activities of these institutions. They are also
in charge of popularisation and communication of science.
The regions are competent in the following areas: applied industrial research related to
the economy, energy policy, public works, telecommunications, environment, transport, water, preservation of nature, land, agriculture, trade, employment. In terms of
innovation regional support and subsidies covers the development of new products
and processes in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), technology transfer,
public research organisations, venture capital, and science parks and incubation centres (supporting start-ups). In short, the regions have the main responsibility for economically oriented research, technological development and innovation promotion.
BELGIAN REPORT
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2010
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1. 2 WHO DOES WHAT IN THE BELGIAN STI POLICY SYSTEM
The distribution of responsibilities in STI across the various authorities in Belgium
is based on fields of competences, rather than on the actors. This is illustrated by
the case of universities, major players in the Belgian research system. Whereas the
Communities are competent for and fund research at all higher education institutions (HEI), both universities and university colleges 9 , the Federal Government
and the regions can also fund projects of HEIs for STI activities in their own realm
of competences. Concretely, this means that HEIs may receive funding from federal, regional or communities (according to their location and their linguistic regime),
but for different purposes and with different conditions attached to the finances
received.
Increasingly, the core of STI policy, described in this report, is inter-linked with
other policy areas with an influence on innovation in the broader sense. This concerns economic policy, a regional competence (under which fall, for example, startup promotion and risk capital provision) and environmental policy (with the push
to promote green or ‘eco-innovation’) or federal competences such as fiscal policy
(e.g. tax breaks for R&D activities.) or social security (e.g. issues related to the social
security regime of researchers), etc. In such areas policy initiatives and instruments
are developed that may in some cases have a major impact on STI and this requires,
increasingly, consultation amongst the Belgian authorities to ensure an optimal
outcome in terms of research and innovation potential.
BOX 1 Collective research centres – a ‘Belgian institution’
A core feature of the Belgian
‘innovation system’ is the so-called
collective research centres created
by the 1947 ‘De Groote’ law.
The law envisaged the creation of
industrial R&D centres focussed
on supporting technical
improvements in specific sectors
and acting as research centres
to carry out activities with the
objective to generate (through
R&D activities) and acquire
(through technology transfer)
knowledge. Hence, collective
research centres are private
initiatives in which member firms
initiate, often through technical
committees, topics for R&D. The
9.
private character is reflected by the
fact that the majority of funding
originates from either compulsory
(in the case of the Centre ‘De
Groote’) or voluntary membership
fees from firms in the sector
concerned. However, the collective
research centres are also
recognised by the public sector as
instruments to enhance
competitiveness by stimulating
R&D and technology transfer.
Public funding is, therefore,
obtained from the different
authorities in Belgium according
to the region in which the centre
is located.
Three types of collective research
centres exist: (i) the centre
‘De Groote’; (ii) the assimilated
collective research centres; and
(iii) the ‘autonomous’ collective
research centres. The first two
operate in all Belgian regions; the
latter reflect the regional mandate
for science and technology policy
developed since the 1990s. The
policy and institutional framework
in which they operate is of
importance since it influences their
mission and their functioning, and;
hence, their capacity to impact on
the industrial performance of the
sector. A previous funding formula
based on an agreed share between
‘Hogeschool’ in the Flemish system and ‘Hautes Ecoles’ in the French Community, the term university
college is used hereafter.
BELGIAN REPORT
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1. INSTITUTIONS AND COMPE TENCES FOR STI POLICY IN BELGIUM
Federal and regional authorities
was discarded in the early 2000s.
At the current time, the Federal
Government, which prior to the
1990s provided a considerable
part of their funding, now only
funds a limited part of their
activities; while the regional
authorities have shifted funding
from an ‘operating grant’ to a
project or contract of objective
type funding mechanism.
In 2010, the Federal Government
funds the centres for three main
tasks: pre-normative research
projects; standardisation and
patent support services.
Since 2002, the Flemish
Government supports collective
research, notably, through the
Flemish Cooperative Innovation
Networks (VIS) programme. All the
De Groote and equivalent centres
are eligible for funding under the
VIS programme. In 2002, the
Walloon Region put in place a
criteria based system for
accrediting research centres for
the collective nature
of their R&D and technological
services. Such accredited
collective research centres are
eligible to submit proposals for
funding of collective research
projects and for the funding of
technological guidance services.
Amongst the 23 accredited
collective research centres, 10 are
De Groote centres or assimilated.
The Walloon Region has set an
upper limit for funding annual
budgets of the centres to 50%
of the total budget. Finally, the
Brussels Capital region also funds
the collective research centres
located in the region through
project based funding of services
and specific R&D funding
programmes.
FIGURE 2 Regional presence of collective research centres
COLLECTIVE RESE ARCH CENTRE
REGIONAL PRESENCE
BRUSSELS-CAPITAL
REGION
FLEMISH
REGION
WALLOON
REGION
CENTEXBEL-Textile
x
x
x
CRIC-Cement
x
BCRC-Ceramics
SIRRIS-Technologie
x
x
x
x
BRRC-Road
x
x
x
BBRI-Building
x
x
x
CTIB-TCHN-Wood
x
WTOCD-Diamand
x
CoRI-Coating
x
CRM-Metallurgy
x
x
BWI-Welding
x
x
x
BPI-Packaging
x
x
Source: Spithoven A., M. Knockaert & C. Vereertbrugghen, (2009) Collective Research Centres:
A Study on R&D and Technology Transfer Involvement, BELSPO.
BELGIAN REPORT
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2010
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1.3 CO-OPER ATION AND CONSULTATION BE T WEEN FEDER ATED ENTITIES
The CIMPS-IMCWB has established two permanent
administrative sub-committees, attended by representatives from each authority: the International Cooperation Commission (CIS) for international matters,
and the Federal Co-operation Commission (CFS) for
national matters.
Examples of matters dealt by these committees are the
permanent inventory of scientific potential in Belgium,
or the positioning of Belgium in the EU’s Seventh
Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7).
ADVISORY
BODIES
FEDERAL
COUNCIL FOR
SCIENCE POLICY
GOVERNMENTS
PRINCIPAL ADMINISTR ATIONS
AND AGENCIES
The distributed competence for STI matters across the
Belgian authorities implies the need for co-ordination
on both a permanent and ad hoc basis. Co-ordination
and consultation between the Belgian authorities is
organised through a committee that structures dialogue on all matters requiring concerted action at national level. The Inter-Ministerial Conference on Science Policy (CIMPS-IMCWB) is the co-ordination
instrument between the Federal State, the Communities and the Regions, composed of those members of
respective governments having responsibilities in science policy matters10 .
FIGURE 3 Belgian STI policy system
PRINCIPAL INSTRUMENTS
AND ME ASURES
1.3
Co-operation and consultation
between Belgian entities
FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT
FPS
Economy
FPS
Science
Policy
(BELSPO)
FPS
Finance
Intellectual
Property Office
General
economic
framework
(legislation,
IPR, standardisation…)
International
research (including
infrastructures)
Nuclear
research
Inter-university
attraction poles
Federal research
programmes
Space research
Research grants
Climate and
antartic research
Federal Scientific
Institutions
R&D indicators
BELNET
S&T Information
Service (STIS)
10 .
A similar Commission exists for economic affairs:
the Inter-Ministerial Economic Commission (CEI-IEC).
BELGIAN REPORT
ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
2010
Other
FPS
R&D tax
incentives
13
1. INSTITUTIONS AND COMPE TENCES FOR STI POLICY IN BELGIUM
Source: Reid A., Bruno N., 2010
SCIENCE POLICY
COUNCIL OF
THE BRUSSELS-CAPITAL
REGION
WALLOON
SCIENCE POLICY
COUNCIL
FLEMISH COUNCIL
FOR SCIENCE AND
INNOVATION (VRWI)
INTER-MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE ON SCIENCE POLICY (CIMPS- IMCWB )
WALLOON
GOVERNMENT
FRENCH COMMUNITY
GOVERNMENT
Walloon
Public Service
Ministry of the
French Community
DGO6
ASE
SME grants
(feasibility
studies,
pre-activity,
innovation,
technology
vouchers…)
Cluster
support
FIRST
Entreprise
Competitiveness
poles
FLEMISH
GOVERNMENT
Ministry of the
Brussels Capital Region
Flemish government
departments
Flemish
Community
Scientific
Institutes
DGENORS
AST
SOWALFINInvests
Business
R&D aids
(grants/
loans)
BRUSSELS-CAPITAL
REGION GOVERNMENT
Brussels
Enterprise
Agency
FRS-FNRS
SRIW
- FIRD
Research
centres
Technology
guidance
FIRST (PhD,
Europe,
Spin-off…)
Programmes
of
excellence
Research
in Brussels
SRIB - GIMB - Brustart
Operational
funding of
universities
Funding for
interfaces
IRSIB-IWOB
FNRS and
associated
funds
Concerted
Research
Actions
Special
Research
Fund
Mobilising
programmes
AO
Business R&D aids
(grants/loans)
R&D business support
(projects & studies)
Funding for interfaces
and incubators
SME
programme (projects
& studies)
Technology guidance
Spin-off in Brussels
Research Impulse
Programme
Brains back
to Brussels
Prospective research
for Brussels
Horizon
Europe
Strategic Basic Research
(SBO)
Grants and fellowships
for industrial research
(SB, OZM, Backeland)
Technology transfer support (interface services,
TETRA, IOF (Industrial
Research Fund))
Financial
intermediaries for loans,
guarantees & participations: BioTech Fund,
GIMV, Vinnof, BAN
Vlaanderen
Flemish
Innovation Network, VIN
KEY TO ME ASURES
Direct financial support
to firms
Support for industry
science relations
Funding & promotion
of research
EWI
Department
IWT
6 Strategic
Research
Centres
8 Excellence or
Competence
Centres
FWO
Education
and Training
Department
Hercules
Other knowledge
centres (VLIZ,
ITM, NERF,
MIP2…)
14 Policy
Research Centres
VIS – Cooperation projects
Operational funding
of universities
Thematic
research support (media,
biomedical,
agriculture)
Special Research
Fund (BOF)
VIS – Collective research
projects
FWO, Research
Foundation Flanders: fellowships,
grants mobility of
researchers
VIS – Testing
grounds
Odysseus Brain
Gain Programme
VIS – Thematic
innovation
stimulation
Methusalem
Programme
VIS – Technological advice
and VIS - Feasibility studies
Science
Communication
Action Plan
BELGIAN REPORT
ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
2010
14
1. 4 A SNAPSHOT OF BELGIUM SCIENCE AND INNOVATION PERFORMANCE
1.4
A snapshot of Belgium science
and innovation performance
The accompanying volume to this report entitled ‘Key date on science, technology
and innovation, Belgium, 2010, produced by the Federal Cooperation Commission
on Statistics (CFS/STAT) provides an in-depth view into the recent trends of the
major STI indicators. This section, therefore, offers a rapid snapshot of some key
indicators to set the scene for the policy and institutional framework in Belgium.
FIGURE 3 provides a comparison of Belgian STI performance compared to Spain and
Hungary (respectively the preceding and future holders of the EU presidency), Belgium’s four main European trading partners (Germany, France, the Netherlands
and the United Kingdom), the EU27 average, the United States and Japan. The data
presented is for the most recent year available (generally 2007).
Belgium performs relatively well in terms of input indicators (notably business expenditure on R&D (BERD) and R&D personnel) as well as on the majority of output
indicators (notably publications). As highlighted in a range of recent reports, Belgium’s relatively strong position (compared to the EU27 average) in BERD is due to a
high level of investment by (a limited number of ) foreign affiliates. The dependence
on foreign involvement is on the one hand, positive, in an age of ‘open innovation’
and globalised technology flows, but, also, a threat, making’s Belgium’s STI performance vulnerable to decisions of multinational firms. This is particularly true, since
government budgetary appropriations on R&D (GBAORD) as a % of GDP remains
below the EU27 average despite a positive trend upwards in recent years.
In terms of outputs, a strong ‘research’ productivity performance, in terms of patents (notably in biotechnology, where Belgium is amongst the most productive in
the EU27) and scientific publications, does not translate into a direct ‘innovation
bonus’ since innovation indicators tend to be around or below the EU27 average.
This ‘under-performance’ may be linked to a weak entrepreneurial rate of activity,
an issue the Belgian authorities have been seeking to address over the last decade.
These broads conclusions are confirmed by the European Innovation Scoreboard
(EIS)11 2009 which positions Belgium amongst the group of innovation followers
(along with Austria, Cyprus, Estonia, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Slovenia) with innovation performance below those of the Innovation
leaders (Denmark, Finland, Germany, Sweden and the UK) but close to or above
11.
All EIS reports mentioned can be downloaded at:
http://www.proinno-europe.eu/projects/homepage/public/1435
BELGIAN REPORT
ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
2010
15
1. INSTITUTIONS AND COMPE TENCES FOR STI POLICY IN BELGIUM
that of the EU27 average. In terms of trends, the EIS calculated growth in innovation performance using data over a five-year period (2004-2008), based on absolute changes in the indicators. Belgium’s rate of improvement is slightly below the
EU27 average and behind that of innovation leaders such as Finland and Germany.
The EIS2009 identifies Belgium’s relative strengths, compared to the country’s average performance, in linkages & entrepreneurship and innovators and economic effects,
while relative weaknesses are in firm investments and throughputs. Over the past five
years, finance and support and throughputs have been the main drivers of the improvement in innovation performance, in particular as a result from strong growth in Venture capital (17.8%). Performance in Firm investments and Innovators has worsened,
in particular due to a decrease in non-R&D innovation expenditures (-8.5%).
Considering the effect of the financial crisis between late 2008 and early 2009 on
innovation in Belgium, the results from the Innobarometer 2009 are encouraging:
as a direct effect of the crisis, 23% of EU27 innovators decreased their innovation
expenditures, however Belgian innovative firms had one of the lowest percentages
(15%), while only 14% of Belgian innovating firms, the lowest national figure in the
EU27, thought their innovation expenditures will decrease in 2009 as compared to
2008, compared to 29% for the EU27.
FIGURE 4 A snapshot of Belgium’s comparative STI performance
BE
ES
HU
DE
FR
NL
UK
EU-27
US
JP
A . INPUT INDICATORS
GERD in % of GDP
1.90
1.27
0.97
2.53
2.04
1.71
1.82
1.77
2.66
3.44
BERD in % of GDP
1.37
0.54
0.35
1.72
1.41
0.97
1.16
1.11
1.83
2.36
Total R&D personnel per
thousand total employment
13.2
9.8
6.2
12.8
14.5
10.3
11.1
10.4
..
14.6
Total researchers (full time
equivalent) per thousand total
employment
8.3
5.9
4.2
7.3
8.4
5.8
8.1
6.4
9.7
(2006)
11.0
Tertiary graduates in science
and technology (per 1000 of
population aged 20-29)
14.0
11.2
6.4
11.4
20.7
8.9
17.5
..
10.1
14.4
.68
1.00
.43
.79
.75
.70
.64
.72
.99
.70
Technology balance of payments
(receipts in % of GERD)
79.4
36.3
196.9
53.2
..
..
68.1
..
22.2
14.0
Technology balance of payments
(payments in % of GERD)
91.3
50.6
276.0
47.2
..
..
35.2
..
13.1
4.0
GBAORD in % of GDP
B. OUTPUT INDICATORS
BELGIAN REPORT
ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
2010
16
1. 4 A SNAPSHOT OF BELGIUM SCIENCE AND INNOVATION PERFORMANCE
BE
ES
HU
DE
FR
NL
UK
EU-27
US
JP
B. OUTPUT INDICATORS
The average publication
output per 10,000 inhabitants
(period 2004-2008)
13.0
7.7
5.0
9.4
8.8
15.0
13.2
7.4
9.9
6.1
Number of patent applications
to the EPO (priority year)
per million population
142.3.
32.9
16.8
297.0
131.3
213.6
87.5
117.0
112.7
169.3
Number of patent applications
to the USPTO (priority year)
per million population
166.3
21.5
19.2
287.0
126.2
241.0
150.3
122.4
799.9
616.7
C. INNOVATION INDICATORS
Share of turnover from product
innovation (% of total turnover)
— manufacturing (2004)
17.8
16.7
9.8
26.1
17.1
13.9
18.5
18.9
..
4.8
Share of turnover from product
innovation (% of total turnover)
— services (2004)
10.4
12.4
5.4
11.8
7.5
5.2
12.8
10.4
..
4.8
Source: CFS/STAT, OECD MSTI 2009-2, Eurostat, Web of Science
Looking below the national level, the European Commission’s EIS Regional Innovation Scoreboard 2009 report places all three Belgian regions in the group of
‘medium-high innovators’ (Flanders having shifted from high to medium-high between 2004 and 2006 data sets studied in the report). However, while on a European level benchmarking exercise the three regions perform relatively similarly, regional strengths and weaknesses are somewhat different conforming to the socioeconomic profile, the sectoral specialisation of the economies, the specialisation
of the research base, the (un)employment rate, entrepreneurial activity rates and
propensity to innovate, etc. For instance, the highly urbanised Brussels-Capital
Region is strongly service sector dominated, while the Flemish region economy is
more highly industrialised, in terms of the share of manufacturing in regional value
added, than either of the two other regions. In particular, Flanders has a much higher share of employment in high-tech manufacturing than the other two regions.
The companion ‘key STI data’ report highlights a number of these regional differences. For instance, there is a relative concentration of research activities in Flanders (61% of intramural R&D expenditures in 2007, 64% in 2002) even if Wallonia
has improved its share in recent years (26% compared to 23%, an indeed has the
highest R&D/GDP share of the Belgian regions), notably thanks to an improved
position in terms of BERD (share in Belgium total increasing from 24% to 29% between 2002-2007, an absolute as well as relative increase). Figures for the share of
researchers by region are, as would be expected, in line with the R&D expenditure
shares.
BELGIAN REPORT
ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
2010
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1. INSTITUTIONS AND COMPE TENCES FOR STI POLICY IN BELGIUM
1.5
Funding of STI policies in Belgium
Over the last decade, the Belgian authorities have made a strong commitment to the
EU’s objective to invest 3% of gross domestic product (GDP) on R&D12 (of which
2% from business and 1% from public authorities). Government budgetary credits
for R&D (GBAORD) have grown almost every year from 2000 to 200813 in each of
the Belgian authorities.
FIGURE 5 Overview of government budgets allocated to R&D (thousand current euro)
1998
AUTHORIT Y
FEDER AL GOVERNMENT
(GBAORD & tax credits)
459 809
2000
2002
2004
2006
476 225
478 841
505 310
511 042
2008
2009i
877 690
962 880
1 146 966
FLEMISH GOVERNMENT
518 260
595 684
706 188
820666
967 954 1 121 429
FRENCH COMMUNIT Y
202 760
210 819
222 498
228841
245 796
272 768
290 608
WALLOON REGION
103 957
132 597
184 259
139713
200 019
332 113
330 982
10 935
7 903
14 060
18789
20 855
24 988
29 091
1713320 1 945 666 2 628 988
2 760 527
BRUSSELS CAPITAL REGION
TOTAL GBAORD & TA X CREDITS
1 295 720 1 423 228 1 605 845
Source: CFS/STAT; Data computation: BELSPO, 2010, using Frascati definition, FPS Finance
The same upward trend is visible for the Federal authorities. The Federal Government manages more or less one quarter of the public R&D credits and invests heavily and increasingly in tax credits during the last years. Since the introduction of
R&D tax credits, the GBAORD data do not give a full picture of the contribution
of Belgian authorities and more specifically the Federal Government to R&D funding. The FPS Finance estimates the revenues foregone in 2009 (due to the R&D-tax
credits) as €470m. This would nearly double the share of the Federal Government
in public R&D funding.
12.
13.
In this report, official budgetary data for R&D used is from the CFS/STAT group and computed by BELSPO.
This data is prepared on the basis of common definitions following OECD (Frascati manual) and measurement
conventions agreed by all Belgian authorities, The definition is used for all parts of Belgium and is internationally comparable. As an exception to this rule, it can happen that more detailed data, not available from the
CFS/STAT group, are needed to present a description of policy instruments. In such cases, non-harmonised
data collected and published by the various authorities may be used.
2008 is the last year for which definitive budgetary figure are available.
BELGIAN REPORT
ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
2010
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1. 5 FUNDING OF STI POLICIES IN BELGIUM
When total public funding in Belgium of R&D (GBAORD plus tax credits) is considered, the Flemish Government contribute 41% in 2009. The Federal Government was responsible for 35%, and this share is expected to increase in the coming
years. The Walloon Region and the French Community account for slightly over a
fifth of the public R&D budgets; a share that has been almost constant over time.
Brussels-Capital Region is a smaller player in terms of public R&D budgets as its
industrial research often takes place in its hinterland.
FIGURE 6 Share of public funding for R&D (GBAORD and tax credits) by Belgian authority, 2009
12%
11%
1%
35%
Brussels-Capital Region
Walloon Region
Federal Authority
Flemish Government
French Community
41%
Source: CFS/STAT; Data computation: BELSPO, 2010, using Frascati definition. FPS Finance.
GBAORD data is of course instructive when considering the ‘hard’ public R&D
budgets, however, many aspects of broader innovation policy (such as funding of
incubators, services to SMEs for technology transfer, etc.) are not captured in these
figures. The broader innovation policy mix in Belgium has been examined in various studies in recent years14 and notably the annual report of the European Commission’s InnoPolicy TrendChart platform. The 2009 Trendchart report for Belgium15 highlighted that, in June 2009, there were 78 identifiable policy measures,
across all the authorities, in favour of STI in Belgium, representing an approximate
budget of over €1 billion per year. This amount does not include the tax breaks nor
the basic funding of research in universities or strategic research centres, etc., suggesting that total spend on broad-based STI policy in Belgium could be in the order
of €2 billion per annum.
14.
15.
See for instance: http://ec.europa.eu/invest-in-research/pdf/download_en/omc_be_review_report.pdf
See: http://www.proinno-europe.eu/page/innovation-and-innovation-policy-belgium
BELGIAN REPORT
ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
2010
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1. INSTITUTIONS AND COMPE TENCES FOR STI POLICY IN BELGIUM
BOX 2 Fiscal measures in favour of R&D activities
The most important measure during
recent years of the federal
government in support of R&D was
the so-called ‘partial exemption of
the advance tax payment on
salaries of researchers’. Taxes due
by researchers are considered paid,
but the money remains in the
institution and is as such an extra
for the institution to invest in
research.
be exempted of taxes for the
universities; resulting in an important
additional budgetary support for the
universities. The same
recommendation stated that the
extra money (from this tax scheme)
could be used to hire additional
researchers or to increase the
wages of the researchers. However,
there is no obligation for the
employers to do so.
This measure builds on a
recommendation of the Federal
Council for Science Policy (FCSP),
published in 2000, on the fiscal
and social status of university
researchers and assistants. It
stated that research assistants
(working in higher education
institutes and more specifically in
supporting those teaching
assignments or responsibilities in
labs) should not spend more then
half of their time on these
assignments as they are supposed
to spend the other half of their
time on scientific research or on
their own education.
This recommendation was made
law as Article 385 of the
programme act of 24 December
2002. From 1 October 2003,
universities, other HEIs, research
funds as well as the scientific
institutes (such as the 10 Federal
scientific institutes under the
competence of BELSPO) were
able to retain 50% of the advance
payment of taxes of assistant
researchers or postdoctoral
researchers.
As a consequence the FCSP
considered that the part of the job
devoted to education, per se, should
The original recommendation of
the FCSP was expanded to other
institutions like the (officially
recognised) scientific institutes
and research foundations and
to other categories of scientific
personnel. Besides the university
assistants preparing a PhD, other
categories of research personnel
benefited as well from the tax
scheme (doctoral assistants, ‘first
assistants’, and similar categories).
Starting from the 1 October 2005,
the measure was introduced in the
private sector. First for researchers
in firms collaborating with
universities, other HEI or
recognised research institutes,
which were able to exempt the
advance payment of 50% from
the wage taxes of the researchers
working in these partnerships.
Later, all researchers employed
in the business enterprise sector
became eligible, conditional upon
holding a specific qualification.
Gradually this measure was
expanded in scope as well as
in terms of the percentage of tax
eligible for exemption from
payment of the advance taxes.
From 1 January 2009, 75% of
the taxes are exempted and all
categories of researchers with
a masters degree or above and
working in either the public or
the private sector can benefit.
BELGIAN REPORT
ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
2010
20
FUNDING OF STI POLICIES IN BELGIUM
BELGIAN REPORT
ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
2010
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1. INSTITUTIONS AND COMPE TENCES FOR STI POLICY IN BELGIUM
2.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT POLICY
IN FAVOUR OF SCIENCE,
TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
BELGIAN REPORT
ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
2010
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2 . FEDER AL GOVERNMENT POLICY IN FAVOUR OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
2.1
Objectives of the federal science policy
The Federal Government is entitled to support scientific and research activities and
can thus develop its own strategy and instruments for science policy in its fields of
responsibility granted by law. Indeed, at federal level, science policy is an important
department both in terms of its missions as well as by the number of people employed
directly or indirectly through the funding programmes supported. With a budget in
excess of half a billion euro (in GBAORD terms) and more than 500016 people employed, the federal authorities fund a number of specific programmes and institutions
although a majority of the federal R&D budget is allocated for participation in international scientific and industrial research initiatives (European Space Agency (ESA),
Airbus, etc.) and, hence, contributes to reinforcing Belgium’s position in the ERA.
Over the last decade, the main driving forces of the federal science policy have been
threefold. Firstly, the pursuit of the federal science policy, per se, based on the implementation of its research programmes (notably in the field of climate and sustainable
development), supporting research infrastructures of national interest, and through
a small number of ‘flagship’ initiatives including the pursuit of Belgian space policy,
‘sustainable’ nuclear energy (the MYRHHA project) and polar research with the
building of the Antarctic station.
Secondly, the federal science policy aims to mobilise the entire range of instruments, present at the federal levels in support of the STI policies of all the Belgian
authorities. This includes, notably, fiscal instruments (tax credits in favour of public and private R&D), scientific visas, etc.
Thirdly, the federal authorities seek to support the integration of Belgian scientists
in the ERA and thereby contribute to the Ljubljana process and the Lisbon Agenda
(and in the future the Europe 2020 strategy).
For all strands of action, the federal authorities co-operate, or as a recent report
termed it, orchestrate policy17, with the other Belgian authorities to ensure that the
interests of all actors in the Belgian research and innovation system are taken into
account (e.g. in the field of space research or tax measures); and that Belgian’s contribution to meeting EU objectives related to STI is made in a concerted manner.
16.
17.
2800 at Belspo, around 650 at SCK-CEN Mol, around 500 at the institute for Public Health, etc.
See OMC Policy Mix Review Report (2007).
BELGIAN REPORT
ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
2010
24
2 .1 OBJECTIVES OF THE FEDER AL SCIENCE POLICY
The Federal Government’s science policy seeks to strengthen and promote the Belgian research potential at national and international levels, to foster scientific cooperation between the universities and research centres of the north and south of
the country, to support the development of Belgian research in fields such as space
and aeronautics; and to promote centres of expertise and Belgium’s outstanding
scientific heritage and collections at international level18 .
The share of the Federal Government in Belgian GBAORD stood at just over 25% in
2008 (without tax breaks) and, in absolute terms (at current prices) the federal contribution to R&D has strongly increased over the last 10 years, see FIGURE 7. This is
reinforced by the contribution of the Federal tax measures. Indeed, in 2010, despite
the difficult economic context, the federal budget for science policy has been further
reinforced19 , reflecting the effort made in 2009 to consolidate and maintain the commitment to supporting R&D.
FIGURE 7 Evolution of budgetary credits for R&D policy of the federal government, 1998-2008, in €m
593.2
600
500
445.5
459.8
458.6
476.2
486.4
478.8
498.7
511
505.3
537.6
462.5
400
300
284.5
200
100
0
1997
1998
GBAORD
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
Tax credits
Source: CFS/STAT; Data computation: BELSPO, 2010, follows the Frascati definition.
FIGURE 8 provides the detail of all federal public R&D credits, covering programmes
under the responsibility of all federal public services (excluding tax credits for
R&D). Around 57% of the federal R&D budget is devoted to programmes with an
international character (43% of the budget goes to the space policy, and 14% to the
participation in international research organisations and programmes).
18.
19.
General Policy Note of the Minister for SMEs, self-employed, agriculture and science policy. As presented to
the Lower Chamber of the Belgium Parliament, 4th session of the 52nd parliamentary term, 17 November 2009.
General Policy note of 17 November 2009 (ibid.)
BELGIAN REPORT
ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
2010
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2 . FEDER AL GOVERNMENT POLICY IN FAVOUR OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
FIGURE 8 Budget detail for federal science policy in Belgium, 2008
BUDGET
2008
ACTION LINES
SHARE IN TOTAL
BUDGET
INTERNATIONAL R & D FUNDING
Space research
Other international research (including research infrastructures)
€ 257.2m
43.4%
€ 82.8m
14.0%
NATIONAL R & D
Federal scientific institutions and research organisations
€117.6m
19.8%
Research programmes and research grants
(including €31.6m for the IUAP)
€100.1m
16.9%
Other federal actions
€ 35.3m
5.9%
ALL ACTION LINES
€ 593m
100%
Source: CFS/STAT; Data computation: BELSPO, 2010. Follows the Frascati definition.
The objectives and further details of these programmes are provided in section 2.3.
2.2
Actors and instruments
of the federal STI policy
The Council of Ministers of the Federal Government is the executive body responsible for the major orientations of STI policy at federal level. The Federal Council for
Science Policy advises the Federal Government and policy is co-ordinated by the
Federal Minister responsible for science policy. Other ministers of the Federal Government deal with research matters within their own areas of competence. The Federal Interministerial Commission for Scientific Policy (CIPS-ICWB) co-ordinates
the preparation and execution of government decisions on federal science policy for
which mutually agreed action by several ministerial departments is required.
The Belgian Federal Science Policy Office (BELSPO) is responsible for managing
federal science policy, under the authority of the Minister responsible for science
policy. It prepares and implements programmes actions, autonomously, in the
framework of co-operation agreements with the region or communities, or in the
context of European and international co-operation.
BELGIAN REPORT
ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
2010
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2 . 2 ACTORS AND INSTRUMENTS OF THE FEDER AL STI POLICY
Other federal public services (FPS) with research budgets are FPS Economy; FPS
Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation; the Ministry of Defence, FPS Public Health and Environment, FPS Social Security, FPS Home Affairs,
the Federal Police, FPS Employment, Labour and Social Dialogue, FPS Mobility
and FPS Justice (notably via the National Institute for Criminalistics and Criminology). The FPS Finance is responsible for tax credits aimed at stimulating scientific
research or innovation, with an important and increasing financial weight in terms
of public R&D budgets.
2.2.1
Federal Council for Science Policy (FCSP)
The FCSP 20 advises the Federal Government on the design and focus of science
policy. It is composed of 33 members representing scientific, economic and social
actors. The Federal Minister for science appoints 16 of its members while the others
are nominated by the federated authorities as follows: seven by the Flemish government; four by the French Community government; three by the Walloon government, two by the Government of Brussels-Capital and one by the Government
of the German-speaking Community. Its secretariat is managed by BELSPO. The
tasks of the FCSP are, as set out in a Royal Decree (August 1997), to give advice on:
scientific research in line with the federal competences, or in execution of international or supranational agreements,
the creation of networks of data exchange, on a national or international basis,
space research in the context of international or supranational co-operation
agreements,
the federal scientific and cultural institutions, their missions and research activities.
The council can react to a specific request from the Federal Government, but also
upon a request from a federated authority. The opinions or recommendations formulated by the council always examine an issue from the perspective of its impact
on science across the country.
The Federal Government has the obligation to ask a prior opinion from the FCSP
in the following case: if it wishes to develop structures or funding schemes for
scientific research that impinge on the competences of the communities or of the
regions, but that go beyond their respective interests. The same holds if these structures or funding schemes pertain to international or supranational agreements that
will be binding on all Belgian public authorities.
20.
http://www.belspo.be/council
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2 . FEDER AL GOVERNMENT POLICY IN FAVOUR OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
Since 2008, and the beginning of the current federal parliamentary term, the Council has submitted to the Federal Government a memorandum outlining a number
of suggestions for the federal science policy; an opinion concerning the MYRRHA
project 21 of the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK-CEN) 22 , an opinion on the
protection of laboratory animals and an opinion on the federal priorities concerning the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI); and a recommendation on the Belgian system of fiscal incentives for R&D.
2.2.2
Belgian Federal Science policy Office (BELSPO)
BELSPO is the federal administration in charge of Science Policy and it is the main actor at this level. It has an annual budget of, approximately, €550m and close to 3000
members of staff. The activities of BELSPO are structured in four main action lines:
1.
BELSPO funds research carried out at universities, research centres and federal
scientific institutions.
2.
BELSPO undertakes scientific research in a number of fields (space, climate,
biodiversity, art history, ethnology, geology, archival science, library science)
through its scientific institutions.
3.
BELSPO coordinates research activities at an international and inter-federal
level.
4.
BELSPO manages and studies an exceptional scientific and cultural heritage, of
an estimated value of €6.5 billion.
Operationally, BELSPO is structured in 12 directorate-generals (DG): 10 scientific
institutions, a DG for co-ordination and scientific information and a DG responsible for programming for research and aerospace.
BELSPO manages research programmes ranging from national networks for basic
research (Inter-university attraction poles) to thematic research in the fields of climate, notably at the Antarctic research base, biodiversity, sustainable development
and social science and humanities.
BELSPO also manages an information technology network (BELNET) of considerable potential and adjusted to European standards through which it acts as the Internet service providers for all Belgian higher education and research institutions.
BELSPO fulfils a mission related to management and diffusion of scientific and
technological information via a highly specialised service. BELSPO also plays a
21.
22.
http://myrrha.sckcen.be
http://sckcen.be
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2 . 2 ACTORS AND INSTRUMENTS OF THE FEDER AL STI POLICY
key role in the coordination of scientific activities between the various federated
entities. This concerns, notably, the management of multi-annual research programmes requiring a co-operation agreement between the Federal and regional
governments. At international level, the co-ordination role concerns close working
relations maintained with the European Commission, UNESCO, the OECD, etc.
Via its’ budgets, BELSPO also finances Belgian participation in large research infrastructures at European or international levels. More importantly, BELSPO manages Belgium’s participation in the ESA with an annual budget in the range of €150m.
This significant contribution gives BELSPO the possibility to pursue a ‘technologydriven’ industrial policy since the ESA investment generates a funding stream for
projects of Belgian enterprises. In a similar vein, BELSPO funds R&D activities in
the aeronautic sector, through a system of reimbursable loans, in particular in the
framework of the Airbus programmes.
Since 1 April 2010, BELSPO has opened an Antarctic research base (Princess Elisabeth Station) financed by a public-private partnership for a total of €25m and offering to Belgian researchers that have been awarded grants through the federal
research programmes to carry out their research in situ, in the polar region.
Last, but not least, BELSPO has 10 scientific institutions, which are at one and the
same time high-level research centres in various fields of art and science and hosts
of an exceptional scientific heritage of international quality. The institutions carry
out research on their collections and make them available to a wider public through
the exhibitions and other activities in their museums. Notable federal scientific institutions include the Royal Meteorological Institute, the Magritte Museum, the
Royal Library or the Royal Museum of Central Africa.
2.2.3
Other Federal public services
After BELSPO, the most important federal contribution to STI policy is the federal R&D tax measures managed by the FPS Finance. An increasingly extensive set
of tax breaks has been introduced over the last decade to encourage companies or
research institutes to undertake (more) R&D and innovation (see BOX 2 ). FIGURE 9
gives an estimate of the tax revenues foregone (hence, the negative number) between 2007 and 2009 by the Belgian treasury. These sums are considered revenues
for the research institutes or companies and can be invested in R&D projects. In
this way, the measure contributes to the attainment of the 3% Barcelona target
(R&D intensity as % of GDP).
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2 . FEDER AL GOVERNMENT POLICY IN FAVOUR OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
FIGURE 9 Funding of R&D through tax measures (tax revenue foregone in €)
TA X CODE
TARGET GROUP
Universities, higher education
institutes and research funds
ART. 275-3, §1 1ST ALINE A
2007
2008
2009 (ESTIMATES)
- 84,553,649
-96 348 115
-140 749 832
Officially recognised research institutes -24 856 856
-35 519 014
-59 798 285
ART. 257-3, §1, ALINE A 3,1°
Collaboration firms/non-profit
-16 076 904
-20 135 236
-27 579 757
ART. 275-3, §1, ALINE A 3, 2°
Young Innovative Company
-5 379 178
-7 813 658
-13 176 757
ART. 275-3, § 2, 1°
Staff of private enterprises:
PhD, engineers, medical doctors, etc.
-34 966 829
-75 768 261
-122 454 905
Research staff in public or private
sector with a Masters
-11 560 426
-48 932 624
-105 400 765
-177 393 844 -284 516 906
-469 160 051
ART. 275-3, §1, 2ND ALINE A
ART. 275-3, § 2, 2°
TOTAL
Source: FPS Finance
As noted above, other FPS 23 are active, often in co-operation with BELSPO, in
funding specific research actions, or taking action to ensure an improved legislative environment for research and innovation (e.g. for IPR). In addition, certain FPS
are responsible for specific federal scientific institutions (see FIGURE 15 ). While the
budgets for specific research actions of other individual FPS are not particularly significant, these actions can be important, in their policy field, for strengthening the
scientific evidence base for federal policy (see also section 2.3.2). The share of BELSPO in the total federal GBAORD rose from 67.65% in 2005 to 74.36% in 2008 due
to a significant rise in the BELSPO absolute expenditure (from €313m to €441m)
while the absolute expenditure of other FPS on R&D has basically remained unchanged. After BELSPO, the most significant federal departmental R&D budgets
are: FPS Economy (10.5% of federal GBAORD in 2008, or €63m), FPS Foreign Affairs (7.11%, €42m), Ministry of Defence (3.61%, €21.3m) and FPS Health (3%,
€18m). In overall terms, the Federal Government’s investment in favour of R&D
(budgetary credits and tax credits) was in the order of €1 billion in 2009.
The FPS Economy is active in support of the implementation of the Lisbon Strategy
actions in favour of innovation, through three specific actions:
The development of a demand driven innovation policy. As the scope innovation
policy is much wider than the subsidies for public or private, the FPS Economy
intervenes, in its fields of competence to foster demand for innovation through
actions in the fields of standardisation, intellectual property, a one-off innovation bonus subsidy, regulations and legislation, green innovation and diffusion
of information. This is done in consultation with the main business sectors.
23.
Links to the specific websites of these FPS can be found at: http://www.belgium.be/en/about_belgium/
government/federal_authorities/federal_and_planning_public_services
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2 . 2 ACTORS AND INSTRUMENTS OF THE FEDER AL STI POLICY
Boosting markets by improved and adequate legislation and regulations, notably through the work of a round table on the evaluation and modernisation
of economic laws, which exams a series of regulatory decisions, with a priority
given to innovation. Subjects considered include better regulation, technological neutrality, administrative simplification, improved balance in IPR law, reinforcing e-commerce and procurement, etc.
Placing the FPS at the forefront of new technology and the knowledge economy
by supporting and promoting intellectual property rights and protection (see
BOX 3 ) and quality standards and policies.
BOX 3 Federal policy and support for intellectual property
Support for improved management
of intellectual property rights (IPR)
is a key, non-financial, policy
instrument used to strengthen the
knowledge economy in Belgium.
The Service for Intellectual
Property (Dienst voor de
intellectuele Eigendom (DIE)/
Office belge de la Propriété
intellectuelle (OPRI)) of the FPS
Economy is responsible for
co-ordinating legislation and
disseminating information on IPR.
Between 2000 and 2010, the
legislative framework for IPR has
been adjusted and brought up to
date and a number of issues
reviewed in-depth. A first priority
has been the fight against
counterfeiting; secondly, the
Parliament adopted on 28 April
2005, a law modifying the law of
28 March 1984 on patents for
inventions, thereby transposing the
EU Directive 98/44/CE
concerning legal protection for
biotechnology inventions. Moreover,
Belgium ratified the Benelux
Convention on intellectual property
(trademarks, designs and models),
signed in the Hague on
25 February 2005.
The revision of patent law aims to
increase, through an adjustment to
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patenting costs, the accessibility
of the Belgian patent system to
inventors and firms, notably SMEs.
Two specific measures entered into
force on 1 January 2008: a
decrease of the tax on patent
applications, covering the cost of a
search for prior applications and an
opinion, from 887 to 300 euro.
In order to finance the reduction
of costs at the application stage,
the annual maintenance fee for
patents was increased. This
adjustment of the cost of prior
patent search and the increase in
maintenance fees should shift the
cost of funding the patent system
to the holders of commercially
exploited patents, thereby
stimulating a greater number of
applications.
From 1998 onwards, the DIE-OPRI
has developed a unit for patent
research which performs, on a
request of inventors or firms, a
search in patent or other scientific
databases of the European Patent
Office (EPO) or in commercial
databases in order to provide
information on patentability,
possibilities of use, etc. During
2000-2005, the DIE-OPRI
coordinated the establishment of
the PATLIB network in Belgium.
PATLIB provides access to a
network of centres on patent
information across Europe and was
set up by the national patent
services of the Member States of
the EPO. The objective is to
improve access to patent
information for all types of users,
in particular SMEs and
researchers, by disseminating
information through brochures,
specific instruments, seminars, etc.
The Belgian PATLIB network
consists of eight centres: five at
universities and three located at
collective research centres.
The DIE-OPRI grants since 2003
access through the internet to
many patent databases
(Espacenet-BE, the Belgian patent
register and EPATRAS).
Bibliographic and technical
information can be obtained and,
thereby, infringements of patent
rights can be avoided as well as
unnecessary investments in
research on already existing
technologies. It also facilitates the
search for details on possible
business partners as well as
licensees. More information on the
DIE-OPRI and it’s missions can be
found at:
www.economie.fgov.be/nl/
ondernemingen/Intellectuele_
Eigendom/index.jsp
31
2 . FEDER AL GOVERNMENT POLICY IN FAVOUR OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) conducts research activities necessary for meeting its responsibilities, including implementing international and supranational
agreements. The MoD pursues three strategic objectives for R&D:
Optimising academic education at the Royal Military Academy (the MoD’s HEI
at federal level) and maintaining its accreditation;
Support to operational fields:
Availability of existing systems
Availability of future systems
Protection against classical threats
Protection against new threats
Support to decision-making;
Developing a long term vision on security
Research related to issues and developments within the MoD
Research related to issues and developments outside of the MoD.
These strategic objectives are focused on the development of new national and international defence plans. The first line of development is an emphasis on the capability to engage troops in peace and security operations reducing risks to a minimum, and if possible to exclude them. Security of personnel is a high priority, both
in terms of the military in the field and their family at home.
The backbone of MoD research is the medium-term programme for Science and
Technology Research of Defence (STRD) which is allocated an annual budget of
€5.4 million (see also BOX 9 ). It includes studies that are conducted in the framework of the R&D Directorate of the European Defence Agency (EDA) and within
NATO’s organisation for research and technology. The STRD programme concerns
nearly 100 studies and employs a similar number of researchers. The projects are
submitted by the research poles of the MoD and by the staff of the MoD themselves.
Some studies are conducted outside of the poles and may involve Belgian universities. This applies mainly to decision-making support related to domains that the
MoD presently does not cover. The MoD aims to internalise this research expertise
in the near future.
The Royal Army and Military Museum, in addition to its mission to preserve military heritage, is responsible for carrying out important historical research.
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2 .3 IMPLEMENTATION OF FEDER AL SCIENCE POLICY
2.3
Implementation of Federal science policy
Federal science policy is implemented, mainly, by BELSPO, through three main
types of intervention: funding of international and national R&D activities carried out by Belgian researchers; support actions for science policy; and performing
research carried out in the Federal Scientific Institutions
1.
Financing of R&D activities:
The Federal space research programme, in the framework of international research agreements (notably ESA);
Participation of the country in other international research infrastructures,
programmes and agreements;
Specific, policy-oriented, research programmes in areas of national interest
(sustainable development, biodiversity, digitalisation of scientific collections,
etc.);
The inter-university attraction poles promoting collaborative research programmes between Belgian universities in national networks;
2.
Support for R&D activities and R&D policy:
Statistical inventory of national scientific potential, development of databanks
and information systems
The electronic infrastructure of research players BELNET
Co-ordination of actions at national and international level.
3.
Performing research
The specific research activities of the federal research establishments (space,
geology, astronomy aeronomy, ethnology, biology, etc.) and other national scientific institutes; including the management of scientific and cultural heritage
and collections.
In addition to the science policy directly managed by BELSPO, there are other areas
of competence at federal level that are of importance for the broader support of STI
activities in the country. These include intellectual property policy, tax breaks for
R&D, and international mobility of researchers (e.g. scientific visas).
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2 . FEDER AL GOVERNMENT POLICY IN FAVOUR OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
2.3.1
Funding Belgian participation in international research
Due to its size and the open nature of its economy and research system, Belgium
has developed a strategy of intense participation in international research organisations and programmes. This takes place in two forms: direct involvement through
the co-financing of R&D activities; and co-ordination and participation in various
committees. The federal authorities are heavily involved in such international activities (regions and communities are also entitled to act on the international stage).
Resources allocated to international R&D activities represent close to 60% of the
science policy appropriations of BELSPO. To a large extent, these resources are
concentrated on the country’s participation in the programmes of the ESA and to
co-funding other large international research organisations. The desire to promote
the country’s STI potential within an international context goes well beyond these
specific actions. It is the inspiration behind all the activities of BELSPO, particularly the thematic policy support programmes and the support for basic research
networks. The research activities carried out through cooperation within the EU,
especially in the FP, play a preponderant role in this, from the point of view of both
the resources mobilised and their political, economic and cultural significance (see
below). Importance is given to the co-ordination and stimulation of Belgian participation in EUREKA (the Federal level co-ordinates while the regions fund projects)
and in the COST programme (jointly with the regions and the communities).
BOX 4 Back to Belgium, international mobility of researchers
A mainstay of the Federal
authorities action for many years
has been special incentives to
increase bilateral cooperation and
researcher mobility. Since 1991,
this has been done in the
framework of bilateral agreements
and through the granting by
BELSPO of post-doc fellowships
(for 12 months) to non-EU
researchers. Originally, the
programme was open to
researchers from the countries of
central and Easter Europe, caught
in the turmoil after the fall of the
Berlin Wall. As these countries
have now largely integrated the EU,
the aim is now broader and linked
to the internationalisation of
Belgium research. The list of
countries now comprises Latin
American and Caribbean, African
and Asian countries and, in 2010,
China and India were added to the
list. Since 1991, the measure has
awarded 673 fellowships.
More recently, a second programme
of return grants for researchers
abroad, or ‘Back to Belgium’, has
been launched. The grants awarded
aim to promote the reintegration of
highly qualified Belgian researchers
who have been working at least two
years in foreign country. Such PhD
holders can obtain a 24-month
grant to integrate a renowned
Belgian research team (either in a
university or in a research
institution). The aim is to encourage
the researcher to settle
permanently in Belgium for the rest
of his/her career. To date,
100 grants have been awarded and
98 researchers have returned and
are carrying out research in
Belgium. Many have obtained
tenure.
See: http://www.belspo.be/
belspo/home/calls/index2_en.stm
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2 .3 IMPLEMENTATION OF FEDER AL SCIENCE POLICY
Through bilateral cooperation programmes with some target countries (e.g. with
China) and through multi-lateral cooperation programmes (e.g. with UNESCO),
BELSPO enables Belgian researchers and companies to broaden the scope of research and promotes mobility of researchers. The bilateral cooperation aims to mutually enforce research excellence and contributes to tackling global societal challenges. Priority is given to multidisciplinary projects with a thematic focus that are
coherent with the federal research programmes and fits within the general objective of ‘science for sustainable growth’. Such cooperation, that can be thought of as
contributing to the international dimension of the ERA, represents a yearly budget
of €1.3m. Projects implemented within this framework may be complemented by a
post-doc fellowship for an expert from the partner countries.
At a European level, BELSPO acts as the National Contact Point (NCP) for FP724 for
the federal authorities (every Belgian authority has its own NCP) and places great
importance on the co-ordination and stimulation of Belgian participation in the
European research programmes. With 2,857 participations and 452 coordinators
(323 excluding Marie Curie type actions), or respectively 4.4% and 4.8% (6.3% excluding Marie Curie actions) of the EU27 total, Belgium ranks 7th in the EU27 in
terms of participation in FP (see FIGURE 10 ). Roughly 19% of all the EU27 contracts
involve at least one Belgian participant; only the ‘five big’ (DE, ES, FR, IT and UK)
and the Netherlands perform better. Belgian participants account for 4.6% of the
funds granted to the whole of the EU27, which is a fairly positive rate of return of
1.54 25 , the 5 th best in the EU27. Belgium also has the highest rate of coordination
(12%) amongst EU27 countries and assumes the role of coordinator in 20% of the
consortia involving at least one Belgian partner.
When the indicators are weighted with respect to the potential resources of the
country such as population and GDP, Belgium takes 8 th place in terms of the number
of participations and, ranks in first position, outscoring all other EU27 member
states, in terms of the number of coordinators. Calculating the weighting with respect to R&D resources figures, namely GBAORD and research personnel, ranks
Belgium respectively 12th and 8 th in terms of participations; and third (GBAORD
weighted figures) and second (R&D personnel weighted figures) amongst the
EU27 for the number of coordinators.
24.
25.
http://eurofed.stis.fgov.be
Ratio of [BE funding/EU27 funding]/[BE contribution to EU budget/EU27 contribution to EU budget]
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2 . FEDER AL GOVERNMENT POLICY IN FAVOUR OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
FIGURE 10 FP6 participation by theme and activity
NB OF
PARTICIPATIONS
Σ EU27
THEME , ACTIVIT Y
Specific measures in support
of internat. coop.
Science and society
BE /
Σ EU27
BE
OF WHICH NB OF
COORDINATIONS
Σ EU27
BE /
Σ EU27
BE
EC FUNDING
(THOUSAND €)
Σ EU27
BE
BE /
Σ EU27
1131
59
5.2%
271
17
6.3%
204358
58833
28.8%
929
67
7.2%
154
14
9.1%
72551
6409
8.8%
Euratom
1070
87
8.1%
77
12
15.6%
172002
14826
8.6%
Citizens & governance in
knowledge-based society
1712
104
6.1%
138
9
6.5%
217654
14788
6.8%
Research and innovation
1688
88
5.2%
222
15
6.8%
209306
12807
6.1%
152
7
4.6%
19
1
5.3%
13253
780
5.9%
5365
241
4.5%
419
21
5.0%
1433996
70045
4.9%
Support for coherent develop.
of R&DI policies
Nanotech. & nanosci.,
knowledge-based materials
Policy support & anticipating
scient. & techn. needs
4094
202
4.9%
495
32
6.5%
546228
26557
4.9%
12864
518
4.0%
1030
68
6.6% 3506778
170263
4.9%
Life sciences, genomics and
biotech. for health
6140
278
4.5%
560
41
7.3%
2154785
98270
4.6%
Aeronautics and space
3253
170
5.2%
235
23
9.8%
1019924
45941
4.5%
Food quality and safety
2711
139
5.1%
178
15
8.4%
680173
30478
4.5%
Sustainable develop., global
change & ecosystems
9002
402
4.5%
639
39
6.1% 2075090
71932
3.5%
Human resources and mobility
3.4%
4238
129
3.0%
1571195
48608
3.1%
Information society technologies
7452
252
Horizontal research activities
involving SMEs
5122
138
2.7%
457
9
2.0%
450786
13359
3.0%
Research infrastructures
1543
50
3.2%
140
5
3.6%
654967
17683
2.7%
Support for the coordination of
activities
1086
55
5.1%
100
2
2.0%
272238
6321
2.3%
65314
2857
4.4%
9372
452
4.8% 15255284
707898
4.6%
TOTAL
Breakdown by area of key-figures of the participation of Belgium in the FP6 (except for Euratom
thermonuclear fusion projects and so called ‘ direct actions’ of the JRC).
Source: FP6 contracts and participants database (e-Corda) — Update 6 th June 2008
The value of the specialisation index for each area of the FP6 indicate that Belgian
participants are by far the most active in Euratom projects (see FIGURE 11). Social sciences and the humanities follow close together. Rather surprisingly, Belgian scientists seem to have been relatively less active, but still specialised, within life sciences
although this area is a traditional flagship of the Belgian R&D landscape.
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2 .3 IMPLEMENTATION OF FEDER AL SCIENCE POLICY
Federal actors (R&D centres, scientific institutions, public administrations, etc)
have in total 148 participations (5.2% of all Belgian participations) representing a
total budget of €28.4m. Federal participants were notably active in the following
themes of the FP6: Euratom (41 participations), ‘policy support and anticipating
scientific and technological needs’ (21) and ‘aeronautics and space’ (18). Three areas
account for nearly 60% of the total money allotted to the federal actors: Euratom
(34%), ‘aeronautics and space’ (13%) and ‘sustainable development, global change
and ecosystems’ (11%). About 25% of total FP6 funds awarded to the federal actors
was allocated to ‘Life sciences, genomics and biotechnology for health’.
FIGURE 11 Thematic specialisation index of Belgium in FP6 vs EU27
Euratom
Science and society
Citizens & governance in knowledge-based society
Aeronautics and space
Specific measures in support of inter. coop.
Research and innovation
Food quality and safety
Support for the coordination of activities
Policy support & anticipating scient. & techn. needs
Support for coherent dev. of R&D & innov. policies
Life sciences, genomics and biotech. for health
Nanotech. & nanosci., knowledge-based materials
Sustainable develop., global change & ecosystems
Information society technologies
Human resources and mobility
Research infrastructures
Horizontal research activities involving SMEs
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
Source: FP6 contracts and participants database (e-Corda) — Update 6 June 2008 Specialisation
index of Belgium in the 17 themes and actions of the FP6. Values > 1 indicate those of the themes or
activities within which Belgium participates in FP6 at a rate higher than average in EU27.
On the whole, the Belgian research teams are among the key-stakeholders of the
FP6 and score well above the median of EU27 both in terms of participation and of
coordination of R&D consortia. The figures of Belgium’s participation in the FP6
are well above what might be expected from a medium-sized country in EU27 and
are in line with the performance of Europe’s leaders in R&D and innovation. However, a ‘juste retour’ analysis does not shed light on the real impact/output and a
fuller evaluation of the impact of FP6/FP7 participation of Belgian researchers is
required.
Further information on the participation of Flemish and Walloon researchers can
be found in sections 3.3.4.1 and 4.2.2.1, respectively.
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2 . FEDER AL GOVERNMENT POLICY IN FAVOUR OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
2.3.1.1
European large-scale research infrastructures
Belgium has been actively involved for more than 55 years in cooperation at European level and in intergovernmental scientific and technological organisations. By
pursuing the ‘internationalisation of Belgian research’, BELSPO provides researchers the possibility to access world-class scientific facilities, unique large-scale research infrastructures, training centres and databases. It allows Belgian companies
to take full advantage of the numerous industrial, technological and commercial
opportunities generated by these activities. Moreover, Belgian scientists and science policy managers participate in the scientific, technical and management committees of the international organisations creating networks of contacts.
The country is a founder member of the CERN (European Laboratory for Particle
Physics) in 1954 and of the ESA in the years 1964-1975. Belgium is also a founder
member of the ESO (European Southern Observatory) since 1962 and of the ESRF
(European Synchrotron Radiation Facility) since 1988. Belgian scientists and
high-level science policy officials played a major role in the creation of each of these
organisations. Belgium joined the EMBL (European Molecular Biology Laboratory)
in 1989, participated to the creation of EFDA (the European Fusion Development
Agreement) in 1999 and became a member of the ILL (Institut Laue-Langevin), one
of the main neutron sources in the world, in 2006. Hence, the country is a member
of all seven EIROforum (European Intergovernmental Research Organisations Forum) member organisations.
In 2008, Federal Government funding for European large-scale facilities amounted to approximately €46m. The level of the Belgian financial contribution in these
organisations is normally linked to its GDP and ranges from 2.8% (CERN) to 3.5%
(ESO) of the total contribution of the members. The contribution changes according to the legal basis and the specific budgetary rules of each organisation and is
also the result, in some cases, of scientific, industrial or political choices. Hence, it
is as high, for example, as 7% for ESA’s optional programmes. The expenditures for
EIROforum membership are supported by the budget of BELSPO, except for CERN
and EFDA the costs of which are borne by the FPS Economy. BELSPO also funds
Belgium’s membership of the ECMWF (European Centre for Medium-Range
Weather Forecasts), EUMETSAT (the European Organisation for the Exploitation
of Meteorological Satellites) and other organisations.
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2 .3 IMPLEMENTATION OF FEDER AL SCIENCE POLICY
2.3.1.2
The ESFRI Roadmap
The European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI) adopted in
2006, and updated in 2008, the European Roadmap on Research Infrastructure,
which identifies 44 priority projects for the ERA in the next 10 to 20 years. The
FCSP adopted in December 2009 a series of recommendations on the participation
of the Federal Authority to 10 projects of the roadmap, including projects led by
the EIROforum members, and infrastructures in the fields of social sciences and
humanities, biological and medical sciences, including biobanks and bioimaging,
and environmental sciences, including biodiversity. This participation will have to
be coordinated with the federated entities; they involve several Federal Scientific
Institutions and will require the financial support of BELSPO and possibly of other
federal departments too. BELSPO already supports the contribution of Belgium to
the upgrade programmes of the ESRF and the ILL and has expressed its interest for
a limited number of preparatory phase projects funded by the EU FP7. The Belgian
Nuclear Research Centre participates in the Jules Horowitz Reactor.
2.3.1.3
Belgian Space Policy
The Federal space research programme has been a long-standing priority for successive federal governments. Its direction is determined by the participation of Belgium in the ESA, which allows Belgian researchers from universities and industry
to take part in joint scientific activities at international level. This policy aims not
only at reinforcing the knowledge base in this area, but also at promoting industrial
spill-overs in the form of applications of space technology to other industrial sectors.Belgium is the sixth most important contributor to ESA, providing a budget of
more or less €150m per year. The overall investment of BELSPO in space policy is
about €200m (including ESA and bilateral co-operation). Thanks to the important
Federal investment in the space field, Belgium has been able to send two astronauts
into space: Dirk Frimout and Frank De Winne. The latter was the first European
commander of the International Space Station.
BOX 5 Federal space research policy
Belgium has been involved in space
policy since the 1960s and from the
beginning decided to back up the
efforts by its scientists and
companies working in space
research and space applications by
opting for integration into a
European framework in order to
optimise its financial investment.
The management of Belgium’s
participation in European space
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programmes has been entrusted to
the Federal government. In particular,
Belgium has:
played a major role in the
creation of the ESA by the
European Ministerial Space
Conference in Brussels in
1973;
entered into bilateral
cooperation in the space field:
with France (for the Earth
observation programme SPOT),
with Russia in MIRAS and
SPICAM and with Argentina.
The rationale for space research
programmes includes offering
Belgian scientists the opportunity
of observation and experimenting
in orbit in order to broaden the
scope of their research. This
enables them to participate in the
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2 . FEDER AL GOVERNMENT POLICY IN FAVOUR OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
design of complex instruments and
helps companies to diversify into
space markets, firstly by becoming
involved in the creation of orbital
infrastructures and means for
access to space and then, more
recently, in the development of
space applications (such as in
telecommunications) and the
services related to these
applications.
Through research funding related
to the exploration of space the
federal authorities pursue the
following objectives:
Scientific objective: space is an
advantageous point from which
to observe the Earth and the
Universe, and the
weightlessness in space is
useful for experiments within
a whole series of scientific
disciplines. It therefore allows
considerable progress to be
made in human knowledge;
Public objective: space allows
global monitoring of the
environment and a considerable
extension of general-interest
services such as meteorology,
telecommunications, prevention
of natural risks, harvest
monitoring and navigational aids
for land, sea and air transport;
Industrial objective: space
offers industries an opportunity
to develop the most advanced
technologies in a wide range of
fields (electronics, computers,
automatic systems, materials,
aerodynamics, etc.) and to
initiate themselves in the
integrated management of
complex systems. The skills
acquired in these fields can
then often be transposed to
non-space applications;
Commercial objective: space
has become a market, now a
rapidly expanding one. Its
products – launchers, satellites,
ground equipment, satellite
pictures, telecommunications,
broadcasting and multimedia
services – generate significant
sales.
Nearly 95% of the federal budget
for space is allocated to ESA
programmes. The other 5% goes
to the Belgian Observing the
Earth programme and bilateral
programmes. PRODEX is the
largest ESA programme
supporting space research in
Belgium. In 2008, 91 scientists
were involved in these projects
and 74 projects/topics were
supported in Belgium,
representing almost 60% of all
projects of all the six participating
countries and 65% of the total
number of scientists involved.
The space sector in Belgium
involves some 70 teams in federal
or regional scientific
establishments or research centres
of excellence, as well as around 40
companies and almost 1,600 direct
jobs for highly qualified people. For
some of the companies, this space
orientation represents all or a large
part of their turnover. For others, it
constitutes an opportunity to
become familiar with advanced
generic technologies common to
the space and non-space sectors.
Furthermore, various Belgian
centres are performing testing,
calibration or inspection activities
for the ESA. This is the case for
the Liège Space Centre (CSL) for
precision tests under vacuum
conditions, the Von Karman
Institute in Rhode-Saint-Genèse
(plasmatron) for studying the
re-entry of spacecraft into the
atmosphere, the Cyclotron
Research Centre in Louvain-laNeuve, which studies the effects of
cosmic radiation on electronic
components.
Source: www.belspo.be
2.3.2
Federal research programmes
At national level, the Federal Government supports STI activities mainly through
two types of effort: support to federal scientific institutions, and specific research
programmes of national interest. The BELSPO research programmes have two
main purposes:
Support to basic research: the Inter-University Attraction Poles (IUAP) programme, a collaborative research programme fostering collaboration across
Belgian universities from the two communities (see BOX 6 ).
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2 .3 IMPLEMENTATION OF FEDER AL SCIENCE POLICY
Support to strategic research: thematic programmes devoted to the implementation of research projects in areas of national interest, in line with the federal
government’s priorities.
BOX 6 Inter-University Attraction Poles
For more than 20 years, BELSPO
has supported basic research
through the IUAP. The programme
aims to reinforce high-level
scientific potential of universities
and to give a temporary impetus
to the formation of interuniversity
networks of excellence in basic
research. The IUAP is open to all
scientific disciplines and covers
a wide range of research fields
including life sciences, exact and
applied sciences and human
sciences.
The impact of the IUAP on basic
research is considerable as shown
by the number of ‘peer-reviewed’
scientific publications in top
journals. The IUAP programme also
represents a critical mass of
several thousands of researchers
working in the framework of the
programme including some 500
researchers paid by IUAP funds.
Another way to assess the impact
of the IUAP is to look at the
international recognition gained
by participating teams. Scientific
collaboration, as implemented
through the IUAP, puts Belgian
researchers into a favourable
position in international science
networks and makes it possible for
the best national research teams
to be part of the avant-garde at
world level.
What makes the IUAP one of the
most significant incentives for
basic research in Belgium is not
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only the size of the financial
commitment but also the emphasis
placed on interuniversity
collaboration. The programme’s
objectives are multiple:
to give teams that are already
recognised within the
international scientific
community additional human
and material resources to build
a sufficient critical mass;
to promote long-term,
structured collaboration among
university research teams of
both Belgium’s linguistic
Communities and teams
belonging to the federal
scientific institutions;
to foster complementary and
interdisciplinary research
amongst the teams;
to enable young teams to
benefit from the environment of
excellence provided by a
network and its international
renown and influence;
to facilitate the insertion of
Belgian research teams into
European and International
networks.
The IUAP programme was first
launched by the federal authorities
in 1987 and has developed over
six 5-year periods. Today the IUAP
networks have become a hallmark
of excellence on the Belgian
science policy scene. The sixth
phase (2007-2011) includes 44
networks and involves 324 teams
(including 74 non-Belgian
European teams).
The IUAP represents a unique
structure in which French- and
Dutch-speaking scientists from
Belgium’s different Communities
have the opportunity to work
together. This is why the initiator
of these networks is the Federal
Government, whereas all other
components of basic research
funding in our country are
entrusted to the Communities.
For the first five phases of the
IUAP programme, the BELSPO
invested some €370m in basic
research over the period 19872006. Funding of the sixth phase
of the IUAP programme will total
about €143m for the period 20072011. Moreover, 3% of the budget
has been set aside for the
participation of teams belonging to
non-Belgian universities or public
research institutions within the EU.
The opening of the IUAP
programme to institutions in other
European countries is a step
towards integration of the Belgian
scientific potential into the ERA.
The IUAP has undergone repeated
evaluations by international
experts. From these assessments
it emerged that the IUAP
programme has amply met
expectations as regards progress
towards its objectives and that it
constitutes an important science
policy instrument.
See: http://www.belspo.be/
belspo/iap/index_en.stm
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2 . FEDER AL GOVERNMENT POLICY IN FAVOUR OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
BELSPO funds thematic research programmes on issues of importance to society.
By nature, such issues are not confined within defined administrative borders. The
rationale for implementing such research programmes is to support policy-making: the topics selected constitute horizontal priorities of the Federal Government.
These programmes have an average duration of four years.
The approach chosen for the thematic research programmes is as follows:
Research themes are defined in an international framework, allowing Belgian
research teams to take part in international research programmes;
The research is organised in networks of researchers from various disciplines
and institutions, and also includes other players (administrations, enterprises,
etc.);
Specific attention is paid to the creation, exploitation and dissemination of
suitable data in support of decision-making;
Policy makers and stakeholders are involved in the follow-up of the research in
order to foster the transfer of results to the policy sphere;
Dissemination and exploitation of research results are given specific attention
at the design stage of the research;
The growing importance given to evaluation, both at project and at programme
level. All the projects are evaluated by international experts, ex-ante as well as
ex-post, and even more frequently at mid-term.
FIGURE 12 Federal research programmes: indicative annual funding (2005-2010, million euro)
30
25
20
15
10
SSD
Society & future
Agora
BCCM
Others
5
0
UAP
Thematic Programmes
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2 .3 IMPLEMENTATION OF FEDER AL SCIENCE POLICY
A trend of the last 10 years has been a grouping of research funding in a limited
number of programmes to encourage trans-sectoral analysis and interdisciplinary
research. The main current thematic federal research programmes are:
Science for sustainable development (2006-2012, €61m): the aim of this research programme is to clarify the concept of sustainable development, and
study its practical implications in support of policy making including in the
field of global warming (see BOX 7).
Society and Future (2005-2010, €14.6m): The programme builds on a long
tradition of research programmes in social sciences (namely Prospective socio-economic research from 1995 to 2000 and Social cohesion from 2000 to
2005) and aims at reinforcing the Belgian scientific potential in social sciences
and at providing scientific evidence to support the decision making processes
of the Federal Government. In comparison to previous programmes, Society
and Future focuses on new themes, opens the possibility to finance foreign researchers, explicitly embeds the gender dimension within projects, and seeks
to promote internationalisation (e.g. international seminars).
The AGORA programme (about €2m per year) with a view to reinforcing and
structuring social science and administrative databases, as a form of ‘research
infrastructure’. The projects fund either research teams or federal departments
with the aim of building, consolidating and disseminating a quality social science infrastructure. Projects can be submitted either by other federal administrations (in which case they have to commit to making the databases open for
access for researchers) or by social science research teams.
Another important action worth highlighting is the federal commitment to consolidate the Biological Resource Centre (BRC) through an annual recurring budget
of €5m for two initiatives: the Belgium bio-diversity platform 26 and the Belgian
Co-ordinated Collections of Micro-organisms (BCCM) 27. The BCCM ™ consortium
consists of four complementary research-based service culture collections and
three specialised nodes that are coordinated by a central team at BELSPO. BCCM
holds biomedical fungi & yeasts, (agro) industrial fungi & yeasts, plasmids & DNA
libraries, bacteria, archaea, mycobacteria, cyanobacteria and diatoms. To support
knowledge based bio-economy BCCM™ is certified ISO 9001 for the accession,
control, preservation, storage and supply of biological material and related information in the frame of public, safe and patent deposits.
26.
27.
http://www.biodiversity.be
http://bccm.belspo.be/index.php
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2 . FEDER AL GOVERNMENT POLICY IN FAVOUR OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
BOX 7 Federal Programme ‘Science for sustainable development’
The Federal Science Programme for
Sustainable Development is a set of
actions implemented to support
decision making at federal level, in
response to national priorities, but
also to international agreements and
obligations of the country (EU
directives, North Sea and Antarctic
Agreements, United Nations
Conventions, etc.). A cooperation
agreement with the regions aims
at ensuring exchange of mutual
information and exploitation of
results between the State, in charge
of the programme, and the Regions.
The programme ‘Science for a
Sustainable Development’ covers
the period 2006-2012 with a
budget of €61m. This programme
is the continuation of the Scientific
Support Plan for a Sustainable
Development Policy (SPSD I,
1996-2001) and SPSD II (20002005). Compared to the previous
round, the programme integrates
new themes, namely ‘Health and
Environment’ and ‘Standardisation’.
The programme has three
objectives:
1. to clarify the concept of
sustainable growth so that it
can be integrated in policy
making;
2. to stimulate and integrate the
use of scientific data on various
aspects of sustainable growth
into a policy- oriented
framework;
3. to foster communication and
exchange of information among
all players concerned.
To this aim, thematic programmes
covering important dimensions of
the sustainable growth concept,
are implemented. They deal with
global change, North Sea
management, Antarctic research,
sustainable mobility, and the agrofood sector. Another specific
programme studies the interaction
between human behaviour and
natural phenomena. The
programmes are inter-disciplinary,
defined around a theme rather
than a discipline. The research
programmes are complemented
with support for the use of satellite
data and with the provision of an
electronic exchange infrastructure
for researchers, BELNET.
Amongst the other federal research actions, BELSPO supports co-ordination and
networking under the umbrella of the Belgian Polar Platform 28 (see BOX 8 ), funds
polar research projects and the Princess Elisabeth Station 29 (which results from a
public private partnership: BELSPO, the International Polar Foundation 30 , and private sponsors). These measures are designed to reinforce and maintain Belgium’s
long tradition in polar research.
BOX 8 The Belgian Polar Platform
The Belgian Polar Platform
regroups all Belgian polar
scientists in order to better
communicate to both policy makers
and the public about:
Belgian Polar scientific
activities and results
Belgian scientific activities
at the poles,
laws and treaties regulating
28.
29.
30.
polar activities and Belgium’s
involvement
publications, workshops and
events regarding polar
activities.
In 1985 BELSPO launched the
Belgian Research Programme
related to Antarctic Research. The
funding, management, coordination
and development of the programme
are in the hands of BELSPO. An
average of 20 research teams of
10 different Belgian universities and
research institutes are financed (all
research costs: personnel,
equipment, travel, working and
overheads) within the programme.
Scientific liaison with the Antarctic
Treaty System is also the
http://www.belspo.be/belspo/BePoles/index_en.stm
http://www.antarcticstation.org
http://www.polarfoundation.org
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2 .3 IMPLEMENTATION OF FEDER AL SCIENCE POLICY
responsibility of BELSPO. Research
topics and priorities are in line with
major international projects and
programmes. Since 2000, Belgian
researchers can choose to
cooperate with an international
university or research institution
within their project on the basis of a
co-financing.
Until recently, Belgium did not have
its own logistical resources (base,
vessel, aircraft) in support of
Antarctic research. Therefore,
research fieldwork was, and for a
major part still is, carried out by
participation of the Belgian
researchers in campaigns
organised by other countries,
based on the availability of vacant
space on research vessels and in
bases and the recognition of
Belgian expertise. Frequent
sharing of facilities, even during
the same campaign periods, took
place over the years, leading to
successful international research
collaborations.
In 2008-2009, almost 40 years
after the closing of the Belgian
King Baudouin base, Belgium
opened a new Antarctica research
station in the Sør Rondane region:
the Princess Elisabeth research
station. The station is the first in the
Antarctic to be built adopting the
most modern standard of isolation
and applying renewable energies,
allowing it to be classified a zeroemission building. The Belgian base
is open to scientists from all other
Antarctic Treaty partner countries
willing to perform research activities
in this area.
In the same year, BELSPO
launched a Belgian scientific
programme related to the station.
Six research projects are currently
implemented with emphasis on
glaciology, earth sciences,
terrestrial (micro)biology, surface
weather observations, monitoring
of aerosol particles and radiation
components, absolute gravity and
seismic measurements and
continuous GPS measurements.
For more information:
http://www.belspo.be/belspo/
BePoles/index_en.stm
As noted above, other federal departments also manage smaller R&D budgets in
their own spheres of responsibility. Some examples are given in the following box.
BOX 9 Examples of research actions of other federal public services
Research actions of
the Ministry of Defence
In order to achieve maximum
effectiveness of research
projects within the MoD,
the policy fosters a focused
approach on 10 research
niche:
C4ISTAR (Command, Control,
Communications and
Computers for Intelligence,
Surveillance, Target Acquisition
and Reconnaissance)
Hyperspectral and TeraHertz
detection
Intelligent autonomous systems
(and platforms)
Protection of personnel,
systems and facilities
New sources of energy
Military medicine
Human performance
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Security environment
Military history.
Within this framework, R&D is
performed by ‘centres of
excellence’:
At the Royal Military Academy
DYnamic MAterials for SECurity
(DYMASEC). DYMASEC is a
consortium of laboratories
(Explosion Effects, Material
Engineering, Energetic
Materials and Weapon Systems
& Ballistics) performing
research related to the
behaviour of materials and
structures exposed to high
dynamic loads with emphasis to
security of the soldier (and the
citizen), military systems (like
vehicles) and military
infrastructures.
MObile INtelligence Information
Sensors for Security
(MOBINISS) focuses its
research on Unmanned
Ground-, Aerial- and Surface
& Undersea Naval- Vehicles
engaged in military crisis
management operations and
in civilian security services
(fire brigades and disaster
relief organizations).
Signal, Systems & Sensors,
Information & Intelligence,
Communication (SIC) performs
research in the field of signal
processing, data fusion,
information & intelligence
processing collected by various
sensors (like radars, sonars and
satellites) and sources (like
communications, multimedia) to
the benefit of the end users on
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2 . FEDER AL GOVERNMENT POLICY IN FAVOUR OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
crisis management theatres
but also for the National
Geographic Institute (NGI)
and for civilian security.
Plasmas Physics Laboratory
(LPP) is working within the
frame of EURATOM to prove
the technological feasibility
of a full-scale thermo-energy
fusion in order to produce
electricity.
European Security (SecEU)
Sub-pole Risk, Crisis &
Disaster Management is
developing techniques and
methods of risk
management for public
organisations facing a
crisis.
Human Factors & Military
Operations research field is
exploring the sociological,
psychological, ethical and
legal aspects linked to the
rise of post-modern armed
forces (internationalisation
and diversification of crisis
management operations
and professionalisation).
As well as in the following
institutions:
The Defence Laboratories
(DLD) are conducting research
in the domain of biological
detection of agents of bioterrorism and of protection of
personal and equipment against
chemical, bacteriological,
radiological and nuclear agents.
DLD also hosts the Federal
Orientation Laboratory (FOL):
the federal crisis centre; and the
crisis cell of the FPS Public
Health.
At the Central Hospital Base
Queen Astrid (HCB-KA) The
Centre of Burn Injuries of the
HCB-KA is a European centre
of excellence in the treatment
of burns victims. HCB-KA is
also performing research in
emergency and disaster
medicine, hyper-and hypobare
medicine, crisis psychology,
physiological health and
infectious diseases.
The Centre for Security and
Defence Studies (CSDS), of
the Royal High Institute for
Defence (RHID), is the think
tank of the MoD in the field of
security and defence. CSDS
performs studies with a
thematic and a regional
approach.
The Military Royal Museum
(MRA) maintains and organises
military heritage records as
part of the national historical
memory. It stimulates scientific
research to diffuse their archive
collections and organises
outreach activities to a wider
audience.
Research on foreign affairs
The FPS Foreign Affairs, Foreign
Trade and Development
Cooperation funds research on a
four main themes relevant to
Belgian foreign policy priorities.
The Central Africa Programme of
the EGMONT Institute conducts
research on political, economic,
social and security issues and
developments relating to this
region (Burundi, the Democratic
Republic of Congo and Rwanda).
The research also examines the
major trends on the African
continent (African Union, regional
integration, conflict analysis and
post-conflict reconstruction) and
the role and position of the EU in
Sub-Saharan Africa.
The European Affairs Programme
started in 1995. It has been in
charge of drafting studies,
syntheses, proposals and
amendments either on its own
initiative, or at the request of the
FPS Foreign Affairs, as well as other
FPS, in the context of European
negotiations. The subjects of the
studies are extremely varied. They
are related to institutional affairs as
well as the various policies of the
Union. The programme will
contribute to the Belgian presidency
of the EU in 2010.
The Security & Global Governance
Programme contributes to the
debate on a new security concept
for the multipolar world of the 21st
century. In today’s world, security is
no longer limited to the military
sphere alone. A holistic approach
is required, integrating physical
security, economic prosperity,
political freedom and social
wellbeing. The Middle East Project
focuses on the strategic
implications of the Sunni-Shia
divide in the Muslim world. This
project is funded by the BELSPO
and is undertaken in cooperation
with the universities of Ghent and
Louvain-la-Neuve.
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2 .3 IMPLEMENTATION OF FEDER AL SCIENCE POLICY
2.3.3
The federal scientific establishments
Belgium has 15 federal scientific establishments of diverse types and covering a
variety of research activities and collections: museums, libraries, botanic gardens,
weather and space observatories and research institutes on crime, African culture,
geology, health institutes, etc. In total, one fifth of the federal science budget is allocated to the federal scientific establishments and other research organisations. The
former are attached to various ministries and are not only responsible for performing research in specific fields of expertise, but also have a publicly orientated scientific mission. The Federal Minister for Science is responsible for 10 out of 15 of the
scientific establishments which are part of BELSPO.
These scientific establishments perform a two-fold mission:
A ‘scientific public service mission’: development, maintenance and dissemination of scientific, technical and cultural information and documentation, collection conservation and education in these areas. A number of initiatives are underway to equip and to modernise these establishments with high performance
IT tools and systems and ensure the dissemination of available information;
A research mission: these establishments perform fundamental and applied research missions, often in partnership with universities. They participate, and are
sometimes leaders, in international research projects and exchange programmes.
The budget of these institutions grew from 2003 to 2010 by more than 30 per cent.
FIGURE 13 Funding of Federal Scientific Institutions within BELSPO (2003-2010)
YE AR
AMOUNT ( IN THOUSAND €)
INDE X , 100 = 2003
2003
93,695
100.0
2004
96,858
103.4
2005
100,190
106.9
2009
123,549
131.9
2010
122,304
130.5
The majority of these institutions have a history stretching back more than a century and manage a very rich cultural, scientific, artistic and natural heritage. In order
to reach a wider public, ensure optimum use of the information and to provide access to the collections and the research data, a process of digitalisation has started in
all institutions. Since digitalisation projects for scientific and cultural heritage are
very expensive they are developed in a long-term perspective and in collaboration
with the private sector. A public private partnership is being set up into which the
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2 . FEDER AL GOVERNMENT POLICY IN FAVOUR OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
Federal Government via BELSPO aims to invest €150m over a 10 year period. Nine
pilot projects launched in the last couple of years, with a budget of around €15.1m,
will generate their first results shortly.
In addition to the digitalisation projects, the institutions promote projects on societal or environmental issues. For instance, in 2010, the Royal Belgian Institute
of Natural Sciences is promoting the year of biodiversity and plans exhibitions and
colloquia on the issue. Moreover, the Royal Museum for Central Africa is celebrating 100 years of existence in Belgium, and research missions and events to mark
the occasion are also taking place in Congo (e.g. Congo River expedition). The institutes making up the space group, are studying and researching every aspect of
earth, space and the sun in order to monitor the impact on human life. The institutes are active in developing devices to be carried by satellite for experimental and
observational purposes. For instance, improved earth observation leads to more accurate weather forecasts thanks to complex mathematical models.
BOX 10 Federal scientific institutions
Federal scientific institutions
of BELSPO
Belgian Institute for Space
Aeronomy
National Archives and State
Archives in the Provinces,
including the Centre for
Historical Research and
Documentation on War and
Contemporary Society
Royal Belgian Institute of
Natural Sciences
Royal Institute for Cultural
Heritage
Royal Library of Belgium
Royal Meteorological Institute
Royal Museum for Central
Africa
Royal Museums for Art and
History
Royal Museums of Fine Arts
of Belgium
Royal Observatory of Belgium,
including the Planetarium
Federal partner institutions and
other organisations subsidised
by BELSPO
Academia Belgica at Rome;
Belgian American Educational
Foundation;
Biermans-Lapôtre Foundation
in Paris;
Fulbright Commission for
Educational Exchange between
the USA, Belgium and
Luxembourg
Institut des Hautes Études
Scientifiques;
Royal Academy of Overseas
Sciences;
Royal Film Archive;
Shape International School;
University Foundation;
Von Karman Institut.
Other federal scientific institutes
reporting to other Federal Public
Services
Justice
National Institute of
Criminalistics and Criminology
(ex-)Agriculture
National Botanic Garden of
Belgium
Defence
Royal Army and Military History
Museum
Public health
Scientific Institute of Public
Health
Veterinary and agrochemical
research centre
One of the main organisational objectives of the scientific institutes, for the coming
years, is to concentrate their research activities in excellence centres in order to cope
better with the international competition and the challenges of the 21st century.
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2 .3 IMPLEMENTATION OF FEDER AL SCIENCE POLICY
Since 2008, several excellence centres have been created including on research on
the sun, molecular taxonomy, cartography, etc. The multiplication of synergies
between the Federal scientific institutes and between those institutes and the research programmes conducted by BELSPO will represent the major development
challenge of those Institutes.
BOX 11 Federal institutes in the field of human and animal health
The main mission of the Scientific
Institute of Public Health (IPH) is
health policy related scientific
research. It provides also expertise
and public service in the field of
public health. The Institute has a
staff of more than 500 people, one
third of which are scientific
personnel. The IPH plays an
important role at Eca level and in
some international organisations
such as the World Health
Organisation (WHO), the OECD
and the Council of Europe,
whenever scientific and/or
technical aspects of public health
are involved. The Institute supports
education at universities within the
framework of doctoral schools, by
attracting PhD students and
delivering specialised training.
IPH’s main activities are related to
the following fields:
Surveillance of communicable
diseases
Surveillance of noncommunicable diseases
Verification of federal product
norms (e.g. food,
pharmaceuticals, vaccines)
Risk assessment (e.g. chemical
products, genetically modified
organisms (GMO’s)
Environment and health
Management of biological
resources (collections of
strains of microorganisms)
Within the framework of
sustainable and socially acceptable
agriculture the Veterinary and
Agrochemical Research Centre’s
core activities consist of policy
supporting scientific research,
expert advice, and the efficient
provision of services concerning
the control of communicable
animal diseases, the protection of
public health, the guarantee of
animal and plant food production
quality from the standpoint of
zoonosis, residues and
contaminants. The centre has
about 220 employees (of which
seven scientists).
The Federal Government also has responsibility for two other research organisations, the National Institute for Radioelements, and the Nuclear Energy Centre
(budgetary R&D credits of €26m in 2008).
BOX 12 Nuclear research
The Belgian Nuclear Research
Centre (SCK-CEN), created in
1952, provides the Belgian
academic and industrial sectors
with access to worldwide
developments in nuclear energy.
The centre is a private foundation
of public utility placed under the
authority of the Federal Minister of
Energy. SCK-CEN is one of the
largest research centres in
Belgium with laboratories in Mol
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and about 650 employees, of
which one-third with an academic
degree. The breakdown of the
annual turnover of €95m by source
is: 45% from a Government grant;
12% from the dismantling of
declassified installations and 43%
from contract research and
services.
Since 1991, the mission of SCKCEN is focused on issues of societal
concern within the broader scope of
sustainable development policies:
(i) safety of nuclear reactors and
installations; (ii) radiation protection
of man and the environment;
(iii) safe treatment and disposal
of radioactive waste and
(iv) management of fissile and other
strategic materials. The centre
provides know-how and services to
the nuclear industry, the medical
sector and the government.
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2 . FEDER AL GOVERNMENT POLICY IN FAVOUR OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
Among the research facilities
available at SCK-CEN, the Belgian
Reactor 2 (BR2) is one of the most
powerful research reactors in the
world. It is used for the testing of
fuels and materials for different
reactor types and for the European
fusion programme. BR2 is also an
important instrument for the
production of radioisotopes for
medical and industrial applications
(25% of the world production in
2010) and for silicon doping for
the electronics industry. The
underground laboratory HADES, at
a depth of 225m, allows the study
of clay as a potential geological
host formation for long-lived and
high-active nuclear waste. Recently
this laboratory has been
substantially expanded in order to
perform large-scale tests to
demonstrate the feasibility and
safety of the disposal of heatgenerating nuclear waste.
From 2010 to 2020, SCK-CEN
activities will encompass three
major themes, namely: (i) nuclear
materials sciences; (ii)
environment, health and safety and
(iii) advanced nuclear systems. The
Institute for Nuclear Materials
Science will focus its research
activities on the life and
performance of materials used in
Generation II and III nuclear
reactors. Development and
validation work will also take place
on new materials and fuels for
future advanced reactor concepts.
The Institute for Environment,
Health and Safety will conduct
research on the biological effects
of low doses of ionizing irradiations.
Solutions for safe and sustainable
deep or surface disposal of
radioactive waste are being
developed and evaluated with
respect to safety, technical
feasibility and acceptance.
In the coming decade the
development of the MYRRHA
project, a multi-purpose research
reactor, will be the top priority of
SCK-CEN, and in particular of its
Institute for Advanced Nuclear
Systems. MYRRHA is an
accelerator driven system (ADS)
aimed at providing protons and
neutrons for various R&D
applications. It consists of a proton
accelerator coupled to a subcritical
fast core equipped with a spallation
source. If the spallation source is
replaced by fuel elements the
system is able to work as a critical
reactor. MYRRHA will be the
world’s first large facility allowing
the demonstration of the ADS
concept and aiming at the
transmutation of nuclear spent fuel.
The research on transmutation
complements the decision in favour
of the geological disposal by
reducing volume, radiotoxicity and
thermal load of the nuclear waste.
MYRRHA will be the only fast
spectrum irradiation facility in the
EU and will offer a unique
environment for the development
of GEN IV systems (Sodium Fast
Reactor, Gas Fast Reactor, Lead
Fast Reactor) and ITER
(International Thermonuclear
Experimental Reactor) and DEMO
fusion facilities. As a critical leadalloy based reactor, it will
significantly contribute to the
demonstration of the Lead Fast
Reactor technology. In addition to
its role in transmutation related
research, MYRRHA will also
contribute to secure the supply of
medical radioisotopes.
By building a new research
infrastructure to replace BR2,
Belgium will consolidate its current
key role in the research on and
production of medical radioisotopes
in the context of a worldwide
growing demand. In March 2010,
the Federal Government decided to
support 40% of the total budget
(€960m) via the budgets of
BELSPO and the DG Energy of the
FPS Economy. During the first five
years (2010-2014) a contribution of
€60m has been committed in order
to achieve what is called the Front
End Engineering Design. An
international consortium that would
fund the remaining 60% of the
budget will be set-up during this
period and an evaluation will be
carried out in 2014 in order to
prepare the decision on the
construction phase. MYRRHA
should be fully operational from
2022-2023 onwards. In early
March 2010, SCK-CEN inaugurated
GUINEVERE, a low-power test
reactor that will be used for the
preparation of the operating and
control procedures for subcritical
reactors.
The Royal Military Academy, the
SCK-CEN and several universities
perform fusion research in
Belgium. SCK-CEN aims to
contribute to fusion research within
the ITER, DEMO and IFMIF
projects and prepare itself to
become a partner in the realisation
of large components for ITER.
More information at: www.sckcen.
be and http://myrrha.sckcen.be
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2.3.4
Support to R&D activities and policy
In addition to the actions supporting R&D activities directly, BELSPO also has an
important, but more indirect, role in implementing support actions for R&D. This
takes the form of the development of information systems, databanks, statistics on
R&D activities, and the setting-up and development of an electronic highway for
research players, BELNET. In addition to the aforementioned activities, the Federal Government performs a co-ordination mission for R&D activities through its
leading role in the various committees created for this purpose, and especially in
the FCSP, where representatives from all the regions and communities interact on
STI matters of national and international interest.
BOX 13 BELNET: the network of knowledge
In the early 1990s, BELSPO
established an operational unit
called BELNET responsible for
designing and managing the
network of research and education
in Belgium. Today, BELNET has its
own infrastructure with over
1,650 km of fibre covering the
entire country allowing BELNET
to provide its users high speed
(100Mbit/s nx10Gbit/s) access
to the internet and the global
research network. The network is
open to institutions of research
and education, research centres,
governments and public services.
About 200 institutions
representing more than 650,000
users are connected to the
BELNET network. In institutional
terms, BELNET is part of the DG
ICT of BELSPO
In addition to connectivity, each
client receives, with no additional
costs, standard internet services. In
order to meet more specific needs,
BELNET provides, upon request,
additional services such as a
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platform for e-collaboration or
videoconferencing. This full range
of services makes BELNET the
preferred supplier of education and
research institutes.
Besides its main activity, BELNET
also operates a central platform for
the exchange of internet traffic,
called BNIX (Belgian National
Internet Exchange). BNIX mainly
focuses on internet service and
content providers (ISPs). Finally, on
behalf of FedICT, BELNET is
responsible for the design and the
management of FedMAN, the
network of federal administrations,
and of CERT.be, the Belgian
Computer Emergency Response
Team. In short, BELNET provides a
core infrastructure that gives
research and education an
excellent opportunity to collaborate
better; and thereby contribute to
global innovation.
The most recent BELNET network
has been in operation since 2008
for universities, colleges of higher
education, research centres and
public services. In collaboration
with the Walloon Government,
Flemish Government and
commercial partners, BELNET laid
a 1,650 km fibre network. This
hybrid network combines a
traditional IP network with an
optical layer. The basis for this
optical layer is glass fibre.
Data communication via lightpaths
is possible on the fibre network.
Lightpaths are direct connections
between two points without the
intervention of routers. High
capacity, quality and reliability are
their most important advantages.
Thus, lightpaths can easily
transport huge data streams, which
opens up new possibilities for
science and education.
BELNET is also connected to the
commercial internet, and to
European and worldwide research
networks via GÉANT. This research
network links educational and
research institutions worldwide.
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2 . FEDER AL GOVERNMENT POLICY IN FAVOUR OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
Brugge
Antwerpen
Geel
Gent
Hasselt
Leuven
Kortrijk
Vivoorde
Evere
Liège
Brussel
Campus
Brussel
Science
Louvain-La -Neuve
Mons
Charleroi
Namur
Arlon
BELSPO is responsible for the development and analysis of R&D indicators and
their integration into international databases. BELSPO compiles R&D indicators
on the basis of data supplied by the regional and community authorities via a special consultation group of the Inter-ministerial Conference for Science Policy. A
cooperation agreement provides formal arrangements for collaboration with the
partners from the communities and regions. This covers the permanent inventory
of Belgium’s scientific potential (documentary information on projects currently
carried out in universities and research centres) and the yearly Federal overview of
budgetary appropriations for science policy and R&D expenditure by the Belgian
authorities. Estimates of the R&D effort of the public and private sectors are conducted on the basis of surveys. The statistical data are transmitted to international
bodies like EUROSTAT and the OECD. The service participates also in the Community Innovation Surveys (CIS) supported by the EU.
Moreover the Service of R&D indicators publishes data-analysis work with a view
to contributing to science policy 31 .
The Scientific and Technical Information Service (STIS) is a public service of BELSPO.
Its target users are typically the various players in research and innovation (the sci31.
http://www.belspo.be/belspo/res/ind/ind_en.stm
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2 .3 IMPLEMENTATION OF FEDER AL SCIENCE POLICY
entific community, the for-profit and non profit sectors and the public authorities).
STIS performs also specific tasks for BELSPO, in particular for the federal scientific
and cultural institutions. Its activities include:
Scientific and technical information brokerage, document delivery and promotion of information systems (support and training).
Specialised information for and on science policy: Research.be (web portal for
research and innovation in Belgium), bibliometric studies, strategic watch, etc.
Information and assistance of the federal stakeholders regarding European research, innovation and cultural activities: Eurofed web portal and e-newsletter,
help desk, and individual primary support, NCP of the Federal Government for
all specific programmes of the EU FP7.
Digital Cultural Heritage: participation in European initiatives to develop the
coordination of digitisation policies, Digipat web portal, library and museum
statistics, technology watch, contribution to the digitisation plan of the federal
scientific institutions.
2.4
Perspectives for Federal STI policy
The preceding sections have underlined, that even after the decentralisation process that took place since the early nineties, federal science policy is still important.
With 2800 people working at the BELSPO and some 2000 more in other departments (economy, defence, public health, etc.) and related institutes, the federal support for STI policy remain crucial.
This is even more evident if a ‘national system of innovation’ perspective is adopted. In this case, the focus goes beyond the R&D activities of the public and private
sectors and the policies needed to influence them directly. Rather, there is a need
to consider issues related to ‘governance’ (including inter-linkages between STI
policy and other policies), the intensity of co-operation between the actors within
the system and the general regulatory framework (including encouraging entrepreneurship and risk-taking).
Of course, a large part of the regulatory framework for STI is under the competence
of the regional and community authorities. This includes, notably, legislation and
regulations on universities and university research. However, there remain con-
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2 . FEDER AL GOVERNMENT POLICY IN FAVOUR OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
siderable parts of the legislative corpus that falls under the competence of various
federal departments (tax, social security, and labour, internal and foreign affairs,
commercialisation and patent laws, etc.) and that are of utmost importance for successful STI policies. Hence, when discussing wider innovation policies these issues
have to be taken on board.
These issues have been reviewed in the policy mix peer review32 that viewed the
national policy mix as the sum of all STI policies, whatever the level of authority
or the department involved. One of the main recommendations of this report concerns the lack of possibilities for (nationally subsidised) cooperation between research actors from the south and north of the country. Another recommendation
concerned the need for tax credits that has become a cornerstone of the federal intervention in the last five years or so.
Secondly, the Federal Government continues to pursue its own distinct science
policy. A number of research programmes, initiatives and institutions have been
launched or prolonged, launched or institutes being financed. The future challenges for the Federal Science Policy Office’s research programmes are two-fold:
to continue to elaborate successful research programmes. Many past programmes were build around societal challenges (climate change, biodiversity,
social challenges, etc.) that obviously are not rapidly solved but rather constantly change in nature. So, a first challenges consists in continuing the successful programmes taking into account both new policy questions but the fact
that money will be rather scarce in the near future.
secondly, synergies have to be created between federal programmes, federal
research institutes and the activities of the other authorities. In particular, the
policy mix peer review recommended to build bridges between private R&D
carried out in the different regions and to find ways to support such collaboration. A concentration of federal research activities would make sense.
In presenting the 2009-2010 work-programme of BELSPO to Parliament, the Federal Minister for Science attached special importance to two specific activities:
the inter-university attraction poles: this is one of the rare programmes fostering cooperation between researchers from the north and the south of the country. The research networks created have been of high quality. This programme
will be evaluated and, if judged opportune, prolonged.
The scientific station on Antarctica was launched in 2009; optimal use of this
base will be one of the objectives for the coming years.
32.
See, the OMC Policy Mix Review Report (2007) available at: http://www.belspo.be/belspo/stat/papers/
pdf/Rapport_PEER_REVIEW_EN.pdf
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2 . 4 PERSPECTIVES FOR FEDER AL STI POLICY
A second main plank of Federal policy is space research, where Belgium has developed a very ambitious space programme making it the biggest of all the ‘small
countries’ regarding space activities. The Federal Government aims to prolong an
important investment programme for this sector, including, notably: diversification to new applications; to new firms (especially SMEs that are not active enough);
strengthening the knowledge base of current firms and make them less dependent
on government funding. For example, this could be achieved by strengthening the
links existing between research institutes, universities and the companies in the
space sector.
The management of the Belgian space sector needs to remain extremely flexible in
order to facilitate relationships with the actors concerned (industry, universities,
etc.). This organisational model, implemented by BELSPO for the last 30 years, is
widely supported by the partners.
The federal scientific institutes play a very important role when it comes to conserving and further developing the common heritage of all parts of the country.
The institutes are being modernised and the digitalisation of their collections is
part of that modernisation process. Recent years have witnessed the completion
of a number of successful projects, including: the new Magritte museum; the renovation of the Royal Institute of Natural Sciences; the projects to renew the Royal
Museum for Central Africa and so on. Impact studies of these institutes have made
clear that the broader social and economic (tourism revenues, etc.) impact should
not be underestimated.
The Federal Government intends to pursue the modernisation of the scientific institutes and to reinforce the synergies between them. Moreover, not all of the federal scientific institutes report to the Minister of Science Policy. As such they play an
important role in supporting the missions of the FPS they belong to; for instance,
the institutes for public health, crimininalistics, etc. have a strong reputation in
their field. Last but not least the nuclear research centre should be mentioned since
the quality and strategic importance of the work done is clear given the intensity of
Belgian participation in Euratom research, which is well above a ‘juste retour’.
Belgium is an active participant in the work of ESFRI with a view to identifying
the new international research infrastructures that will be needed in the future.
A Belgian roadmap is being drawn up with the participation of all the Belgian authorities. The Federal Government is committed to play its part in the future investments proposed. BELNET is, of course, another example of an investment in
infrastructure. All the universities, and many research institutes, use the broadband network. BELNET is expected to grow even faster in the near future, which is
a corollary of the growing demand for this type of services.
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2 . FEDER AL GOVERNMENT POLICY IN FAVOUR OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
In closing, the future policy perspective of the federal authorities needs to take account of the wider innovation context. As in neighbouring countries, Belgium will
have to mobilise all the relevant instruments and competencies of the knowledge
triangle: education, research and innovation; irrespective of whether the policies
are managed at the federal level or not. The federal authorities have invested in reforming patent policy, R&D tax policies, the broader regulatory framework, etc.;
and will continue to give attention optimising the framework for innovation in the
near future.
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3.
FLEMISH SCIENCE,
TECHNOLOGY AND
INNOVATION POLICY
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3 . FLEMISH SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION POLICY
As explained in section 1, at the time of the second constitutional reform in 1980,
the Flemish authorities merged the community and newly established regional institutions. A single Flemish Parliament, Flemish Government, official consultative
bodies and an administration, supported by specific agencies, oversee both community and regional competencies. The Flemish Parliament debates and legitimates
all official legal decisions pertaining to both community and regional competence,
whilst the Flemish Government is charged with policy execution.
3.1
General orientations of
Flemish STI policy
For a number of years, the world has been experiencing a rapid evolution and profound transformation towards a knowledge-based economy and society. The Flemish Government is aware of the importance of these trends and considers research
and innovation as a necessary condition for maintaining wealth and well being in
Flanders. Since the 1990s, the Government, in consultation with the social partners,
has developed a broad-based strategy on STI: the development of an efficient policy
mix, the implementation of a diverse set of policy instruments and the allocation of
related budgets. Since the middle of the 1990s, Flanders has devoted increasingly
more, in absolute and relative terms, public budgetary appropriations to R&D, so
that by 2008, Flanders accounted for close to half of the Belgian GBAORD.
STI policy is developed through a number of agreements, initiatives and statements, including:
the government agreement in which the political parties forming the governing coalition outline their priorities for the five-yearly parliamentary term;
the policy note of the minister charged with scientific research and innovation
for the five-year period;
the annual policy letters of the minister, which further elaborate and specify
the general policy framework announced in the policy note.
Moreover, a number of multi-annual strategic plans and targets have been agreed
upon by a broad-ranging group of stakeholders from government, civil society and
industry. These plans set out a set of targets across a range of policy fields, amongst
which STI is assigned a clear priority. The main plans adopted since 2000 are:
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the ‘Vilvoorde Pact: 21 targets for the 21st century’ (2001), a transposition of
the EU’s Lisbon Strategy of 2000 into Flemish policy (see below);
the Innovation Pact (2003), a commitment by Flemish public and private stakeholders to meet the EU’s Barcelona target (GERD/GDP ratio of 3% by 2010);
in 2005, the Flemish Innovation policy plan (‘Vlaams Innovatiebeleidsplan’)
based on nine pillars and aimed at a horizontal approach towards innovation
throughout the different policy areas and sectors;
the 2005-2008 and 2008-2010 Flemish Reform Programmes, which transposed into Flemish policy the reorientation of the Lisbon Strategy in 2005 into
the EU Growth and Jobs Strategy, based on national reform programmes and
annual reports;
Flanders in Action (Vlaanderen in Actie, ViA), which updates and supersedes
the Vilvoorde pact, and the related 2020 Pact.
ViA aims to place Flanders in the top-5 EU regions by 2020 and identifies strategic
breakthroughs, crucial for the future wealth and well being of all in Flanders. The
breakthroughs are: the open entrepreneur; Flanders learning society; Innovation
centre Flanders; Green and dynamic urban region; Europe’s smart hub; Caring society; Decisive governance. STI play a transversal role across these various themes
and policy initiatives taken in these areas are expected to match the overall goals of
the ViA framework. The importance of STI in ViA is reflected by the target to spend
3% of GDP on R&D by 2014. In addition to this target, the ‘breakthroughs’ of ViA
are translated into 20 targets in the 2020 Pact 33 , these include:
Flanders will progress towards a competitive and multi-faceted knowledge
economy distinguished by the generation of sustainable prosperity and welfare. In terms of prosperity and welfare, and investments, it will rank among
the top five knowledge-intensive European regions;
Innovation will be more widely and better distributed across all sectors, types
of businesses, and segments of society.
In concrete terms, targets set include: a year-on-year increase of the number of patent applications, to be amongst the EU’s top-5 regions for public spending on ecoinnovation, an increase of turnover from new or improved products and services,
and a higher share of spearhead areas such as ICT and health, logistics, smart electricity networks (GRID) in the economy.
The 2009-14 Flemish Government agreement explicitly restates that Flanders aims
to reach the 3% target, reconfirmed as a EU objective in the Europe 2020 strategy
in March 2010, and includes the intention to draw up a new Innovation Pact (as a
successor to the 2003 pact).
33.
www.flandersinaction.be
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3 . FLEMISH SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION POLICY
The strategic targets for STI listed in the 2009-2014 policy note of the Flemish
Minister for Scientific Research and Innovation are:
From idea to economic commercialisation, market results and societal impact;
More creative and innovative entrepreneurship;
Focus on economic clusters, thematic spearheads and large projects;
Flanders as an international player (e.g. fully-fledged partner in the European
research and innovation area);
Strengthen excellence and dynamism of cutting-edge non-oriented research as
a fundament for innovation;
Increase opportunities for research talents;
More streamlined and output-driven research policy;
A top research infrastructure.
Each of these strategic targets consist of a number of operational targets that serve as
a basis for policy-making initiatives, which are proposed in the annual policy letters,
and linked to budgetary allocations. For instance, the strategic target of ‘more creative
and innovative entrepreneurship’ consists of the following operational targets:
Optimising the innovation instruments aimed at SMEs;
Broadening and prolonging the innovation trajectory eligible for support;
Stimulation of co-operation between knowledge institutes and the business
world;
Stimulation of innovation on the shop floor: innovative labour organisation;
Optimising the functioning of innovation centres;
Awareness raising for creative and innovative entrepreneurship.
Finally, a basis for policy priorities (linked to ViA and the Pact 2020) was proposed
in a 2006 opinion of the Flemish Science and Innovation Policy Council. This opinion described six strategic clusters based on a SWOT analysis of Flanders versus
the EU, combined with a European foresight study of 15 key areas. After an expert
consultation, the clusters were redefined into the following ‘spearheads’ for technology and innovation:
1.
Transportation - Logistics - Services - Supply chain management:
coordinating the Flemish Logistics Knowledge Centre and Platform
2.
ICT and Services in Healthcare (e-health):
A.
Interoperability of ICT-systems: test and validation bed
B.
Telemonitoring in Flanders
3.
Healthcare:
A.
Translational Medicine (Centre for Medical Innovation, CMI)
B.
Nutrition, breakthrough initiative on the relationship Food-Health
(Fevia Vlaanderen)
4.
New Materials - Nanotechnology - Manufacturing industry:
A.
Nano-electronics, COHESI - Complex heterogeneous systems integration
(IMEC)
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3 .1 GENER AL ORIENTATIONS OF FLEMISH STI POLICY
New materials, SIM Strategic Initiative Materials (Agoria Vlaanderen 34)
C.
Manufacturing industry (Complex integrated systems (Sirris – Agoria
Vlaanderen)
D.
Chemistry, FISCH – Flanders strategic Initiative for Sustainable Chemistry
(Essenscia Vlaanderen)
ICT for Socio-economic innovation: Flemish enabling platform focusing on innovative services (e-health, e-gov, e-learning)
Energy and Environment: Flemish Smart Grids Platform (intelligent energy
networks) (Voka)
B.
5.
6.
These initiatives, based on an interaction of research and innovation with other specific policies and with overall socio-economic objectives, clearly demonstrates the
relative importance of STI in the Flemish policy-agenda. In the coming years, these
objectives require the design and implementation of appropriate policy measures.
These must take into account the significant societal as well as economic challenges,
and be in line with a number of major EU initiatives, such as the EU 2020 strategy, the
Commission’s Research and Innovation Action plan (due July 2010), and the ERA.
3.2
Actors and instruments
of the Flemish STI policy
A wide range of actors and stakeholders are involved in the Flemish STI system:
public administrations and agencies, knowledge institutes and centres, universities and university colleges, scientific institutes, public research organisations
(PROs), university hospitals, various collective research centres, incubation centres, private companies, professional (technology and other) organisations, etc.
Science and fundamental research (community competencies) and innovation and applied research (regional competencies) are managed in one specific commission in the
Flemish Parliament, by a single minister responsible for scientific research and innovation, an advisory council (VRWI) and a single administration responsible for preparing
all related policy issues. At implementation level, the Agency for innovation by Science
and Technology (IWT) manages the regional competencies; while for the community
34.
Agoria is Belgium’s largest employers’ organisation and trade association. The companies represented by
Agoria are active in 13 branches of the technology industry: aerospace, automotive, construction products,
contracting & maintenance, electrical engineering, industrial automation, ICT, mechatronical engineering,
metals & materials, metal processing, mounting & cranes, plastics, security & defence.
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3 . FLEMISH SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION POLICY
competencies, specific funding agencies (notably, the Research Foundation Flanders
(FWO), Hercules research infrastructure fund and the Special Research Fund (BOF))
support universities, university colleges, scientific institutes, etc. of the Flemish Community located in both Flanders and the bilingual Brussels-Capital Region.
The following section presents an overview of the missions and activities of the
main (public) actors and some of their policy instruments. FIGURE 14 provides an
overview of the key actors in the Flemish STI policy system.
FIGURE 14 Flemish STI policy system (read table from left to right; top line are various policy levels surrounding the
Flemish policy level; bottom line are research performers acting within the different STI-organisations)
OTHER POLICY
LEVELS
FEDER AL
AUTHORIT Y
( BELSPO, FPS
ECONOMY, OTHER
DEPARTMENTS,
SCIENTIFIC
INSTITUTES, ETC . )
EU: POLICY;
PROGRAMMES
AND INITIATIVES:
RESEARCH AND
INNOVATION
SUPPORT (FP, CIP,
ERDF, JTI, EIT)
MULTILATERAL
POLICY LEVEL
(UN, OECD) (E .G.
UNIDO (BIOTECH
FUND FLANDERS),
FLANDERS
UNESCO SCIENCE
TRUST FUND)
INTERGOVERNMENTAL AND
INTERNATIONAL
COOPER ATION
( EUREK A , COST,
EMBL , ETC . )
BIL ATER AL
COOPER ATION
INTERREGIONAL
NET WORKS
FLEMISH POLICY
LEVEL
Flemish
Parliament (VP):
Parliament Acts
Flemish Government (VR):
Parliament acts, decisions,
government agreement, Flanders
in Action (ViA), Pact 2020
POLICY ORGANISATIONS:
DEPARTMENTS,
PUBLIC
INSTITUTIONS,
ADVISORY BODIES
EWI department
Education
and Training
department
Other
departments
of the Flemish
government
VRWI advisory
body (to VP and
VR)
IST advisory
body (to VP)
Public academic
institutes
(KVAB, KAGB,
KANTL, STV)
POLICY
ORGANISATIONS:
IMPLEMENTING
AGENCIES
IWT
(innovation support)
FWO
(fundamental
research)
Hercules
(research
infrastructure)
PMV
(guarantees,
loans)
AO & other
agencies
( SEMI )-PUBLIC
ORGANISATIONS:
RESE ARCH AND
INNOVATION
ACTORS
4 strategic
research centres
(PROs) (IMEC,
VIB, VITO, IBBT)
2 PROs startingup (CMI, SIM)
4 scientific
institutes
(INBO, ILVO,
KMSKA, VIOE)
Other knowledge
institutes:
(ITM, VLIZ,
NERF, MIP2,
UAMS, Vlerick
School, etc.)
6 Universities
22 University
colleges
[5 Associations]
14 Policy
Research
Centres
COLLECTIVE
RESE ARCH,
COOPER ATION
ORGANISATIONS
AND INNOVATION
NET WORKS
8 excellence
centres
(FMTC, VIL, Flanders Food, VIM,
Flanders InShape,
Flanders’ DRIVE,
Flanders’ Synergy,
Flanders’
PlasticVision)
VIS cooperation
projects
(VRI, VLI, VEI,
Leuven
DSP Valley,
VKC, Clusta,
VIGC, etc.)
Collective
Centres
(incl. De Groote
centres)
Financial
intermediaries
(e.g. GIMV, BAN
Vlaanderen,
Vinnof, Biotech
Fund)
Advisory networks: Flemish
Innovation Network (VIN), subRegional Technological Centres,
Europrogs, EEN
Vlaanderen,
Flanders DC
USERS AND
IMPLEMENTING
ENTITIES
Researcher (univer- Government
sity, university col- agency (OVAM,
lege, PRO, scientific VEA, etc.)
institute, knowledge
centre, company,
other etc.)
Project with
various partners
(as user or actor,
financial entity,
policy level, etc.)
Company,
non-profit entity,
etc.
Sector,
federation,
professional
organisation
Flemish minister(s)
Policy note, Policy letters, decisions,
(ad hoc) initiatives, VRWB advice on
6 clusters
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3.2.1
Policy advice
3.2.1.1
Flemish Science and Innovation Policy Council (VRWI)
The VRWI is the advisory body of the Flemish Government and Flemish Parliament for science and innovation policy. Established by an Act of the Flemish Parliament on 30 April 2009, it is the successor of the VRWB, Flemish Science Policy
Council. The Flemish Government is obliged to ask for its advice on:
the preliminary drafts of parliamentary acts concerning science and innovation policy;
the draft decisions of the Flemish Government that concern science and innovation policy and that are of strategic importance.
Furthermore the VRWI can, on its own initiative or by request, give advice, make
recommendations, conduct surveys and generally provide contributions on matters related to STI policy. The Flemish Government can authorise the VRWI to represent Flanders in federal or international advisory bodies.
3.2.1.2
Institute Society and Technology (IST)
The IST (Instituut Samenleving en Technologie) is an independent and autonomous institution, linked to the Flemish Parliament. It investigates the societal
aspects of scientific and technological developments. This is done on the basis of
study and analysis, by structuring and stimulating the social debate, by observing
scientific and technological developments at home and abroad, by conducting prospective research into these developments, by informing its target groups, and by
advising the Flemish Parliament based upon these activities.
3.2.2
Government departments
3.2.2.1
The Department of Economy, Science and Innovation (EWI)
The EWI (Economie, Wetenschap en Innovatie) Department of the Flemish government manages policy-making in the field of STI. The department was established in 2006 in a major administrative reform, entitled BBB (‘Better Governing’),
of the Flemish public authority. Previously the competencies and activities of the
EWI were divided between two distinct departments. Through the merger, the
Flemish Government emphasised the interlinkage between economy and entrepreneurship on the one hand, and scientific research and innovation, on the other.
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Similar to all other Flemish policy areas, the EWI policy area consists of a policypreparation department and several policy-executing agencies.
The role of the EWI department is to prepare, monitor, and evaluate public policy
in the field of economic support (including entrepreneurship), science and innovation, to contribute to more wealth and well-being in Flanders. Thereto, it aims at
stimulating:
excellent scientific research;
an attractive and sustainable business climate;
a creative, innovative and entrepreneurial society.
More specifically, the EWI department:
prepares all legislative initiatives in the field of science, research and innovation;
promotes close co-operation between research institutions, HEIs and companies;
promotes a positive image of STI through an annual action plan;
prepares multi-annual management agreements with a number of organisations, such as the Flemish strategic research centres, the FWO, or the Flanders
Marine Institute (VLIZ);
evaluates policy instruments and organisations that receive governmental
support;
coordinates on all STI topics within and outside the Flemish Government;
holds the responsibility for the direct implementation of a few policy instruments, examples of these being the interface services, the IOF (Industrial Development Fund), the Steunpunten (policy research centres) or the PWO (projectbased scientific research conducted at university colleges).
Since 1993 and the devolution of competence for international affairs, a substantial
effort has been made towards the internationalisation of STI policy. For instance,
the department plays a leading role in the preparation and follow-up of policy initiatives at bilateral (regional or country), EU, interregional, or international (OECD,
UN) policy levels. In particular, there is a focus on an active involvement in the EU’s
research and innovation policies, through:
the preparation of decisions within the EU Competitiveness Council (Industrial Policy and Research subgroups);
the EU’s FP7: preparation of the themes in the programme, programme committee members, involvement in ERA-Nets, OMC-networks, and support actions;
the EU’s CIP: coordinator for Flanders for the three thematic pillars;
the preparation of ERAC and EPG meetings at which the EU’s respective research and innovation policy is being prepared;
contributions to reports and consultations at EU level on economy, entrepreneurship, science and innovation. Examples are the Flemish and Federal National Reforms Plans and annual follow-up reports in response to the Lisbon
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Strategy / EU 2020 Strategy, the EU Trendchart on Innovation, the EU Innovation Action Plan, or several thematic or specific questionnaires and peer reviews of university research or PROs;
the participation in ERDF networks related to R&D and innovation;
the participation of Flemish institutes and companies in COST.
Apart from the EU level, the department holds numerous representation functions
linked to preparation and follow-up policy-making and activities of multilateral
organisations. For the OECD this involves the CSTP (Committee on Science and
Technological Innovation Policy), the TIP (Technology and Innovation Policy), the
NESTI (National Experts on Science and Technology Indicators) group, and the
thematic subgroups such as on ICT, biotechnology, researchers’ mobility, etc.
At UN level, the EWI department manages the Flanders’ UNESCO Science Trust
Fund (FUST), and supports specific initiatives such as UNIDO in the field of biotechnology, or the IODE in the area of marine sciences.
3.2.3
Other bodies of public interest in the field
of science and innovation
A number of long-standing public institutes related to science policy, in a more academic context, exist as well. These institutes play a promotional or advisory role
and are not directly involved in policy-making.
The Koninklijke Vlaamse Academie van België voor Wetenschappen en Kunsten
(KVAB, Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium for Sciences and Arts) was originally
established in 1772 by the Austrian empress Maria Theresia, and is an independent learned society for the practice and promotion of science and arts in Flanders.
To achieve this goal the Academy organises an array of scientific and cultural activities. Also it encourages the collaboration between the Flemish universities, it
delegates representatives to international organisations and discussion meetings
(contact-forums) and it attracts foreign scholars to develop research activities. The
KVAB advises on matters of social importance on behalf of the government, industry, educational establishments and research centres and finally the Academy
awards prizes to talented and promising researchers and artists. It is structured in
four scientific fields: nature sciences, human sciences, arts and technical sciences.
A related institution of the Flemish Community is the Koninklijke Academie voor
Geneeskunde van België (KAGB, Royal Academy for Medicine of Belgium), active
in the field of medicine, pharmacy, animal medicine, and related sciences. It aims
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3 . FLEMISH SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION POLICY
to promote scientific research through the award of scientific prizes, organise lectures and meetings, and scientific publications. Moreover, it provides advice to the
Flemish and Federal Governments scientific practice, education and training, and
professional practice in the health field.
The Koninklijke Academie voor Nederlands Taal- en letterkunde (KANTL, Royal
Academy for Dutch Language and Literature) was established in 1886 and promotes Flemish culture and literature, on the one hand, and research on the Dutch
language, culture and literature on the other.
The Stichting Technologie Vlaanderen (STV, Flemish Foundation for Technology Assessment) – Stichting Innovatie en Arbeid (Foundation Innovation and Work) is part
of the SERV (Sociaal-Economische Raad van Vlaanderen, Flanders Social and Economic Council) and a knowledge centre in the field of organisational and technological changes related to employment. It conducts policy-related research for the Flemish
employers’ and unions’ associations and advises the Flemish Government.
The Vlaamse Academische Stem (VLAST, Flemish Academic Centre for Science
and the Arts) is a non-profit organisation supported by both the KVAB and the
KANTL. It promotes science and culture in Flanders through lectures and congresses, awarding prizes, etc.
3.2.4
Implementing agencies
Whereas the Flemish Government’s departments prepare, monitor and evaluate
public policy, a number of agencies are charged with the implementation of policy
decisions. In the STI field, there are four agencies, aimed at different target groups:
IWT industrial R&D and innovation support
FWO Research Foundation Flanders
Hercules Research infrastructure
PMV Flanders Holding Company.
3.2.4.1
Agency for Innovation by Science and Technology (IWT)
IWT (Agentschap voor Innovatie door Wetenschap en Technologie) 35 is the onestop-shop for all industrial R&D and innovation support in Flanders. The agency
was setup in 1991 by the Flemish Government and assists companies, research centres and knowledge centres in realizing their research and development projects, by
35.
www.iwt.be
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3 . 2 ACTORS AND INSTRUMENTS OF THE FLEMISH STI POLICY
offering funding, advice and a network of potential partners in Flanders and abroad.
More specifically, it encourages innovation through:
Funding: financing innovative projects of companies, research centres, collective research initiatives, organisations and individuals through assignments
set by the Flemish Government;
Advice and services: support to all Flemish companies and research centres by
helping these during their applications, or providing technological advice during their innovative projects;
Co-ordination and networking: stimulating cooperation by bringing innovative companies and research centres in contact with Flemish intermediate organisations that stimulate innovation. To this end, IWT established the Flemish Innovation Network (VIN 36);
Policy development: supporting the Flemish Government in its innovation
policy, e.g. by studying the effectiveness of the Flemish innovation initiatives.
IWT supports all types of innovators in Flanders:
Companies that are actively innovating, from small start-ups to multinationals
with a branch in Flanders. Specific attention is paid to SMEs, whilst partnerships of companies and knowledge centres (e.g. excellence centres, innovative
co-operation networks or clusters) are also eligible for innovation support;
Individual researchers and research centres: can apply to IWT for the appropriate support and receive funding, advice and contacts with potential partners for
innovative scientific research, applied research and technology transfer;
Organisations: financial support to various types of organisations (e.g. collective research centres) that stimulate innovation in Flanders. IWT also unites
these organisations via the VIN to facilitate active support of innovation.
Annually, the Flemish Government provides IWT with a budget to finance R&D by
and for businesses; in 2008 IWT disbursed €297m to innovative projects in Flanders.
BOX 14 R&D business support (2 types: industrial R&D projects and R&D feasibility studies)
About 30% of the IWT’s direct
financial support measures are
R&D and innovation grants for
individual companies. This is
allocated via the industrial R&D
projects funding programme.
It provides direct support to
companies for research and
development projects initiated
with the purpose of developing
innovative solutions. Innovation
means that the projects must result
36.
www.innovatienetwerk.be
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in new knowledge that has
practical applications leading to
the creation of economic added
value and possibly other benefits
for Flemish society.
All types of companies, SMEs
included, are eligible for R&D
funding, including for nontechnological innovation, and it is
possible to submit a proposal with
other companies or research
institutes. Type 1 are industrial
R&D projects with a budget per
project of 100,000 to
5,000,000 euro, running for upto
three years; type 2 are R&D
feasibility studies with a maximum
of 50,000 euro per project, over a
maximum period of one year. In
both cases, additional support is
possible depending certain criteria.
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3 . FLEMISH SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION POLICY
BOX 15 Post-doctoral Research Fellowships (OZM)
A research fellowship of IWT is
aimed at assisting top researchers
to make an important contribution
to the commercialisation of
scientific research in companies.
The research fellow is guided by a
scientific and an industrial
promoter. There are three types of
research fellowships:
TYPE 1 : aimed at preparing
a spin-off;
TYPE 2 : aimed at the transfer
and implementation of research
results from a research
institute towards a company
(incl. spin-offs). The OZM
activities mainly take place
within a company of the
industrial promoter;
TYPE 3 : the commercialisation
or the preparation to
commercialise (or to
implement) research results
from a research institute.
The first two types are oriented
towards commercialisation of
research results and in addition
aim to improve mobility of the
researcher, out of their university or
PRO. Type 3 focuses on extending
research with a potential for
industrial or social applications in
Flanders
The agency applies a bottom-up approach: subsidies and advice are attributed to initiatives proposed by the actors themselves and any project including a technological innovation component is eligible for funding. Apart from direct financial support
through a wide range of different support measures, the policy mix of IWT also consists of various forms of indirect support and services (advice, technology scans, partner search, networking). There exist relatively few thematic Flemish research programmes and support is to a large extent awarded through generic initiatives.
Overall, R&D and innovation support to businesses and knowledge centres in
Flanders is provided through three main categories: R&D projects (aimed at large
companies and SMEs); individual researchers and knowledge centres; co-operative
innovation initiatives. FIGURE 16 provides an overview of the different support
measures based on this categorisation.
BOX 16 Strategic Basic Research (SBO)
The aim of the SBO (Strategisch
BasisOnderzoek) programme is to
contribute to new ideas and
concepts that can become the
basis for a new generation of
products, processes or services.
SBO provides 100% funding of
research by a PRO. Companies
can also participate in the
implementation of a project. These
projects are supported according
to the criteria of the R&D business
support measure. The SBO
programme covers on the one
hand an economic part, whereby
the final objective is
commercialisation. The results of
these projects are transferred to
companies. On the other hand, it
also includes a part whereby the
final aim is societal use. In the
latter case it is possible to receive
a maximum of 100,000 euro for a
preliminary phase: for setting up a
consortium and users’ group and to
jointly define the project. Annually
the IWT supports 15 to 20 projects
and approximately 10 preliminary
phases of SBO, and approximately
2/3 of the supported projects have
an economic aim and 1/3 a
societal aim.
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BOX 17 VIS: Co-operative Innovation Networks
An important tool of IWT to support
(collective) research and
cooperation in innovation is the VIS
(Vlaamse Innovatiesamenwerkingsverbanden) programme. Approved
by the Flemish Government in
2002, VIS includes both direct
funding and various types of advice
or guidance. The VIS scheme
consists of six project types and
two programme types (see
FIGURE 15 ) with each type focusing
on support either for advice/
guidance or for cooperation. The
support provided by the VIS
scheme covers a broad variety of
possibilities through funding for
three types of activity:
collective research (VIS
co-operation projects,
excellence centres, collective
research projects);
technology advice (TD);
stimulation of technological
innovation by theme (TIS) of
sub-regionally (RIS)
For instance, through the VIS-RIS,
IWT has set up innovation centres
in the provinces of Flanders to
inform, stimulate and guide
businesses on innovation matters
(www.innovatiecentrum.be).
Support for a research project in a
collective research centre is
available through the VIS-CO
projects. In the elaboration of such
project, a combination of funding
exists from public and private
sources. Further information on
collective research, and on the
excellence centres and VIS
co-operation projects in different
industries, is provided in 3.2.5.4.
FIGURE 15 VIS project and programme types
PROJECT
PROGR AMME
CO: Collective research
VIS Competentiepolen (Excellence centres)
TIS: Thematic Innovation Stimulation
VIS Proeftuinen (Testing grounds)
TD: Technological advice
RIS: Sub-regional innovation stimulation
VIS feasibility studies
VIS Co-operation projects
IW T acts as a one-stop shop for companies and research centres to access innovation funding in Flanders and at EU level. It provides access to Flemish support and
funding programmes and to the various EU funding programmes and initiatives
(FP7, CIP, ERDF). It is the NCP for Flanders for supporting applications to thematic programmes within FP7, ERA-nets, INNO-nets, EUREKA, Joint Technology Initiatives (JTIs), or Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) 37.
37.
see: www.europrogs.be
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FIGURE 16 Innovation support in Flanders by type
R & D BUSINESS PROJECTS
KNOWLEDGE CENTRES &
INDIVIDUAL RESE ARCHERS
COLLECTIVE RESE ARCH &
R & D AND INNOVATION
COLL ABOR ATION
ADVICE AND GUIDANCE
FOR R & D AND INNOVATION
O&O bedrijfssteun (R&D
business support; 2 types:
industrial R&D projects
R&D feasibility studies)
Strategisch
Basisonderzoek (SBO,
Strategic Basic Research)
VIS-Collectieve
Onderzoeksprojecten
(VIS-CO, Collective
research projects)
Vlaams Innovatie-netwerk
(VIN, Flemish Innovation
Network)
KMO Programma (SME
Programme; 2 types:
SME innovation projects
SME feasibility studies)
Strategische onderzoeksbeurzen (SB, Post-graduate strategic research
Grants)
VIS-Thematische
Innovatiestimulering
(VIS-TIS, Thematic
Innovation Stimulation)
VIS-Regionale Innovatiecentra
(VIS-RIS, sub-regional
innovation centres)
Onderzoeksmandaten
(OZM, Post-doctoral
Research Fellowships)
VIS- Samenwerkingsprojecten (Co-operation
projects)
VIS- Technologische
dienst verlening (VIS-TD,
technological advice)
Toegepast Biomedisch
Onderzoek (TBM, Applied
Biomedical Research)
VIS-Competentiepolen
(Excellence centres)
VIS- Haalbaarheidsstudies
(feasibility studies)
Programma Landbouwkundig Onderzoek (LO,
Agriculture Research
Programme)
VIS-Proeftuinen
(Testing grounds)
Innovatief aanbesteden
(IA, Innovative Public
Procurement)
Programma Innovatieve
Media (PIM, Innovative
Media Programme)
TETRA Fund
NCP (National Contact
Point for
the EU FP on RTD)
Baekeland Fellowships
Other (e.g. participation in
Eureka, Innovation vouchers, cross-border (bilateral)
co-operation)
E.E.N. (Enterprise Europe
Network, includes the
ex-IRC network
Vlaanderen)
Moreover, through the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) 38 , IWT stimulates international collaboration by bringing Flemish companies and research centres in
contact with foreign partners and assisting them in penetrating new markets for
their technology transfer projects.
IWT also shares best practices with other European agencies and is involved in
various international networks and actions. It is for example, a member of the Association for Technology Implementation in Europe (TAFTIE) 39 , which fosters an
exchange of best practice between 18 government agencies supporting innovation
in Europe.
38.
39.
see www.vlaanderen.be/enterprise-europe-network
see www.taftie.org
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3.2.4.2
Research Foundation Flanders (FWO)
The main mission of the F WO (Fonds voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek
Vlaanderen) 40 is to deepen knowledge about humans and their environment
through funding basic research that extends the boundaries of knowledge carried
out in universities and in affiliated research and knowledge institutes. The F WO
supports and stimulates basic research through scientific inter-university competition in order to increase the existing stock of knowledge and state-of-the-art
research in all disciplines. It is the basis for new knowledge contributing to building up goal-oriented, applied, technological and strategic research. Researchers
can apply for support from the F WO through a broad range of funding instruments (see FIGURE 17), providing they are affiliated to a university of the Flemish
Community.
FIGURE 17 FWO support types
INDIVIDUAL
RESE ARCHERS
RESE ARCH PROJECTS
(CONDUCTED WITHIN
RESE ARCH TE AMS )
SCIENTIFIC MOBILIT Y
( BOTH NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL)
doctoral thesis
Ph.D. grants
Special Ph.D. grants
Clinical Ph.D. grants
young researchers
(at the start of their
academic career)
establishing scientific research networks
(to promote co-ordination, national and
international contacts at postdoctoral level)
postdoctoral fellowships for Ph.D.
(aimed to reach an internationally
recognised level)
supplying personnel,
equipment and operational
expenditures
(to support top priority
research proposals)
attracting junior and senior visiting
postdoctoral fellowships
(to join a FWO research project or network
and bring in extra expertise)
Half-time research grants for senior
clinical researchers
(aimed to stimulate postdoctoral
experienced clinicians)
providing grants
(for organising international congresses
in Belgium, international congresses,
and for study and training periods abroad)
bilateral agreements and participation
in international corporate projects
sabbatical and mobility allowances
(for FWO-postdoctoral fellows)
The two main instruments of the FWO are support to individual fellowships (Ph.D.
fellowships, postdoctoral fellowships, etc.) and to research projects. Furthermore,
extensive means are available for international cooperation and mobility. The FWO
40.
see www.fwo.be
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also awards scientific prizes to distinguished researchers, often in collaboration
with private companies. In 2008, the FWO had a budget of €183m, of which, almost 80% came from the Flemish Government, around 14% was generated by Federal fiscal measures and 6% were federal grants. The funding allocated to the two
main types of support were divided as follows: approximately 1,500 fellowships
received in total €80.6m, whilst total support for research projects was €82.5m.
In addition to the FWO funding, the EWI department provides additional support
to researchers, notably €11.2m spent via the Odysseus programme on ‘brain gain’,
which is managed by FWO (see BOX 18 ).
A system of peer review by the scientific community is used to assess all applications
and scientific activity reports. To this end, the FWO puts together scientific committees including top researchers from Belgium and abroad. The FWO’s scientific
committees, called ‘FWO Experts panels’, are crucial to ensuring the excellence of
FWO funded activities. FWO now has 29 specialised committees and one interdisciplinary committee, which cover all Flemish scientific research disciplines.
FWO actively stimulates international cooperation and promotes scientific mobility. Flemish researchers are offered numerous funding schemes for financing short
or long-term stays abroad and research teams are offered logistic and institutional
support in their collaboration with colleagues abroad. The latter is often necessary
to participate in major international projects or to co-ordinate research networks
or platforms. Foreign researchers can apply for a visiting postdoctoral fellowship to
undertake research at a university of the Flemish Community. In 2008, €7.4m was
spent on various initiatives related to the internationalisation of research: scientific research networks, visiting postdoctoral fellowships, sabbatical leaves, travel
grants (attendance of congresses/short stays abroad /BHIR fellowships), long stays
abroad, organisation of congresses in Belgium, co-ordination of research actions,
mobility allowance for FWO-postdocs, and international co-operation (ESF, CECAM, ERCIM, etc).
FWO also works together with its European and international sister organisations
in various networks and with European research organisations or similar institutes, for instance the European Science Foundation, or similar organisations and
EUROHORCs, DUBBLE at ESRF, CECAM, EUPRO, ECT, etc. Agreements for bilateral research cooperation were concluded with several countries, in order to enhance international collaboration in specific domains.
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BOX 18 Odysseus, a Flemish brain gain programme
In 2006, the Flemish Government
established ‘Odysseus’, a so-called
‘brain-gain’ programme. It aims to
attract Flemish and other top
researchers (back) to universities
of the Flemish Community. The
initiative offers a limited number of
excellent researchers who have
built up a career outside Flanders
an initial budget to set up a
research group at a Flemish
university or establish a research
road-map and integrate
progressively into the Flemish
research area.
Programme management and
organisation of calls for proposals
is undertaken by the FWO; while
the selection of candidates and
promotion of the Odysseus
programme towards scientists
worldwide is assured by the six
Flemish universities (K.U.Leuven,
UGent, UA, UHasselt, VUB,
KUBrussel) who submit
applications to the FWO for
funding of the beneficiary
researchers. The selection is made
by an international,
multidisciplinary, jury
complemented with ‘peer
researchers’ depending on
the scientific discipline.
Support is provided for a 5-year
period for an amount of:
1. between €2m-€7.5m to top
researchers:
who are internationally
recognised and occupy a
position at a foreign university;
who lead a research group with
a staff of several postdoctoral
researchers and a number of
doctorate students.
2. between €0.5m-€1m to
researchers with:
the potential to evolve towards
an internationally prominent
status;
a minimum experience of
three-year of postdoctoral
fellowships.
There is no pre-defined allocation
between the two categories of the
Odysseus programme.
See: http://www.fwo.be/en/
FWOAppOdysseus.aspx
3.2.4.3
Hercules Foundation
The Hercules Foundation (Hercules Stichting) 41 was set up by the Flemish Government in 2007 with the aim to fund medium-scale and large-scale research infrastructure. The infrastructure serves for cutting-edge-driven and strategic basic
research in all scientific disciplines including the humanities and the social science.
The Hercules Foundation organises calls for applications and assesses project proposals. Application may be submitted for either:
medium-scale infrastructure: proposals submitted by HEIs;
Large-scale infrastructure: proposals submitted by HEIs and a number of other knowledge institutes: the Flemish strategic research organisations (IMEC,
VIB, VITO, IBBT), the ITM (tropical medicine), the UAMS (University Antwerp Management School) and the Vlerick Leuven Ghent Management School.
The Flemish Government funds 70% to 90% of the costs of the investment; if a
third party is part of the consortium, 100% of the costs can be funded. ‘Third parties’ are private and public bodies (such as companies or other organisations) not
necessarily established in Flanders.
41.
See www.herculesstichting.be/in_English/index.php
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Apart from the acquisition of research infrastructure itself, a maximum of 15%
of the subsidy can be used to fund costs for necessary modifications to buildings,
inter-connection and maintenance costs, and staff responsible for the continual
maintenance and operation of the research infrastructure.
The Hercules mechanism distinguishes between medium-scale and large-scale research infrastructures;
Medium-scale research infrastructure is composed of 2 types investment initiatives:
Hercules 1: total funding cost between 150,000 euro and 600,000 euro;
Hercules 2: cost between 600,000 euro and €1.5m.
Hercules 3: large-scale research infrastructure, involving projects with budget
in excess of €1.5m.
To date, Hercules’ funding has been disbursed on a ratio of two-thirds to mediumscale equipment and one-third to large-scale equipment.
3.2.4.4
PMV – Flanders Holding Company
PMV (Participatiemaatschappij Vlaanderen) 42 provides financial leverage to projects
that are important for the future of Flanders, acting as an ‘entrepreneur’ and as a facilitator. It supports investment projects that strengthen the structure of the Flemish
economy and fit the government’s economic policy objectives.
The organisation creates, structures and manages co-operation with private partners. It intervenes where there is evidence of market failure and where the Flemish
Government would welcome participation of the private sector in a specific domain. Its goals are to support innovative starters, facilitate growth of Flemish companies, stimulate ‘spearhead’ sectors, support specific sectors and solve temporary
liquidity problems of creditworthy companies. To this end, it has developed a range
of instruments from the pre-start phase to the international growth phase.
PMV invests in companies, projects and sustainable development. PMV’s activities
mainly consist of three pillars: risk capital, loans and mezzanine finance. PMV has developed a wide range of instruments aimed at different purposes as well as on various
target groups. Innovative companies are eligible for support through these instruments; while, complementary incubation support is managed through IWT.
42.
see www.pmv.be
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FIGURE 18 PMV risk capital and investment instruments
AIM
T YPE OF SUPPORT
Support
to innovative
starters
Participations and mezzanine
Vinnof
Management and allocate fiscal
ARKimedes
Investing in funds
stimuli
Stimulate
spearhead
sectors
INSTRUMENT
Participations
Investing in funds
PMV- Innovation Mezzanine
Win-Win loan
Direct participations
Vinnof
Cleantech fund, InVita, Aescap,
Vesalius
Whereas ARKimedes (ARK = Activating risk-capital), win-win loan, and PMV
Mezzanine provide funding to a range of types of companies, the ‘Vlaams Innovatiefonds’ (Vinnof, Flemish Innovation Fund) is specifically oriented towards innovative starters. It provides risk capital for the early stage of a company, with the
expectation that entrepreneurs will find it easier to call upon private investors in
later phases. The maximum amount per company is €1.5m, and all companies created for no more than six years can apply for support. The fund invests in companies
for a limited period and aims to ensure a financial return on its investment. Vinnof
invests seed capital during three stages: pre-start, start and initial growth. It does
so through:
a capital participation, possibly complemented with a subordinated loan;
a hybrid intermediate form (convertible loan, loan with warrants, etc.).
PMV also invests in specific thematic funds after a market study and ensures an active follow-up. It has set-up a Cleantech investment vehicle, CIV that co-invests in
Flemish companies; and has invested €15m into the Capricorn Cleantech Fund, the
largest European risk capital fund for clean technology (+€100m). Aside from its
existing investments in life sciences, PMV is allocating extra resources to act as a coinvestor, jointly with Vesalius Biocapital, Aescap Venture, or other life science investors, via its subsidiary company InVita. Finally, PMV closely monitors three sectors important for renewable energy: wind energy, biomass-energy, solar energy.
3.2.4.5
Enterprise Flanders – AO
Enterprise Flanders (Agentschap Ondernemen, AO) 43 is an agency, within the EWI
policy domain, that implements business development policy and serves as a onestop-shop for entrepreneurs. It began activities on 1 April 2009 following a merger
of the Flanders Enterprise Agency (VLAO) with the Economy Agency (AE). Hence,
43.
see www.agentschapondernemen.be
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AO offers the advisory services previously provided by VLAO and also manages the
business support instruments previously run by AE. Support is provided through
a number of instruments, such as strategic investment and training projects, the
ecology subsidy, business centres and transit buildings, brownfields, mentoring
projects, the bridge projects for collaboration between education and business, or
the SME entrepreneurship portfolio (SME e-wallet). Through the latter, advice to
SMEs about entrepreneurship, innovation, and internationalisation is combined in
a single policy instrument and SMEs with operations in the Flemish Region can
receive electronic support in the areas of training, advice, technology scouting, and
export advice. Other initiatives are the call for entrepreneurship projects, which are
part of the Entrepreneurship Action Plan, and the Action Plan for Entrepreneurship Education.
3.2.5
Innovation intermediaries
A number of intermediaries and co-operation networks exist that are active between on the one hand the government agencies that offer instruments and budgets aimed at innovation, and on the other hand the companies and industries that
conduct research and innovate.
3.2.5.1
Infrastructure: science parks and incubators
In Flanders, several science parks, research parks and incubators offer facilities
for research-based young companies and innovative enterprises. Often these are
spin-off companies from a university or a PRO and located close to the knowledge
centre, and in some cases an incubator is specifically oriented towards a particular
scientific area. These are ideal sites for high-tech, R&D-intensive start-up firms,
often co-operating with university laboratories. An example is the Ardoyen science
park, which is part of the Zwijnaarde technology park (near Ghent). It hosts the incubation and innovation centre of Ghent university (UGent) and the bio-incubator
of the VIB (biotechnology) 44 , hence the majority of its 40 companies are spin-offs
from UGent and start-ups of the VIB. Leuven hosts the science park Arenberg45 ,
with several actors related to the K.U.Leuven and IMEC, and the Haasrode Business and Research Park 46 . The Flemish Government supports these science parks
and incubators through both regulatory and financial means, mainly through the
IWT and AO.
44.
45.
46.
See www.bio-incubator.be and www.vib.be/TechTransfer/EN/VIB+bio-incubators/Locations
See www.wetenschapspark-arenberg.be
See www.haasrode.com
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3.2.5.2
Financial intermediaries
BAN Vlaanderen47, the business angels network in Flanders, is a platform in which
starting or growing entrepreneurs seeking risk capital are matched with informal
private investors, so-called ‘Business Angels’. The latter offer not only money but
also their own know-how, experience and contacts. BAN Vlaanderen is a market
place where demand and supply meet, rather than an investment fund.
GIMV (Flanders Investment Company) 48 is Belgium’s most important private equity and venture capital provider and a major European and international market
player. The company has 30 years of investment experience and is listed on Euronext Brussels. Both in Belgium and abroad, Gimv makes venture capital investments
in promising high-tech companies. It also focuses on buyouts and growth financing, to support companies’ development and growth. Currently, Gimv manages a
portfolio representing around €1.7 billion of assets (including third party funds).
The Biotech Fund Flanders was founded in 1994 and, at that time, was structured
as a venture capital fund that co-invested with GIMV in businesses active in the
life sciences sector. Due to the depressed situation in the financial markets, a large
number of bio-tech enterprises (start-ups, growth businesses, and exchange-listed
companies) experienced severe problems in arranging adequate financing, particularly as bio-tech is a capital-intensive sector with extended investment cycles (1015 years). For that reason, the decision was taken to extend the investment and realisation terms by six years until respectively 2015 and 2020. As a result, the Biotech
Fund is able to stimulate new long-term investments in the bio-tech growth sector.
3.2.5.3
Innovative networks
Collaboration is an important aspect of the Flemish innovation policy. It enables
companies and knowledge centres to develop their internal know-how and to
tackle common technological issues efficiently by using a shared platform for demand and supply of R&D and innovative matters. IWT has established the VIN
network (Flemish Innovation Network) in which a wide variety of intermediaries
and knowledge centres in the field of innovation are involved. Almost 1000 people
from 175 intermediate organisations offer a wide variety of expertise and information to support innovation. Each province in Flanders hosts an innovation centre
where experts provide specialised and personalised advice to any company. Apart
from advice, IWT also offers information on public calls, networks or initiatives
related to innovation.
47.
48.
See www.ban.be
See www.gimv.com
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In 2004, the Flemish Government founded Flanders District of Creativity (Flanders DC) 49 . This is a non-profit independent association that promotes entrepreneurial creativity throughout the region in order to make Flanders a more creative,
more prosperous and more ambitious place to live and work. Apart from stimulating and promoting creativity and innovation, Flanders DC has also established a
knowledge centre that conducts studies on the topics of innovation, entrepreneurship and internationalisation.
3.2.5.4
Collective research in Flanders: Excellence centres, co-operation
projects, collective research projects, and collective centres
Other innovative networks involving various knowledge actors and industry (often businesses belonging to a specific sector) are supported through the VIS measure; including excellence centres, VIS co-operation projects and collective research
centres.
Since 2000, the Flemish Government has supported a number of excellence centres
(‘Excellentiepolen’), also called competence centres/poles (‘Compentiepolen’).
These organisations are primarily oriented towards the structuring of and cooperation amongst actors of a specific industrial sector with relevant research and innovation potential at Flemish level. Within the excellence centres, industrial partners
co-operate with PROs, universities, professional organisations, etc. Excellence
centres are supported through result-oriented contracts (usually for four years)
under the VIS-scheme. The main activities are knowledge creation and knowledge
diffusion, with the focal point of the activities varying case by case. The organisational model is dynamic and bottom-up and the activities are focused on a large
group of companies (collective character).
The initiatives 50 , which are examples of the ‘Triple Helix’ principle, are:
Flanders’ DRIVE (automotives industry);
VIL (logistics – Flemish Institute for Logistics);
FMTC (Flanders’ Mechatronics Technology Centre);
Flanders’ Food (food industry);
FLAMAC (Flanders Materials Centre);
VIM (mobility – Flemish Institute for Mobility);
Flanders InShape (product development and industrial design);
Flanders’ Synergy (innovative labour organisation);
Flanders’ PlasticVision (plastic processing industry).
49.
50.
see: www.flandersdc.be
www.iwt.be/overzicht-van-competentiepolen
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In 2010, a total of about €16.6m was allocated in the budget to support the centres.
They are a programme type of the VIS scheme and have a broader scale of activities,
a deeper integration, and more critical mass than the individual VIS co-operation
projects or the VIS collective research projects (see below).
Another scheme to stimulate innovation collaboration with industry actors are VIS
co-operation projects. These are aimed at co-operation between innovation actors
that already receive support. In practice, some of these projects or organisations
have existed since the 1990s, under the concept of ‘cluster’. After the launch of the
VIS-scheme in 2002, the terms and conditions for their funding were modified.
Examples are the knowledge centres Leuven DSP Valley (digital processing), VKC
(plastics centre), VEI (electro innovation centre), Clusta (steel plating), VRI (space
industry), VLI (aerospace), VIGC (Graphic communication), etc.
The main goal of the VIS collective research projects is the creation, collection and
translation of knowledge that can be exploited in a later stage by a large group of companies (collective character). It aims at groups of SMEs/companies from all industries. The demand driven character, e.g. by a joint opportunity, challenge or interest,
is an important element in these projects. Next to the build up of knowledge, there is
also a focus on knowledge and technology transfer with and by the targeted companies. The research in this project is conducted on a collective basis by a research organisation. Such project can be applied for by a so-called VIS: a consortium of mainly
Flemish businesses; an organisation that can represent a group of companies (e.g. a
professional organisation); a collective centre that is recognised as a VIS; or a combination of these. All activities that contribute to the goal of the group of companies are
eligible (e.g. prototype-development, optimalisation of products/processes/services, validation of test results, etc.) as long as the project results can be applied by a
wide group of companies.
As noted in section 1.2, IWT has accredited a number of research centres under the
VIS scheme, some of which are collective centres. Their activities are: collective research; various services of scientific or technical character rendered individually to
their members; dissemination of technical information, training, etc. The centres
are:
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FIGURE 19 Collective research centres in Flanders
NAME
Belgian Institute for Wood Technology
and Training Centre Wood
LOCATION
Brussels
Belgian Welding Institute (BWI)
Brussels and Ghent (research centre)
Belgian Research Centre of the Cement
Industry (CRIC)
Brussels
Belgian Road Research Centre (BRRC)
Brussels, Sterrebeek (research centre)
Scientific and Technical Service Centre
for the Belgian Textile Industry (Centexbel)
Brussels and Zwijnaarde (research centre)
Belgian Building Research Institute (BBRI)
Zaventem (Sint-Stevens Woluwe)
and Heusden-Zolder
Scientific and Technological Research Centre
for Diamond
Lier
Collective Centre of the Belgian Technology
Industry (SIRRIS)
Brussels and Heverlee
3.2.5.5
Policy Research Centres
The Flemish Government launched in 2001 the policy research centres (Steunpunten) programme to provide a scientific basis for policy. In 2006, a new generation of 14 policy research centres (2007-2011) was approved. The focus of the policy research centres is both on problem-driven short-term research and on fundamental long-term basic research on themes that the Flemish government regards as
priorities and relevant to its policy. The task further includes the transfer of knowledge, the provision of scientific services, the building up of collections of data, the
unlocking of data sources and data analysis. The Flemish government selects the
themes on the basis of its policy priorities. It assesses research group candidacies by
using scientific, policy-relevant and management-oriented criteria. On the basis of
this judgement, a single candidate to become a policy research centre is accepted for
each theme. The management contract sets basic rules and procedures for the running of the policy research centre, plus a long-term plan that states obligations as to
the content of the research. The 14 centres include one on R&D Indicators, which,
for instance, calculates the Flemish progress towards the 3% Barcelona target.
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3.3
Main research and innovation performers
Aside from the business sector, R&D is mainly conducted by two kinds of actors:
The six universities of the Flemish Community: the Katholieke Universiteit
Leuven (K.U.Leuven), Universiteit Gent (UGent), Universiteit Antwerpen
(UA), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universiteit Hasselt (UHasselt), and
the Hogeschool-Universiteit Brussel (HUB-KUBrussel);
the six PRO active in specific areas (IMEC, VIB, VITO, IBBT, SIM, CMI).
The other actors that either conduct or are involved in research and innovation
are some of the 22 university colleges, the excellence centres, VIS co-operation
projects, the four scientific institutes, the policy research centres, and organisations such as the ITM, VLIZ, NERF, MIP2, Vlerick School, UAMS, etc.
3.3.1
Higher education institutions
The universities represent the first pillar of the higher education system and play a
major role in Flemish R&D, representing almost 90% of all non-private scientific
output. In 2007, total expenditure on R&D in higher education (HERD) in Flanders, reached €739m, of which 15.6% was privately and 84.4% publicly funded.
All universities share a threefold mission of education, research and services to
society.
The K.U.Leuven is Belgium’s largest university and one of the world’s oldest, established in 1425. It has almost 35,000 students, including students from 120 countries, offers more than 60 international study programmes and a library of four
million volumes. K.U.Leuven has over 4,800 FTE researchers, carrying out more
than 4,000 externally funded research project. In total, it spent almost €300m in
2008 on R&D and it has 74 active and six newly established spin-off companies. In
terms of scientific output, K.U.Leuven ranks among the top 10 European universities (2009 data). Ghent University (UGent) has over 31,000 students with an important foreign student population of over 1,500 EU and 1,200 non-EU students.
It offers a broad range of study programmes in all branches, and several of its research groups enjoy world fame. In 2008 it spent almost €200 m on R&D (including funds of VIB, IMEC and IBBT), while the Brussels’ VUB spent €70 m on R&D.
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All information about on-going research of the six Flemish universities can be consulted via www.researchportal.be.
The other pillar of the Flemish higher education system consists of 22 ‘hogescholen’, or ‘university colleges’. These colleges provide higher education and advanced vocational training and increasingly their mission includes research, in
some cases in co-operation with a university 51, and services to society. Most of the
university colleges have concluded agreements with a Flemish university to become part of one of five so-called ‘associations’: an official cooperation agreement
between a university and one or more university colleges. University colleges that,
in an association with a university, offer programmes with academic orientation
are tending to embed their curricula in research more than in the past.
Only statutory registered universities and university colleges can use these designations 52 and receive government funding to support education and research activities. Apart from universities and university colleges, there are a few other institutions and a number of other officially registered institutions: Vlerick Leuven Gent
Management School, the Institute of Tropical Medicine (Antwerp), etc. Within the
higher education field there exist a number of advisory bodies 53 and notably the
VLIR (Flemish Interuniversity Council), which defends the interests of the universities, advises the Flemish government on university matters, and organise consultation between the universities.
The Flemish Ministry for Education and Training has the responsibility over and
funds the major share of scientific research at HEI. The implementation of the Bologna Declaration in Flanders was shaped by the 2003 Act of the Flemish Parliament
on Higher Education Reform, a 2004 Act on Participation, the 2004 Act on Flexible Learning Paths and finally, by the Act on the restructuring of higher education
in Flanders approved by the Flemish Parliament in April 2008. Public support for
universities can be categorised into three budgetary streams, namely a basic allowance, support granted on a competitive basis, and a variety of (project) sources.
51.
52.
53.
For a complete overview, see: www.ond.vlaanderen.be/onderwijsaanbod/ho/hogescholen/alle.asp
In Flanders, accreditation as a HEI requires a formal decision of the ‘Accreditation Organisation of the
Netherlands and Flanders’ (www.nvao.net) that a programme meets the predefined quality criteria.
The NVAO is an independent accreditation body established by an international treaty
Others include the VLHORA (Council of Flemish University Colleges) and VLOR (Strategic Advisory Council
for the education and training policy of Flanders).
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FIGURE 20 Funding of universities in Flanders
BASIC FUNDING ON A DIRECT AND
NON- COMPETITIVE BASIS
FUNDING FOR RESEARCH
ALLOCATED ON A COMPETITIVE BASIS
FUNDING THROUGH A VARIET Y OF
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SOURCES
Basic grant from the Flemish
Ministry of Education and Training
FWO, BOF, and IWT grants
Various Flemish, federal, European,
international public and private
sources
(± 800 million euro).
(± 340 million euro)
± 10s of millions of euros
Funding of staff and educational
and research infrastructure at
universities
Total operational subsidies for the
universities consist of the basic
grant, some additional operational
subsidies and other subsidies (for
real estate, financial burdens) and
grants to other similar institutes
Education and training represent
¾ while R&D represents ¼ of total
support
— FWO = competitive funding
of universities
— BOF, Special Research Fund
(fund managed by the Flemish
Ministry for Education and
Training) (= competition within
a university)
— Post-graduate strategic
research Grants (IWT)
— Post-doctoral Research
Fellowships (IWT)
— SBO (IWT)
Examples are:
— Flemish: Policy Research centres,
thematic support e.g. on aquaculture or clinical trials, research
infrastructure through Hercules,
the Odysseus programme, the
Baekeland grants, specialised IWT
programmes on agriculture or
biomedical research;
— Federal: IUAP; space research;
— Private: contract research with
companies or PROs possibly
through VIS or excellence centres;
— EU programmes such as FP7, CIP,
ERDF, JTIs, etc.
FWO and BOF mainly support academic (basic) research: FWO support is granted
based on competition between the different universities while BOF support is a targeted subsidy for basic research allocated on fixed critera and then granted based
on intra-university competition. IWT support serves industrial and strategic basic research and is granted on a competitive basis whereby applicants are evaluated
based on a number of criteria. In addition to FWO and BOF funding, the EWI policy domain provides extra support aimed at further strengthening academic working conditions and research excellence, e.g. via the tenure track system, extra ZAP
mandates, the Methusalem programme, access to large research infrastructure, etc.
In short, scientific research is conducted by a university, a university college, a PRO,
often jointly or in cooperation with a private company or a non-profit partner.
Flemish, federal, supranational and international actors can be involved in funding such research. Research in the energy field is a good example. This is conducted
by several Flemish universities, as well as by some PROs: IMEC (photo-voltaics),
VITO (energy efficiency, fossil fuels, bio-energy, geo-thermal energy, fuel cells,
intelligent electricity networks and energy storage), and IBBT (green ICT and interdisciplinary co-operative research for smart grids). Extra support for energy R&D
projects is provided via IWT. Moreover, a number of projects in the field of energy
technology receive support from diverse sources:
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GENERATIONS (three sub-projects):
Intelligent networks – Smart Grids; €41.9m in 2009-2014;
Infrastructure for photovoltaic research; €13.6m in 2009-2012;
Offshore wind research infrastructure; €6.2m in 2009-2014.
Photovoltaic (Flemish-Dutch cooperation) through IMEC;
Interreg IV A-project Hydrogen Region Flanders/South-Netherlands, a total
budget of €14.2m from EU, Flemish and Dutch public and private funding;
Interreg IV A-project ‘BioBase Europe’ with Ghent Bio-Energy Valley and BioPark
Terneuzen; €21.8m from EU, Flemish and Dutch public and private funding.
3.3.2
Strategic Research Centres
Flanders aims to be a front-runner in the European knowledge society and economy by continuing to build on and utilise its existing knowledge base and increase its
innovation potential. Apart from the universities, the leading Flemish research and
innovation actors are six strategic research centres (SOC, Strategische Onderzoekscentra) or PRO (public research organisations). Each of the centres is active in a specific research area:
the Interuniversity Micro Electronics Centre (IMEC): nanoelectronics and nanotechnology;
the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB): life sciences and biotechnology;
the Flemish Institute for Technical Research (VITO): energy, materials, remote
sensing and the environment;
the Interdisciplinary Institute for Broadband Technology (IBBT): broadband
research and ICT.
In 2010, two additional strategic research organisations have been set up: the Centre for Medical Innovation (CMI) and the Strategic Initiative on Materials (SIM). At
this stage, a feasibility study and a research and a business plan have been developed
for each centre.
The Flemish Government concludes multi-annual management agreements with
each of these institutes; under which they each have to fulfil a number of resultbased performance targets and in general strengthen the Flemish knowledge base
with an emphasis on the commercialisation of their research. In return they receive
an annual grant that varies between €23 and €45 million per institute, or nearly
€150m in total (2009). The research departments of each SOC develop a strategic plan to define their mission, long-term focus and main research questions to
address. The aim is to bring together companies, authorities, knowledge centres,
and non-profit organisations to join forces on research projects. At the end of each
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multi-annual management period, the SOC are subjected to an in-depth evaluation and peer review by the EWI department assisted by independent international
experts. Thereby, the performance of the targets of their strategic plan is assessed
with a focus on their activities related to research and scientific output (publications), technology transfer (patents, licensing agreements, start up companies, etc.)
and communication. Moreover, the impact on the Flemish research landscape is
analysed and the economic added value quantified.
3.3.2.1
IMEC: world-class research in nanotechnology and nanoelectronics
Nanotechnology deals with components of a magnitude of one nanometre (one
thousand-millionth of a metre), the scale of atoms and molecule. With the leading
state-of-the-art research centre IMEC 54 , Flanders has a world-renowned strategic research centre in nanoelectronics and nanotechnology. In fact, IMEC is the largest of
its kind in Europe employing 1,650 people from all over the world representing over
50 nationalities altogether. Apart from its main location in Leuven, IMEC has other
offices located in Belgium, the Netherlands, Taiwan, the US, China and Japan.
IMEC was launched, in 1984, as a non-profit organisation as a part of the Third Industrial Revolution Flanders initiative (DIRV) of the Flemish Government. Today
IMEC performs world class R&D in its clean room laboratories in the fields of nanoelectronics, nanotechnology, design methods and technologies for ICT systems.
The research is ahead of industrial needs by three to 10 years. IMEC thereby bridges
the gap between basic research at universities and R&D in industry. The research
conducted includes digital components, organic electronics or scaling-driven
nanoelectronics and is applied in healthcare, smart electronics, sustainable energy, and transport. In 2008, the operating budget of IMEC was €270m, of which
€219m from contract research.
Chips and transistors, the basic building blocks for logic and memory, are both developed at IMEC. IMEC works on techniques to make transistors smaller, now concentrating on 22nm and 16nm technology. The continued miniaturisation of transistors makes electronic appliances such as DVD players, digital cameras, or mp3
players cheaper, integrating more functions and consuming less energy. As the
physical limits of scaling are approaching, new materials, architectures, and techniques are required. This involves lithography (new chip patterning techniques),
transistors (new materials and architectures for the basic building blocks of chips),
interconnections, 3D integration, memory technologies, new materials (germanium, III-V materials, carbon nanotubes, spintronics), and supporting expertise
(ultra-clean processing, analysis, characterisation).
54.
www.imec.be
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IMEC has unique processing and system know-how, an intellectual property portfolio, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a strong and worldwide network which
turns it into a key partner for shaping the technology of the future. It has an ultramodern research facility that is continuously expanding, including cleanroom
laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment, and multidisciplinary programmes.
The campus comprises 24,400m² of office space, small laboratories, training facilities and technical and IT support rooms. The two clean rooms at IMEC cover
8,400m² and are backed up by over 12,000m² of support infrastructure. Warehouse facilities cover 2,640m². An important part of this infrastructure is directed
towards several pilot lines: for deep-sub-micron CMOS processing, for silicon solar cells and for prototypes of systems-in-package and heterogeneous systems-onchip. A third cleanroom (300 mm) is under construction since 2009.
IMEC has teamed up with industry, universities, polytechnic schools, associated
labs, and research institutes from all over the world since its establishment. IMEC
cooperates now with more than 1,000 partners worldwide. Through innovative
partnerships and agreements, IMEC’s partners share in the results, expertise, and
technological innovations. In Flanders, IMEC cooperates with partners from sectors such as ICT, textiles, metal, graphics, and healthcare. For these partners, IMEC
supports process and product innovation through setting up technology communities, transferring technology to the partners, stimulating shared R&D, organising training and courses through the Microelectronics Training Centre, creating
spin-off companies, collaborating with network organisations and knowledge
partners (such as DSP Valley, Leuven Inc., IWT, Flemish Innovation Network, etc.).
IMEC actively supports the creation of spin-off companies, presenting opportunities for investors as well as for entrepreneurs. More than 20 spin-off companies
have been set up to date in diverse sectors, such as photovoltaics (Photovoltech),
EDA (CoWare), analog chip design (Ansem), satellite navigation (Septentrio),
WSN/RTLS (Essensium) and infrared detectors (Xenics). In Flanders, and especially in the vicinity of IMEC, there is a (steadily growing) network of high-tech
companies that are front-runners in ICT. In this way, IMEC is helping to develop
Flanders into a unique knowledge region.
3.3.2.2
VIB: cutting-edge research in life sciences and biotechnology
VIB 55 , the Flanders’ Institute for Biotechnology, is a non-profit strategic research
institute established in 1995. Its mission is to conduct frontline biomolecular research in life sciences for the benefit of society. The institute strives for excellence
and international leadership in each of the following complementary activities:
55.
www.vib.be
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Strategic basic research;
An active technology transfer policy to bring inventions to consumers and patients;
Scientific information for the general public.
Using advanced molecular biological technologies, the researchers study the functioning of human cells, plants and microorganisms. At VIB innovative fundamental
knowledge is gained on normal and abnormal, or pathological, life processes. Strategic basic research is conducted in the various fields of life sciences such as molecular
biology, cell biology, developmental biology, structural biology, systems biology, genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, genomics and proteomics. VIB’s main objective
is to understand the mechanisms that are responsible for normal growth and development (e.g. angiogenesis, apoptosis, plant growth and development, etc.) and diseases such as cancer, inflammation, neurodegeneration, haemophilia, etc.
VIB was established in 1995 at the initiative of the Flemish Government as an autonomous research institute, and developed in close partnership with four Flemish universities: UGent, K.U.Leuven, UA and VUB. Through this unique form of
cooperation, VIB unites the forces of over 1,150 scientists and technicians, from
across the world, in about 65 research groups with broad experience in life sciences.
In 2009, the operating income of VIB was €62.5m. Research groups are embedded
in the four partner universities and organised via eight departments. VIB also manages a biotechnology incubator in Leuven and in Ghent. In short, VIB is an international and intercultural community, gathering more than 45 nationalities within
one institute.
In 2007 VIB research reached full speed with major breakthroughs in the field of
cancer, immunology and inflammation, neurobiology and neurogenetics, angiogenesis and cardiovascular disease, plant biology and plant systems biology. These
results contributed in gaining basic insights in to fundamental processes involved
in growth and development, health and disease, life and death. In addition to excelling in life science research, VIB supports the establishment of new enterprises
based on the knowledge generated in the institute through business planning,
sourcing experienced managers to run start-up companies, and attracting international investors. VIB start-ups include: Devgen, CropDesign, Ablynx, Pronota,
Solucel and ActoGeniX 56 .
56.
Spin-off companies: http://www.devgen.com; http://www.cropdesign.com; www.ablynx.com; www.pronota.
com; www.solucel.com; www.actogenix.com
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3.3.2.3
The Flemish Institute for Technological Research, VITO
VITO 57, established in 1991, conducts R&D relevant for industry and public authorities in the fields of environment, energy, materials and remote sensing. It
stimulates the development of technological solutions and provides scientifically
based advice and support for sustainable development. The overlapping fields of
environment and health are also a priority for VITO since environmental quality
is a key factor for determining health and well-being. Moreover, the institute has
an established track record in providing economic and social information to policymakers at Flemish, Belgian and EU level.
VITO differs from the other strategic research centres in Flanders because apart from
research, it is also charged with executing tasks on behalf of the Flemish Government, including testing the quality of environmental and energy-related measurements and analysis that need to be conducted according to environmental regulations (known as reference tasks). It’s annual operating budget of €73.5m in 2008, of
which €26.7m from contract research, supports the work of some 480 employees.
Sustainability is a broad concept, hence the range of research carried out by VITO is
very extensive. The scientific research focuses on: energy; quality of human environment; industrial innovation. It includes energy technology (renewable energy,
biofuels, smart grids), environmental and process technology (reuse of waste water), research into sustainable materials and chemistry, environmental measurements (water and air quality), environmental toxicology and earth observation as
integrated environmental studies. VITO works closely together with companies,
governments, universities and other research institutions, both in Belgium and
abroad. This leads to various common international research programmes, publications and communications at international conferences and symposia. At European
level, VITO ranks among the top 10 in its research domains.
3.3.2.4
The Interdisciplinary Institute for Broadband Technology, IBBT
In today’s world, ICT applications and infrastructure or data processing play a crucial role. To stimulate research and innovation in ICT and invest in multi-disciplinary broadband research, the Flemish Government set up IBBT58 , in 2004, as an
independent research institute. In 2007, the budget of IBBT was €26.4m. The aim
is to make Flanders a leading and internationally recognised player in the information society of the future. IBBT creates highly competent human capital in different aspects of ICT through multi-disciplinary demand-driven research. It executes
such research for the Flemish business community and the Flemish Government.
57.
58.
www.vito.be
www.ibbt.be
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This includes all technological, legal and social dimensions of the development and
exploitation of broadband services.
The institute is a ‘virtual’ research facility, through which the services of other
existing research groups can be accessed. While the central IBBT staff consists of
only about 20 fulltime employees, the institute unites more than 600 researchers
from various Flemish universities and knowledge centres. A research group is specialised in one or more of the basic competencies of IBBT, and can have a flexible
composition depending on the evolving needs of companies and organisations. The
institute has a large partner network, some of which are involved in determining
the strategy of IBBT.
IBBT’s work is based on demand-driven programming and the institute carries
out contract research on technical and non-technical issues on behalf of individual
companies, organisations or government departments. The institute is active at all
levels in the innovation chain, from project concept to large-scale user testing and
concentrates in particular on two different types of research activity:
Interdisciplinary strategic basic research (ISBR): long-term research (joint
project proposals with a horizon of three to five years) of an interdisciplinary
nature;
Interdisciplinary cooperative research (ICR): pre-competitive research which
combines joint efforts of various stakeholders. ICR projects are result-oriented
and usually require a demonstrator as ‘proof of concept’.
The IBBT stimulates research that addresses main social and economic issues: eHealth, new media, mobility & logistics, enabling technologies, and e-Government. The institute also aims to help create a sustainable society by working on the
social, environmental and economic aspects of ICT services and developing a green
ICT strategy.
The IBBT possesses state-of-the-art laboratory facilities for the testing of prototypes, using the full range of broadband platforms. In essence, the IBBT has access
to three complementary test centres operated by its research partners:
iLab.o (open innovation): laboratory that sets up trial projects;
iLab.t (technology centre): laboratory with infrastructure that can evaluate the
technical feasibility, performance and service quality of an application;
iLab.u (user experience and design): laboratory that tests the user-friendliness
of the application and allows the reactions and experiences of future users to be
measured.
It has also set up an incubation centre for ICT starter companies: iCubes.
IBBT has close links with regional ICT companies such as Alcatel Lucent, Barco,
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Agfa, Televic, as well as with many other actors, e.g. the R&D division of the Flemish radio and television service, major organisations from the cultural sector, and
agencies from the Flemish Government.
3.3.2.5
Centre for Medical Innovation, CMI
The CMI is a virtual research centre that specializes in translational biomedical
research, the transfer of fundamental inventions with potential into clinical applications based on high-quality biobanks. Such research aims at faster and more
efficient strategies for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases. It is a research platform in which universities, (university) hospitals, scientific institutes,
industry, and Flemish employers’ and employees’ organisations are represented.
A biobank is a collection of all research data of research centres of the participating hospitals. Clinical Research Centres (CRCs) will be established, each linked to
a Flemish university hospital (UZ Gent, Leuven, Brussel and Antwerpen). A first
objective of the CMI is to harmonise and coordinate Flemish biobanks, including
the alignment of these with federal and international initiatives.
The CMI will evolve into an autonomous inter-university structure that creates a
stimulating environment for high-quality translational and biomedical research
in Flanders. Translational biomedical research bridges applied-driven biomedical/clinical research on the one hand and the patient on the other hand. Thereby,
knowledge diffusion is crucial in both directions: from the research laboratory to
the patient and feedback from the patient for the clinical research.
3.3.2.6
Strategic Initiative on Materials, SIM
In 2009, the Flemish Government established the virtual strategic research centre
SIM. Its aim is to conduct strategic and industrial research from universities and
companies on materials technology in these research areas for:
materials for energy and light;
durable and sustainable structural materials;
tailored nanomaterials in their environment (supportive nanotechnology).
The main ambition of SIM is to strengthen the economic position of the materials producing and materials processing industry in Flanders in the medium to long
term. Research programmes and projects will be set-up based on open calls for proposals. SIM combines 10 major materials producing and materials processing companies (including Arcelor-Mittal, Bekaert, Recticel, Solvay, Umicore), the technology industry organisations Agoria Vlaanderen and Sirris, the Flemish universities
and is supported by the Flemish Government through a special grant and the industrial R&D support programme of IWT. FLAMAC, an existing research platform
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and one of the excellence centres, focusing on high throughput experimentation
and molecular modelling, was integrated into the SIM.
3.3.3
Scientific institutes, research infrastructure
and knowledge centres
3.3.3.1
Scientific institutes
In the Flemish Community, there are four scientific institutes, each managed by
a department of the Flemish Government, that perform scientific research in a
specific policy field. Apart from building-up and diffusing the knowledge gained
from scientific research, the institutes also provide advice and assistance to policymakers as well as services to society as whole. Furthermore, they strive to develop
and exchange their knowledge through international contacts or programmes and
cooperation with other (foreign) institutes e.g. by membership of EU research networks.
The Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (Instituut voor Landbouw en
Visserijonderzoek ILVO) 59 is a scientific institute that reports to the Flemish Government’s Agriculture and Fisheries department. ILVO’s mission is to perform and
coordinate policy-relevant scientific research and provides related services (including laboratory services) to policy-makers and professionals in agriculture, horticulture and fisheries. It aims to contribute to economically, ecologically and socially
sustainable agriculture and fisheries. Based on research in the various scientific
disciplines, ILVO acquires knowledge necessary for the improvement of products
and production methods, for monitoring and safeguarding the quality and safety of
end products, and for improving policy instruments as a basis for the development
of the agricultural sector and policies relating to the countryside. The institute’s
research is subdivided into four units:
Plant sciences (applied genetics and breeding, crop husbandry and environment, crop protection, growth and development);
Animal sciences (functional animal nutrition, animal husbandry and welfare,
fisheries);
Technology & food science (agricultural engineering, food safety, product
quality and innovation);
Social sciences (integration, transition, open space): coordination of the organic farming and food research network, provision of agri-environmental indicators, etc.
59.
www.ilvo.vlaanderen.be
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The Research Institute for Nature and Forest (Instituut voor Natuur- en Bosonderzoek, INBO 60) conducts research on themes such as fauna, flora, biotopes, areas and
regions, sustainable land and water use. Also it is involved in management and development and monitoring activities. For instance, the scientific research targets
the typification of the physical and chemical environment of species and ecotopes,
as well as the study of the impact of changing environmental conditions on them.
INBO studies aspects such as ecohydrology, hydrology, eutrophication, acidification, pollution, fragmentation and climate change. The institute employs some
250 staff, mainly researchers and technicians and has branches, besides its main
office in Brussels, in Geraardsbergen, Hoeilaart (Groenendaal) and Linkebeek.
The Royal museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten Antwerpen, KMSKA) 61 is charged with the care of a unique collection of expressive arts, composed of mainly Flemish artefacts and complemented with a
number of pieces from other schools. The KMSKA holds a collection with pieces
from the 13th to the 20 th century with a comprehensive overview of art from Flanders as well as from abroad. The museum holds over 7,600 works of art and, on average, some 650 of these items are on display. The main task of the institute is to
safeguard, expand and expose its collection, as well conduct scientific research on
it. Moreover, it exhibits its collection and builds up services towards the public. It
serves as a motor of culture in the Flemish museum landscape and based upon it extraordinary collection it can play an important role on the international arts scene.
More specifically, the research division is responsible for art history studies and
documentation of the KMSKA collection. In 2001, the museum began compiling a
scientific digital inventory of its entire collection.
The main task of the Flemish Institute for Archaeological Heritage (Vlaams Instituut voor het Onroerend Erfgoed, VIOE 62) is to conduct policy-oriented research
on immovable heritage in Flanders. The specialised researchers cover a wide variety
of themes, e.g. human remains, redecoration of historic gardens, care for ancient
trees, sea wrecks, etc. The VIOE manages three main inventory projects, which
correspond with the main fields of heritage: archeology, monuments, and landscapes. Apart from these, the institute builds up and completes a number of smaller
inventories: historic organs, parks and gardens, industrial heritage and maritime
heritage. In 2007, it set up the ‘research balance’ 63 project to provide an overview of
the knowledge, gaps, and current research issues regarding archaeological heritage
in Flanders. VIOE has set up and manages other specific databases, e.g. on World
War I heritage or on construction heritage.
60.
61.
62.
63.
www.inbo.be
www.kmska.be
www.vioe.be
www.onderzoeksbalans.be
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3.3.3.2
Other institutes: ITM, VLIZ, MIP2, NERF
The Institute for Tropical Medicine (Instituut voor Tropische Geneeskunde, ITM 64)
is one of the world’s leading institutes for training, research and assistance in tropical medicine and health care in developing countries. Moreover, it provides (reference) clinical services for the management of tropical diseases, imported pathologies and AIDS in Belgium. Its core tasks in this area are:
Clinical and preventive services for tropical diseases and related pathology;
Advanced education in tropical human and veterinary medicine and in the
management of health care in developing countries;
Research on biomedical, clinical and operational aspects of tropical diseases
and their control, and on the management of health care in developing countries;
Supporting and strengthening national and international bodies concerned
with human and animal health in developing countries
Its fields of activity include all health problems related to the specific ecological and
socio-economic conditions of developing countries. Today it works globally with
its partners towards a common goal of ‘Health Care for All’. The ITM is an interuniversity but autonomous post-graduate institute, divided into five scientific
departments: microbiology, parasitology, animal health, clinical sciences, public health. ITM houses a specialist clinic for tropical diseases, travel medicine and
HIV/AIDS with a hospital ward within the University Hospital of Antwerp (UZ
Antwerpen). In total, the institute employs some 340 scientists, technicians and
support personnel and has an annual budget of nearly €25m.
The Flemish Ministry of Education and Training is responsible for the academic
recognition and core funding of the ITM. The institute carries out fundamental,
applied and operational research on main and forgotten tropical diseases in humans
(AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, sleeping sickness, tropical ulcers, helminths, zoönosis) and cattle (trypanosomoses, theileriosis, helminths). It also carries out comprehensive research programmes on epidemiology, nutrition, and health systems
and services development. The disciplines vary from molecular biology to social
sciences, and are conducted in the laboratories in Antwerp as well as in the field.
It closely collaborates with institutes and research groups all over the world and
especially in the South. The ITM’s research is strongly linked to its training, medical and technical support activities. On behalf of the Federal Directorate-General
for Development Cooperation (DGDC), it carries out a wide-ranging international
programme of capacity strengthening in the South. For the FPS of Public Health
and Social Affairs it has the role of national reference centre for tropical diseases
64.
www.itg.be
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and as regional reference centre for the diagnosis and treatment of HIV/AIDS. It
receives support from EWI to support Flanders’ involvement in European and developing countries clinical trials partnership (EDCTP), and has set up a new clinical
trial unit (CTU).
Flanders Marine Institute (Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee, VLIZ 65) is an autonomous
non-profit institute in the field of marine science established with the support of
the Flemish Government. Its strategic objectives are serving as an international
contact point, promoting the international impact of Flemish research, and promoting the visibility of Flemish research to the public in its field.
To realise these strategic objectives the VLIZ focuses on the activities of the research vessel ‘Zeeleeuw’, managing and further developing the Flanders Marine
Data and Information Centre (VMDC), managing a multimedia centre with a large
collection on marine scientific and coast-related information, promoting a network
of marine scientists, and assuming the role of information desk. In 2008, in total
238 days were spent at sea for scientific research purposes. The VLIZ also contributes to (inter)national planning, management and efficient use of marine research
infrastructure. The VMDC is an integral part of international networks (IOC of
UNESCO, OBIS, ESF Marine Board, MarinERA, EurOcean and other European
networks) and contributes to the development of international standards for managing and exchanging data and information. Thanks to the conclusion of cooperation agreements, the VLIZ further extends cooperation with Belgian and foreign
universities, research institutes and individual research groups.
VLIZ has a special responsibility in international marine science as it accommodates and supports the UNESCO/IOC Project Office for IODE, located at the Ostend fish auction hall. This office hosts 105 dynamic websites across 12 servers
(inclusive of virtual machines). In addition, VLIZ spends half a million euro every
year on the support of training courses for foreign students and experts in oceanographic data management with special attention to the development and operation
of early tsunami warning systems and other ocean-related natural disasters.
VLIZ also organises events on marine sciences. An example is the EurOCEAN
2010 Conference (one of the Belgian EU Presidency events), a unique opportunity
for the European marine science community to highlight new challenges for marine research in the next decade and to discuss policy developments since the previous EurOCEAN conference in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 2007.
65.
www.vliz.be
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The environment and energy technology innovation platform (Milieu- en energietechnologie Innovatie Platform 2, MIP266) was established by the Flemish Government in 2005 with a focus on the development of new energy and environment
technologies. In 2009, the mission of the platform was altered, and it was renamed
MIP2 with as a main task the ‘greening’ of the economy. MIP2 encourages companies to invest in new products, processes and services that limit the impact on the
environment. MIP2 thereby aims at closing materials– and process loops according
to the ‘Cradle-to-Cradle’ philisophy as well as at the development of new technologies for smart energy production. MIP2 supports the transition to a new economy
in which consumption and economy are decoupled from the ecological impact on
our planet. The platform has two support programmes: establishing and implementing R&D projects, and establishing sustainable product and process cycles.
Recent developments in research and innovation require cooperation networks
spanning different scientific areas, in particular life sciences or ICT applications.
The Flemish Government decided, therefore, in 2009 to support such strategic
multidisciplinary cooperation initiative, mainly in the biotechnology and nanotechnology fields. The NERF (Neuro-Electronics Research Flanders) 67 initiative is a
co-operation on an equal basis between IMEC, VIB and the K.U.Leuven. Researchers will conduct world-class research in cross-disciplinary teams in a state-of-theart clean room and a new 1,000m 2 neurolab, located at IMEC’s Arenberg Campus
in Leuven.
3.3.4
Internationalisation of Flemish research and innovation
3.3.4.1
Flanders’ participation in EU programmes
The EWI department has undertaken a quantitative analysis, both at a broad level
and at the level of the specific programmes, to measure the Flemish performance
in the EU’s FP6, which ran from 2002 until 2006. In general, 422 Flemish institutions participated 1,342 times in 1,051 FP6 projects, generating a total budget of
€352.29m. This corresponds to a financial return of 2.12%, implying that Flanders
nearly matched its expected return from FP6 (± 2.2%). Indeed, the budget received
and the return for Flemish participants were both more than double the figures
achieved by participants from other parts of Belgium. The same is true for the participation in ERA—nets where Flemish partners were involved in 24 networks. The
table below shows the evolution of the relative participation of different categories:
66.
67.
www.mipvlaanderen.be
www.nerf.be
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FIGURE 21 Flemish participation to EU FP – share by type of organisation
FP4
FP5
FP6
0%
20%
40%
Universities and University colleges
Firms
60%
Research Centres
100%
80%
Other
FIGURE 22 Flemish participation in FP6
ACRONYM
NUMBER OF
PARTICIPATIONS
%
NUMBER OF
PROJECTS
FINANCIAL
CONTRIBUTION
(2)
%
RETURN
(3 )
LIFESCIHE ALTH
137
10%
107
53.86
15%
2.30%
IST
291
22%
213
106.04
30%
2.80%
NMP
123
9%
82
36.69
10%
2.39%
44
3%
39
10.47
3%
0.98%
AEROSPACE
67
5%
49
15.85
4%
2.11%
140
10%
99
30.04
9%
1.31%
CITIZENS
40
3%
35
4.84
1%
1.98%
SME
60
4%
48
6.45
2%
1.33%
SSP
85
6%
72
10.63
3%
1.77%
INCO
35
3%
34
9.27
3%
3.05%
FOOD
SUSTDEV
POLICIES
COORDINATION
5
0%
4
0.47
0%
3.41%
25
2%
25
3.59
1%
1.25%
165
12%
147
33.85
10%
2.01%
INNOVATION
27
2%
21
4.47
1%
1.98%
INFR ASTRUCTURES
23
2%
19
12.63
4%
1.74%
SOCIET Y
23
2%
18
1.81
1%
2.32%
52
4%
39
11.34
3%
6.11%
1,342 100%
1,051
352.29 100%
2.12%
MOBILIT Y
EUR ATOM
( EXCLUDING
FUSION )
TOTAL
(1) INTAS funding excluded.
(2) In million euro.
(3) Relative share of the Flemish budget in FP6 compared with the total budget allocated for contract
research within FP6 (INTAS funding excluded).
End 2008, the Flemish Government approved the participation of IWT in the European Joint Technology Initiatives ARTEMIS and ENIAC, and in the joint programmes EUROSTARS and Ambient Assisted Living (AAL). The other initiatives
such as on innovative medicines (IMI) or on fuel cells and hydrogen are being followed up.
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In the framework of the ESFRI, a direct Flemish involvement (via universities,
IMEC, INBO, VLIZ, etc.) in the preparatory phase took place for six projects:
PRINS (Pan-European Research Infrastructure for Nano-Structures), CLARIN
(language and speech technology), LIFEWATCH (biodiversity), ICOS (Integrated
Carbon Observation System); ESS (European Social Survey) and SHARE (Survey
of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe).
IWT has opened up its support programmes for companies for international (innovative) cooperation. The number of projects in which Flemish companies work
with a foreign research group, or in which Flemish research groups have formed a
consortium with foreign groups is increasing and reached over 50 by end 2007. The
total budget of these projects was €45m, of which €15m went to foreign partners;
half was supported by the government and half by the companies in Flanders.
Flanders is active in the EUREKA networks for which IWT provides support for
participants from Flanders through its R&D business support programme and its
SME Programme. Over a dozen projects were supported in 2008.
3.3.4.2
Bilateral cooperation between Flanders and the Netherlands
A special relationship in international research and innovation cooperation exists
between Flanders and the Netherlands. Sharing the (political) vision and the ambition to become (and stay) one of the most competitive and innovative regions in
the world, both Flanders and the Netherlands are fully aware of the need to join
forces in fulfilling this ambition. The cooperation takes place in various forms: on
an official basis through treaties or agreements, through mutual policy-learning
initiatives, by jointly run initiatives based on a common Flemish-Dutch budget, or
within the framework of EU programmes (e.g. FP or ERDF funding).
In 2004, Flanders and the Netherlands signed a joint declaration of intent for (further) strengthening strategic cooperation in the field of innovation. On 17 April
2008, this declaration of intent was renewed, broadening the scope with the policy areas of ‘economy’ and ‘science’. These declarations of intent provide a ‘formal
framework’ to join forces in the most efficient and effective way, so that obstacles
for cross-border cooperation in the field of economy, science and innovation can be
smoothed out. Among other ways, this is achieved by the establishment of a permanent Flemish/Dutch ‘task force’, regular meetings between the involved ministers, stimulating cross-border networking and cooperation between all stakeholders involved, agreements on joint policy positions within the framework of European and international forums and programmes, or stimulating and supporting
(joint) participation by Flemish and Dutch stakeholders in such programmes (e.g.
FP7, the ESFRI, the EIT’s Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs), etc.).
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Facilitating and establishing ‘tangible’ cross-border initiatives in a number of specific research and technology areas is also a goal. Dutch knowledge vouchers can be
used by Flemish companies, while Flanders will develop a system to allow use of its
vouchers by Dutch companies (reciprocity principle).
Joint initiatives realised within the framework of the Flemish-Dutch task force are
the further thematic expansion and realisation of the ELAt (see BOX 19 ), the elaboration of joint participation within the established KICs of the EIT, thematic cooperation in the fields of bio-based economy (e.g. within the BioBase Europe initiative),
(green) energy technology (focussing on photovoltaics), food and nutrition, human
language technology (also within the ESFRI project Common Language Resources
and Technology Infrastructure – CLARIN), marine science technology (focussing
on joint initiatives for an integrated coastal zone management and marine spatial
planning) and water technology (focussing on hydro energy).
Other successful cases are the Holst Centre of IMEC and TNO or the STEVIN programme on language technology. The Holst Centre 68 was established in 2005, as a
combined effort between Flanders (IMEC, Flemish Government) and the Netherlands (TNO, Philips, Ministry for Economic Affairs). It acts as the bridge between
the knowledge centres and industry and aims to develop into an internationally
recognised research institute for future generations of autonomous wireless sensor
networks and thin foil electronics. Leading companies have joined the initiative.
IMEC has contributed its research division, which works on autonomous wireless microsystems. Amongst other aims, the project entails producing sensors that
measure bodily functions. The research also focuses on ultra-low power data transmission, WATS (Wireless Autonomous Transducer Solutions) and SIF: Systemsin-Foil. The centre is involved in over 16 academic partnerships and has grown into
an organisation with around 100 employees from 18 countries and some 60 partners from participating companies and universities.
STEVIN 69 , a Dutch acronym for ‘Essential Speech and Language Technology Resources for Dutch’, is a six-year joint Flemish-Dutch research programme launched
in 2005. Its aim is to contribute to the further progress of human language technology for Dutch in Flanders and the Netherlands, and to stimulate innovation in this
sector. In addition, it strengthens the economic and cultural position of the Dutch
language in the modern ICT-based society. It is a jointly financed programme based
on a ‘common pot’ budget (1/3 Flanders, 2/3 the Netherlands): each side contributes an amount to the total budget allocated through public calls, without a predetermined distribution key.
68.
69.
www.holstcentre.com
www.stevin-tst.org
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3 .3 MAIN RESE ARCH AND INNOVATION PERFORMERS
In 2009, two major projects on renewable energy were set-up, that involve EU
funding through the Interreg IVA programme Vlaanderen-Nederland 2007-2013.
The ‘Bio Base Europe’ projects (with a total value of €21m) aims to built a polyvalent facility on industrial biotechnology and bio-refinery in Ghent (Flanders) and a
training centre for process operators in Terneuzen (the Netherlands). The BioBase
Europe initiative is the first of its kind in Europe and will become the first open
innovation and training centre on bio-based economy. Also, the ‘Waterstofregio
Vlaanderen – Zuid-Nederland’ (Hydrogen region Flanders – South-Netherlands)
aims to establish a cross-border region on hydrogen applications; it involves in total
€16m over four years).
The evaluation of the participation of Flanders in the EU’s FP6 underlined that
Dutch researchers, mainly from universities and university colleges, were important cooperation partners of Flemish institutes. More specifically, the Netherlands
participated 1,157 times in FP6 projects in which Flanders also took part (accounting for a total funding of €326m), making them the fifth most important partners,
after the three large EU countries and Italy. Conversely, Flanders participated 777
times in FP6 projects in which Dutch partners also participated, accounting for a
total funding of €202m. Major Dutch partners were TU Delft, Philips Electronics
Nederland BV (Eindhoven), RIVM (Bilthoven) and SN (the Hague). Flanders and
the Netherlands are also jointly involved in a number of EUREKA projects for market oriented industrial R&D; for instance, the EUREKA-clusters ITEA, MEDEA+,
EUROFOREST and CELTIC.
BOX 19 A top knowledge economy based in three countries: ELAt
ELAt – the geographical triangle
shaped by the Eindhoven (NL) Leuven (BE) - Aachen (DE) region
– contains major research and
innovation institutes and activities
on an area of about 14,000 km².
The ELAt triangle is integrated into
the global network of more
advanced knowledge economies,
thanks to its dense network of over
20 knowledge institutions,
universities, university colleges and
research centres, as well as
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various science parks and
incubators. The region scores
highly in world rankings for design,
manufacturing, R&D, marketing
and distribution, and disposes of
capital, from seed money to risk
capital. A combination of all of
these strengths in one region is
hard to find. The actors in the
triangle per entity include:
Flanders’ Drive, Leuven DSP
Valley;
The Netherlands: Eindhoven
University of Technology,
Maastricht University, Tilburg
University, Philips Laboratories,
Holst Centre;
Germany: RWTH Aachen
University, AGIT, Jülich
Research Centre.
Flanders: K.U.Leuven,
See: www.elat.org
UHasselt, IMEC, VITO,
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3 . FLEMISH SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION POLICY
3.4
Perspectives for the Flemish STI policy
In 2006, based on a SWOT analysis, the VRWI defined a number of key areas for
Flanders, linked to future (societal) evolutions by way of six strategic clusters. These
were later developed into 10 spearheads for technology and innovation and further
developed into action plans. A large part of the themes of these clusters and spearheads served as an impetus for and are promoted by the ViA and related Pact 2020
initiatives of the Flemish Government. While these strategies were developed before
the Europe 2020 strategy was presented, they correspond to a large extent with the
overall Europe 2020 Strategy aims and are regarded as crucial for the socio-economic
policy and well-being of Flanders in the second decade of the century. Examples of
specifically defined targets are the 3% R&D to GDP expenditure target, the increase
year-by-year of the number of patent applications, or the aim to be in the EU’s top-5
of regions for public expenditures on eco-innovation. All these goals are part of the
strategic objective of accelerating the transformation of the economy.
At the EU policy-making level, these issues of a global importance and of a specifically research/innovation-related kind are being dealt with mainly in the new ‘EU
2020 strategy’, the Commission’s forthcoming Research and Innovation Action
Plan, and the pursuit of the ERA. For all of these topics, the Flemish Government
has contributed to various EU consultations from different EU institutions (Council, Commission, Committee of the Regions) 70 . Regarding the Europe 2020 Strategy (‘Flagship Innovation-Union’) and the Commission’s Research and Innovation
Action Plan, the Flemish Government’s point of view is:
1.
To welcome the considerable importance given to innovation in the Europe
2020 strategy, and to underline a threefold role for innovation:
A.
Helping to find an answer to the major societal challenges such as the
transformation to a more knowledge-driven, low carbon and closed loop
economy, climate change, loss of biodiversity, energy supply and aging;
B.
Further strengthen the international competitiveness position;
C.
Fine-tuning within the framework of Europe 2020 on the targets of the
establishment of a sustainable societal and economic fabric, and support
these regarding social inclusion and sustainability.
To this end, the instruments for innovation and research must further be
adapted to better match and serve all of these purposes and targets. At the same
time, innovation must be further integrated within government organisations
70.
See http://www.vlaandereninactie.be/nlapps/docs/default.asp?id=571 (in Dutch).
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3 . 4 PERSPECTIVES FOR THE FLEMISH STI POLIC
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
and elaborated horizontally. Also, ‘open innovation’ must be promoted within
the overall governance structures of the ERA.
A better linkage should be made between the innovation and the research targets than has been the case until now;
The commonly applied input-indicator of 3% (Barcelona target) alone is too
general to cover the whole field of R&D and innovation. In this specific area,
there is a need for a realistic set of input, throughput and output-outcome indicators;
Flanders notes with satisfaction the Commission’s shift to approaching ‘innovation’ from broad societal tendencies and challenges, not only the technology
and research aspect. Yet there remains a need to create links with the other pillars of the Europe 2020 strategy and more specifically with innovation in the
general sense. The anticipation on social inclusion, training, greening of the
economy and sustainability requires not only technological innovation, but
also the development of innovative applications in other areas such as the social
economy, the creative and leisure industries, culture, media, etc.. Hence, there
is a need to support process oriented transitions to sustainable production and
consumption patterns;
Regarding a competitive and greener economy, the emphasis should be put on
the link between innovation and industrial policy, as this is important in view
of the restructuring of industry and the transformation to a low carbon and recycling economy;
Concerning the added value of knowledge as the basis of growth, favourable
conditions must be created to diffuse innovation to all sectors and policy fields.
Innovation should in this regard also be driven by societal challenges and needs
(‘societal driven innovation’). This includes a reorientation of research activities to strategic domains;
Education is one of the three corners of the knowledge triangle. It is important
to foster the transition to innovation through knowledge.
Regarding the ERA, this remains high on the agenda in Flemish international policy. The Flemish Community is fully engaged in helping to realise the ERA; playing
an active role, both in terms of attracting foreign researchers and sending its own
research personnel abroad, in the development of an open international research
community, within which researchers can move freely from place to place, thereby
promoting the efficient exchange of knowledge.
In the beginning of March 2010 the Flemish action plan for researchers was published, in response to the European partnership for researchers proposed by the European Commission. Some actions are already under way, such as inciting research
organisations to adopt a human resource strategy as a way of implementing the Char-
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3 . FLEMISH SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION POLICY
ter and Code, or an inter-university workgroup, which is developing a proposal for an
accurate and objective evaluation of aspiring candidates from Flanders and abroad.
At the same time, the high quality of Flemish universities and research institutions
is a clear asset for Flanders in the international scene. As a supplement to the usual
bottom-up approach to research and innovation, a cluster approach has been developed. Also, more emphasis is put on strategic innovation. Initiatives such as joint
programming and the EIT, with its KICs, are considered good answers to novel
challenges that can only be tackled with joint forces and with respect for the contributions that each angle of the Knowledge Triangle brings. International cooperation should thus be strengthened by inter-sector collaboration. While Flanders is
already involved in EIT, notably in the KIC InnoEnergy (on sustainable energy), a
more structural approach is called for that will provide Flemish research organisations and companies with the necessary funding to fully participate in these initiatives. At the moment strategies are being developed by the Flemish government to
facilitate participation in joint programming and KICS.
To develop world-class research infrastructure, Flanders is an active participant
in the ESFRI scheme. An advisory commission was set up, which prepared a priority list of projects in which to participate. At the moment, steps are being taken
to ensure Flemish participation in the shortlisted projects, through intra-Belgian
consultation, positioning regarding contents and legal matters and securing the
necessary funding.
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4.
STI POLICY IN WALLONIA
AND IN
THE FRENCH
COMMUNITY
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4. STI POLICY IN WALLONIA AND IN THE FRENCH COMMUNIT Y
In constitutional terms, the Walloon Region and the French Community are distinct entities and therefore have their own government and administrations, however, with each progressive constitutional reform co-operation has become more
intense. Since 2009, a single Minister-President presides the two governments
and several other Ministers have portfolios for both regional and community affairs. The avowed aim is to improve the level of coherence of government action in
a series of policy fields. This is, notably, the case for scientific research which is the
responsibility of a single minister for both regional and community aspects. Similarly, the Minister in charge of higher education at community level is also responsible for business support and ICT policy at regional level. Other individual ministers, from either government, are autonomously responsible for funding research
in their specific fields of competence such as agriculture, environment, energy and
health. In practice, there is a high-degree of co-ordination of STI policy within the
government, and cross-departmentally at administration level, to ensure a coherent use of public funds.
4.1
General orientations of STI policy in Wallonia
and in the French Community
Following the regional elections of June 2009, the formation of the Walloon and
French Community governments was based on a common political strategy. The
socio-economic priorities of this strategy have been translated into an operational plan called the Marshall Plan_2.Green71 (Plan Marshall_2.Vert). This plan is a
continuation and a reinforcement of the previous plan, adopted in 2005 and implemented during the period 2006-2009. The addition of ‘Green’ underlines the
new orientations to better integrate ‘sustainable development’ as a cross-cutting
priority.
The first Walloon ‘Marshall Plan’ focussed an additional budgetary appropriation
of €1b on five priorities: the development of five competitiveness clusters, the
stimulation of the creation of activities, the reduction of taxation on business, the
reinforcement of research and innovation support, vocational training and mobil71.
The use of the term ‘Marshall Plan’ ( a direct nod to the post-second World War economic recovery package)
was adopted by the Walloon authorities to underline the need for a significant re-launch and new direction of
the Walloon economy.
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4.1 GENER AL ORIENTATIONS OF STI POLICY IN WALLONIA AND IN THE FRENCH COMMUNIT Y
ity of workers. The Marshall Plan-2.Green will invest a further €1.6b over five years
(2009-2014) to the following six priorities:
Priority area 1: Develop human capital
Priority area 2: Continue the policy of competitiveness poles and business networks
Priority area 3: Strengthen scientific research as an engine of the future
Priority area 4: Create a favourable framework for creating business and quality
jobs
Priority area 5: Develop ‘Employment – Environment’ alliances
Priority area 6: Increase employment and infrastructure in the sector of personal services
The third priority area of the new plan incorporates the main actions to be pursued
during the 2009-2014 period as regards STI policy. The Walloon and French Community authorities are planning to sustain the trend of (re)investment in research
and innovation, which began in 2005. These efforts are designed to meet the target set within the framework of the Lisbon European Council, and reiterated in the
European Commission’s Europe 2020 strategy, to invest at least to 3% of GDP in
R&D.
Funds from both authorities will be invested in the implementation of a joint research strategy, which also involves the Brussels-Capital Region, and focuses on
strategic cross-cutting themes. Additionally, both authorities intend to pursue the
efforts undertaken since 2005, namely:
Reinforcing investment in basic research by the French community through
the implementation of the second development plan of the National Scientific
Research Fund (FRS-FNRS).
The continuation of STI programmes started within the first Walloon Marshall Plan: programmes of excellence, mobilising programmes, support of research projects of competitiveness poles, research commercialisation through
the creation of spin-offs.
A continued support to partnerships between university academies and between research actors and industry.
Both authorities also intend to work together to:
offer an attractive career to researchers;
better integrate French-speaking researchers in international networks;
reinforce activities for science awareness in order to encourage young people to
pursue scientific and technical careers;
implement a technology assessment process as a tool for decision-making in
various areas of public action.
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The integration of research in business innovation strategies is a Walloon priority,
also continued through the new Marshall Plan, mainly via:
Measures to improve support for spin-offs,
Calls for specific projects dedicated to technological innovation partnerships;
with a view to encourage co-operation between companies and between research institutions and industry, inside and outside the framework of competitiveness poles.
Support to ‘proof of concept’ strategies via the dedicated teams within universities supporting research commercialisation and via technology incubators.
Definition of an integrated strategic plan to stimulate business innovation,
particularly innovations with environmental benefits.
Other measures, forming part of the priority areas 2 and 6 of the Marshall Plan_2.
Green aim at supporting research and innovation in the specific field of the environment with the creation of a 6 th competitiveness cluster dedicated to ‘green’ technologies, the creation of a centre of excellence in the field of sustainable development and funding of research programmes in areas such as renewable energy, sustainable construction and smart technologies for the management of the electricity
network.
4.2
Actors and instruments of STI policy in
Wallonia and in the French Community
4.2.1
Policy advice
4.2.1.1
CWPS – Walloon Science Policy Council
The CWPS (Conseil Wallon de la Politique Scientifique 72) is in charge of providing
advice to the Walloon Government on STI policy matters. The council is composed
of representatives of the social partners (business and trade union leaders), of universities and higher education institutions, of accredited collective research centres
and of the Walloon Government. The Council delivers its opinions both on request
and on own initiative. The CWPS is one commission of the Walloon Economic and
72.
http://www.cesrw.be/index.php?page= detail&alias= Conseil-de-la-Politique-scientifique-CPS
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Social Council (CESRW), and its mission is therefore in line with the overall mission of this key advisory body. The CESRW, often described as the ‘Social Parliament’ of the Walloon Region, has as a mission to issue advisory opinions and recommendations about all matters that come within the region’s sphere of influence,
and those making an impact on the economic and social sectors in Wallonia in order
to create a social dialogue, and to organise consultations between the Walloon social partners and the Government.
From a legal perspective, both the French Community and the Walloon Region
have a science policy council. In practice, the CWPS provides opinion on all issues
related to STI policy for matters pertaining to the competencies of both authorities. The CWPS focuses its work on both STI budgetary issues as well as seeking to
identify synergies between the actions of the regional and the community authorities, and between basic and applied research and innovation. The broad based membership of the CWPS, drawn from the various spheres of the regional innovation
system, facilitates the focus on an effective policy mix for STI encouraging such
synergies.
Key activities of the CWPS include:
1.
issuing advisory opinions and recommendations about research and innovation policy, and all related matters;
2.
conducting surveys and being associated with analyses on research issues in
Wallonia to support its work;
3.
organising consultations between representatives of universities, research
and innovation actors, the business sector and the Government so as to make
progress on a series of issues of key importance for the development of Wallonia as a knowledge economy.
4.2.1.2
Council of Rectors of the French Community – CReF
The CRef (Conseil des Recteurs de la Communauté Française) is an advisory council on matters related to basic research as well as on third-level education in the
French-speaking universities of Belgium. It issues opinions on EU (Bologna process, European Commission communications, etc.) and on French Community research policy. It can also mandate working groups on specific issues (such as the
implementation of the recommendation on the European Charter for Researchers).
It is a key player in research and education policy and as such, the General Secretary
of the FRS-FNRS provides a secretariat for the CRef.
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4. STI POLICY IN WALLONIA AND IN THE FRENCH COMMUNIT Y
FIGURE 23 Structure of the French Community and the Walloon Region
FRENCH COMMUNIT Y
LINKING ELEMENTS
WALLOON REGION
PARLIAMENT
Parliament of the French
75 Walloon deputies are
Community
part of the Parliament of
the 75 deputies of the Walthe French Community
loon Parliament and 19 deputies from the Parliament of the
Brussels-Capital Region
Walloon Parliament: 75 deputies
GOVERNMENT
Government of the French
Community:
1 Minister-President
3 Vice-Minister-Presidents
3 Ministers
Walloon Government:
1 Minister-President
3 Vice-Minister-Presidents
4 Ministers
ADMINISTR ATION
Ministry of the French
Community
Walloon Public Service
Secretary General
Secretary General
5 General Administrations
(GA)
GA Infrastructure
GA Youth & Sport
GA Educational staff
GA Culture
GA Education and Scientific
Research
DGENORS
2 Transveral Directorate Generals
DGT1: Staff & General Affairs
DGT2: Budget, logistics & ICT
7 Operational DGs
DGO1 : Roads & buildings
DGO2 : Mobility and waterways
DGO3: Agriculture, natural
resources & environment
DGO4: Land use, cultural heritage
and energy
DGO5: Local authories,
social affairs and health
DGO6: Economy, Employment
& Research
DGO7 : Taxation
Common Minister - President
3 common vice ministerpresidents for public service, budget and finance
and research portfolios
The CRef also manages a central database on research units and associated research
projects that it makes available for consultation. The database, updated annually,
includes statistics on student and scientific, teaching, administrative, technical,
and management numbers for the universities of the French Community.
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4.2.1.3
The Inter-university Council of the French Community (CIUF)
The CIUF (Conseil Interuniversitaire de la Communauté Française) 73 is a public interest organisation bringing together all the universities of the French Community.
Its main missions are to issue opinions on matters relating to university education,
to organise consultations on these matters, to foster collaborations between universities, and to represent academic institutions in various national and international organisations.
4.2.2
Government departments
In Wallonia and the French Community, the government departments responsible
for the design and implementation of STI policy are, respectively:
the DG for Economy, Employment and Research (DGO6) of the Walloon Public Service (WPS), which manages all measures and initiatives in favour of industrial research, and experimental development of innovative products, processes and services; including project selection, funding and monitoring. The
DG06 also manages policy initiatives in favour of enterprises networks, nontechnological innovation and the follow-up of international, mainly EU, policy
targets for research and innovation.
the Directorate-General for non-obligatory education and scientific research
(DGENORS), of the French Community, is responsible for funding universities and other higher education institutions (HEI) and for non-targeted scientific research (through the FRS-FNRS and the associated funds).
4.2.2.1
Directorate General for Economy, Employment and Research (WPS)
(DGO6)
Since 1 August 2008, the WPS brings together in a single entity the two departments that previously made up the Walloon administration, i.e. the Ministry
of the Walloon Region (MRW) and the Ministry of Equipment and Transport
(MET). In addition to the Secretary General and two horizontal directorates dealing with matters common to all services (legal issues, budget, human resources,
translation, logistics or IT), seven operational directorates (DGO) were established. In particular, the former Directorate General for Technologies, Research
and Energy (DGTRE) and the Directorate General for Economy and Employment
73.
www.ciuf.be/cms
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(DGEE) were merged to become the DGO6 (Direction Générale Opérationnelle
de l’Economie, de l’Emploi et de la Recherche). The DGO6 is the key policy-design and implementing body for research and innovation policy at regional level.
As regards innovation policy, the DGTRE used to deal with industrial R&D support and the DGEE with industrial policy (competitiveness poles and clusters
policies) and non-technological innovation support. The merger should create a
more coherent system and a more coordinated regional research and innovation
policy.
FIGURE 24 Government budgetary appropriations on R&D (in thousands €)
2003
172.152
2004
139.713
2005
2006
169.709
200.019
2007
257.162
2008
332.113
2009i
330.982
Source: WPS DG06
In Wallonia, budget appropriations for R&D were just over 4% of total public expenditure in 2009. The DGO6 budget for R&D support represents over 80% of
the total regional GBAORD; the remainder is allocated to specific actions in fields
such as energy, agriculture, environment and natural resources, employment and
training, land use and town planning. Between 2005 and 2008, Walloon budget
appropriations for R&D have increased significantly (by nearly 95%). In 2009, on
the basis of the initial budgetary credits, the budget allocations for R&D stabilised
in comparison to 2008.
FIGURE 25 Budget appropriations for R&D of DGO6 per funding source (in thousand €)
ADJUSTED BUDGET, THOUSANDS €
Ordinary credits
Cofinancing Structural Funds
Priority Action Plan (Marshall Plan)
TOTAL BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS
2005
2006
2007
120.515
13.170
130.452
1.106
33.267
138.344
2.909
72.153
2008
149.208
93.811
51.344
133.684
164.825
213.407
294.363
Source: WPS DG06
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FIGURE 26 R&D budget appropriations of the Walloon Region by type of programme, 2001-08,
(in thousand €)
Other actions
350.000
Actions for S&T diffusion and innovation promotion
Allocation to other implementing bodies
300.000
Research exploitation
Support to participation to EU R&D framework programmes
(support to submission and additionnal subsidy)
250.000
Technology guidance
SME support grants (incl. technology vouchers)
200.000
Collective research
Support to R&D projects of research institutions within
the framework of other programmes (Eureka, Eranet, etc.)
150.000
Support to R&D projects of research institutions within
the framework of EU Structural Funds
100.000
First programmes
Research in public-private partnership
Excellence programmes
50.000
Mobilising programmes
0
Support to R&D projects of entreprise (outside networks)
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
Support to R&D projects of entreprises networks
(competitiveness poles and clusters)
Source: WPS DG06
In the field of R&D support, a new legal basis was adopted by the Walloon Government in July 2008, implementing the rules of the European State Aid R&D and
innovation framework. The decree allows the Walloon Region to allocate funds to
four broad categories of actors: 1) universities and other higher education institutions for industrial research projects relevant for regional socio-economic development; 2) accredited research centres, for applied research and technology diffusion
activities for regional companies 3) innovative companies, for R&D and innovation projects 4) technological innovation partnership (PIT, a consortium of companies and research institutions). The funds are allocated via a set of programmes
targeting these actors. As a general rule, industrial research projects are funded
by grants, whilst experimental development projects are funded by reimbursable
loans. Universities and related institutions benefit from a 100% rate and accredited
research centres a 75% rate. For companies, the rate varies according to the size of
the company: between 50 and 80% for a grant and between 40 and 60% for a reimbursable loan. Young innovative enterprises and partnership projects (consortium of companies or in a PIT context) benefit for higher rates and the possibility to
choice between a grant or a loan.
A set of aids specifically dedicated to SME’s are available to help enterprises to define their innovation strategy, study the feasibility of their project on a technical
and/or commercial field or to register a patent.
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FIGURE 27 R&D budget appropriations of the Walloon Region by type of beneficiary, 2001-2008
(thousand €)
350.000
300.000
250.000
200.000
150.000
Service providers
Other
100.000
Accredited research centres
Enterprises
Universities & other Hei
50.000
0
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
Source: WPS DG06
In the field of industrial policy, the DGO6 provides support to clusters and co-ordinates the competitiveness poles support measure (see point 4.2.5.4). It provides
support to SME development helping them to benefit from accredited consultant
services, implement quality management or begin an e-business. It collaborates
with the Economic Stimulation Agency (ASE) and the Walloon SME financing
Agency (Sowalfin) to offer to companies a coherent set of support services.
BOX 20 Promoting participation in EU programmes
The Walloon Region has developed
various tools to maximise the
participation of research actors to
EU research programmes. The
NCP-Wallonia is managed by the
Walloon Business Federation
(Union Wallonne des Entreprises,
UWE) with the mission to promote
the participation of regional actors
in EU Programmes (FP7, CIP, ERAnets, EUREKA, etc.). It provides
information and assistance to
identify research partners and for
the planning and administrative
management of research projects.
Horizon Europe, a regional support
measure, awards grants to cover
the costs incurred to prepare,
submit and negotiate a research
project to FP7 calls for proposals,
as well as for EUREKA. Under
FP6, accredited research centres
and companies, could receive
top-up funding from the Walloon
Region when projects were
selected. This additional funding
represented 25% of the budget
accepted by the EU.
The Walloon Region also
participates to the EEN (Enterprise
Europe Network) implemented
through the CIP2007-2013 to help
enterprises to benefit from
transnational partnerships
opportunities. The Walloon part of
the network is composed of 10
local development agencies, one of
which acts as a co-ordinator.
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FIGURE 28 Amounts awarded for Horizon-Europe, per category of actor, in thousand €.
BENEFICIARY
2005
Centres
Enterprises
Universities/HEI
TOTAL
2006
2007
2008
80
424
539
446
379
583
90
200
82
1.044
1.408
372
154
324
350
828
Source: WPS DG06
DGO6 represents the region in the committees over-seeing several European initiatives managed by DG Enterprises and DG Research of the Commission and ensures the follow-up of these programmes.
FIGURE 29 Additional funding allocated by the Walloon Region to accredited research centres and
companies for participation in FP6
2005
BENEFICIARY
#
2006
BUDGET
#
2007
BUDGET
#
BUDGET
2008
#
BUDGET
Centres
Entreprises
15
13
1.836
1.247
13
21
1.187
1.887
14
20
1.703
2.200
5
5
468
446
TOTAL
28
3.083
34
3.074
34
3.903
10
913
Source: WPS DG06
A review of Walloon participation in FP6 by the NCP-Wallonia74 has highlighted that the region has greatly increased its involvement in the programme, both
in terms of quantity and quality. Walloon actors participated to 1236 projects applications from which 324 projects were selected for funding; including 39 led by
a Walloon organisation. A number of Walloon actors have taken part in several
projects, so that, in total, Wallonia registered 429 supported participations, or just
over a quarter of Belgian participations. One proposal out of four has been funded
(25%) and this overall success rate is similar to the national average and above the
European average (22%). In addition to the supported projects, some projects were
positively rated but not financially supported because of insufficient budgets. In total, 45% of Walloon participations to proposals met EU quality standards. Walloon
companies have been particularly active with, in total, 92 involved in on-going
projects (against 35 for FP5), representing a quarter of Belgian companies involved
and a total of 155 fruitful participations to project proposals. In addition, 13 of
these companies are projects coordinators. Two out of four companies that participated at least once in a project application are involved in a funded project.
74.
http://www.ncpwallonie.be
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FIGURE 30 Number of participations to funded projects by Walloon organisations
Others
SME actions
6
41
Energy, Envir. & transport
55
Food quality & security
25
Space & aeronautics
76
Nanotechnology,
nanoscience, materials
and processes
70
New information
technologies
93
Life sciences,
genome and
health biotechnology
63
TOTAL 429
11
15
22
22
29
25
36
15
43
23
18
20
25
19
25
Success rate (EU) (%)
Success rate Walloon participants (%)
28
Source:
NCP-Wallonie, ‘Les Wallons dans le 6 e PCRD’
BOX 21 FIRST measures
The FIRST measures form a
comprehensive package aimed at
strengthening university-industry
cooperation and encouraging the
transfer and exploitation of
research results in the Walloon
economy. Originally launched in
1989 as a measure aimed at
universities and enterprises, a
number of sub-schemes with
specific objectives and target
groups have since been
developed.
Through FIRST, university
researchers gain the opportunity to
learn about industrial realities while
maintaining their academic anchor.
Each project provides support for
the salary of a young researcher
for two years or more in order to
conduct within an academic
institution a targeted research
project that is likely to have an
eventual impact on regional
economic and social development.
Three key objectives are pursued:
an increase of the scientific
and technological potential of
academic research units and
accredited research centres;
the economic exploitation and
the transfer of this potential
towards Walloon companies;
the training of researchers as
future business executives with
a competence in emerging
technologies, enabling diffusion
in Walloon companies where it
is hoped they will continue their
professional activities.
Three versions of the FIRST
programmes target academic
researchers:
The FIRST Post Doc mandates
are awarded to university
researchers, in order to
conduct a post-doctoral
research oriented towards the
interests of an industrial
partner or an accredited
research centre that cofinances
the project.
The FIRST Higher Education
Institutions (FIRST Hautes
Ecoles) are awarded to
researchers from research
centres associated with Hautes
Ecoles. They conduct research
of interest to an industrial
partner sponsoring the project.
The FIRST Spin-Off
programme allows academic
researchers to explore
possibilities of starting a
business based on the results
of their research. Since the
launch of the FIRST spin-off
scheme in 1999, 49 spin-offs
have been created as a result
of the scheme, out of which
46 were still active in 2008.
Accredited research centres are
eligible to apply for FIRST DO.CA
mandates in orderto conduct
research that should enable the
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centres to develop or strengthen
scientific expertise useful for
companies in the Walloon Region.
The project should support a
doctoral thesis of a young
researcher at an accredited
research centre in collaboration
with a French-speaking academic
research unit located in Wallonia.
hiring and training of young
researcher to do an internship
within a university, or university
college, research unit, or within a
PRO.
The FIRST Enterprise scheme
strengthens the scientific and
technological potential of a
company through funding the
FIGURE 31 FIRST schemes – number of mandates granted per year and budget (in thousand €)
FIRST MANDATE
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
POST DOC
SPINOFF
2007
19
2,770
21
3,421
2008
14
2,248
11
1,313
7
1,124
14
1,894
14
1,902
15
2,198
17
3,338
13
2,908
1875
3,843
8
811
9
1,054
10
1,134
10
1,107
8
994
10
1,447
9
1,254
11
1,651
4
486
4
531
29
2,438
15
1,446
HIGHER EDUCATION
INSTITUTION
DOCA
ENTERPRISE
2006
28
2,420
17
1,419
26
2,210
19
1,684
17
1,574
30
2,879
Source: WPS DG06
BOX 22 Mobilising programmes
The mobilising programmes76 are
one of the main instruments
supporting industrial research in
Wallonia for HEI research units,
PROs and accredited collective
research centres. They aim at
fostering research in areas
strategic for the development of
the region, via the concentration of
R&D efforts in future technologies.
The mobilising programmes pursue
two objectives: to strengthen the
scientific potential of HEIs and to
exploit the results within the
Walloon economy. This double
objective is achieved by funding
applied research projects, that may
result in commercially viable
technologies for existing or newlycreated businesses.
75.
76.
These programmes have, over the
last 10 years, notably covered ICT
applications, human medicine,
engineering and new materials,
digital sound and imaging
technologies, biotechnology and
nanotechnology. A specificity of
the programmes is that project
evaluations from two independent
foreign experts are requested
during the selection process.
Moreover, they focus on
interdisciplinary collaboration
between research teams and, even
impose, the involvement in the
projects of several research
institutions. The evaluation of the
proposals is based on multiple
criteria such as the scientific
quality of the project, its relevance
to the techno-economic needs of
the Walloon economy and the
contribution of the research to
technological progress.
The programme funding is
allocated via calls for proposals.
Funding of selected projects is
provided through grants covering
100% of eligible costs for
universities and other HEIs and
75% for accredited research
centres that can be project
partners. The budget varies anually
according to the number and type
of programme running. On average
a programme has a budget of
€20m and runs for 2-3 years.
Under the Marshall Plan for
Wallonia, €25m is earmarked each
year for mobilising programmes.
One of these projects was financed through the ‘energy’ budget for a total of €172,785
http://recherche-technologie.wallonie.be/fr/menu/ressources/programmes/les-programmes-mobilisateurs.html.
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BOX 23 Programmes of excellence
Programmes of excellence exist
2005 and aim to concentrate
financial resources on the activities
of university laboratories renowned
for their excellence and their
capacity to exploit research results.
Projects receive a fixed funding for
five years allowing them mobilise
substantial resources on a specific
theme. The funds should cover the
different phases of the innovation
process from basic research to
industrial application of results.
75
since
76
The objective is to create a
leverage effect that supports the
creation of a research institute with
the necessary reputation and
critical mass to take part in large
European projects. Themes have
been decided by the Walloon
Government based on a mapping
of the excellence areas of the
Walloon Region made by the FNRS
and cross-checked with regional
industrial policies. For each
thematic programme, annual
funding of €5m over five years is
co-financed by the Walloon Region
and the universities. The
programmes of excellence should
focus primarily on projects for
which industrial development can
be ensured during or by the end of
the programme. The lead university
works with ‘satellite’ teams
providing advanced specific skills
needed for the programme. The
programmes of excellence are
implemented in three phases (twotwo-one years), and are subject to
a ‘peer review’ at the end of each
phase.
As of end 2008, the following
programmes of excellence were
supported, of which three were in
the framework of the Marshall
Plan:
2005: NANOTIC
(nanotechnologies and ICT)
awarded to the Catholic
University of Louvain (UCL).
2006: NANOTOXICO (toxicity
test for three types of
nanoparticles) awarded to the
Facultés Notre Dame de la
Paix (FUNDP, in Namur).
2006: NEOANGIO dedicated
to angiogenesis for cancer
treatment awarded to the
University of Liege (ULG) in
partnership with the Free
University of Brussels (ULB)
and the UCL.
2007: NUMEDIART (numeric
multimedia arts) awarded to
the Faculty of Engineering of
Mons (FUCAM) and the UCL.
2007: CIBLES on diagnostic
and therapeutic targets
identified by functional
genomics awarded to the ULB
in partnership with the ULG
and the UCL.
2008: DIANE (Inflammatory
Disorders in Neurological
Affections) led by the UCL in
partnership with the ULB, ULG
and FUNDP.
The programmes of excellence
must meet objective criteria that
are intended not only to ensure the
scientific underpinning of the
project, but also to provide both
scientific and economic benefits,
particularly through partnerships
with the private sector, the
registration of patents and the
creation of spin-offs.
FIGURE 32 Programmes of excellence in Wallonia (€ thousand)
2005
2006
2007
2.223
1.048
2.500
2.607
952
7.500
2.610
1.243
978
1.000
2.531
919
1.023
1.000
3.271
6.059
20.827
10.472
40.629
NEOANGIO (MARSHALL PLAN)
NANOTOXICO
NUMEDIART
TECHNOSE
TOTAL
TOTAL
7.496
5.000
10.000
9.971
4.162
2.000
2.000
5.000
DIANE ( MARSHALL PL AN )
NANOTIC
2008
7.496
CIBLES ( MARSHALL PL AN )
Source: WPS DG06
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BOX 24 Support to R&D for SMEs
Some measures, specifically
addressed to SMEs, help remove
financial and technical uncertainties related to an industrial project.
They cover all aspects of the feasibility of a project, including IPR.
The scheme Research Project
Manager (Responsable de
Projet de Recherche – RPR)
funds the salary of a person
recruited to lead an industrial
research project within a
company, including new
product design, the study of a
new manufacturing process or
a technological analysis. The
person should not be part of
the company personnel at the
time the aid is granted. The
assistance takes the form of a
grant covering part of the
salary of the person for a
period ranging from six months
to two years, including
employers’ social charges, fees
for overseas missions, the
participation to seminars and
the costs for specialised
documentation. The company
first undergoes a technological
audit the cost of which is borne
entirely by the region.
Grant support is also awarded
to SMEs to use external
expertise within the framework
of innovative projects. Such
support may be granted for a
technical feasibility study for a
development project of new
products or services (technical
support), the feasibility of new
software of industrial relevance
(innovative software), the
feasibility of a technology
transfer or the evaluation of the
likelihood of commercial
success of a new product or
service.
A third measures provides
financial support to SMEs for
filing or extending patents to
protect their R&D results. The
rate of subsidy varies between
35 and 70% depending on the
nature of the project and of the
firm; and covers two cases:
For a first patent filing in a
national or international
patent office accompanied
with a search request and
the analysis of the search
report.
For the extension of the
territorial protection with a
request of priority rights
and the award in the
designated countries.
FIGURE 33 SMEs R&D and innovation measures in Wallonia (€ thousand)
T YPE OF SUPPORT
2005
#
BUDGET
Responsible for research projects (prev. RIT)
Technical support
Feasibility study for innovative software
Sectoral study
Technical-marketing study
Patent registration
Patent extension
23
23
11
TOTAL
59
1
2006
#
2.303
1.054
584
0
10
0
0
10
26
17
4.028
BUDGET
2007
#
11
30
12
4
16
8
1.107
1.818
1.082
0
227
64
274
81
4.572
2008
BUDGET
#
BUDGET
2
18
13
1.125
2.313
784
0
40
98
798
20
38
18
1
4
21
20
2.456
2.637
1.222
38
106
113
1.121
86
5.157
122
7.692
Source: WPS DG06
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4. STI POLICY IN WALLONIA AND IN THE FRENCH COMMUNIT Y
4.2.2.2
Directorate General for Non Compulsory Education and
Scientific Research – DGENORS
Of the five DGs that make up the Ministry of the French Community, the DG of
Education and Scientific Research77 and, more specifically, the DGENORS (Direction générale de l’Enseignement non obligatoire et de la Recherche scientifique,)
is by far the most concerned by STI issues. Other departments of the Ministry are
responsible for sectoral research programmes related to matters within their fields
of competence: notably health, culture and sports.
Within DGENORS, the General Service of Regulation and Scientific Research has
the mission to finance universities, the FRS-FNRS and its associated funds as well
as participating in a series of federal programmes. It is also responsible for implementing European initiatives in the areas of research (partnership for researchers,
management of intellectual property rights, joint programming, etc.) and education (Bologna process) for French-speaking Belgium. It monitors the participation
of public research organisations in FP7. Finally, it works in conjunction with other
authorities to determine the Belgian position in the research field in the EU Competitiveness Council.
The research budget of the French Community is divided into five lines, as displayed in FIGURE 33 .
FIGURE 34 Budgets allocated to R&D policy in the French Community, 2008
ACTION LINES
BUDGET 2008 (€M )
SHARE OF TOTAL BUDGET
FRS-FNRS and associated funds
Basic funding of universities78
Concerted Research Actions (ARC)
Special Research Funds (FSR)
Various subsidies
89.439
147.461
13.942
13.756
8.170
32.79 %
54.06 %
5.11 %
5.04 %
3.00 %
ALL ACTION LINES
272.768
100 %
Source: WPS DG06
The mission of the French Community is to fund non-oriented research and, hence,
the policy does not have a thematic focus, with some exceptions (which represent
a very small share of the budget of the supported actions) related to the exercise of
own competences, in particular, education. Almost all calls and grants are therefore
managed according to a bottom-up principle, that is to say, at the initiative of the
researchers themselves.
77.
78.
www.enseignement.be
The amounts indicated are the share of R&D estimated to be 25% of the overall subsidy.
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The freedom of choice that is left to the researcher is limited by an understandable
requirement for quality. Therefore funding for research projects is primarily based
on the criterion of excellence. The latter, however, does not come into play initially
since the French Community provides institutional funding through its agencies
(FRS-FNRS and associated funds) to the universities based on a pre-defined share
of funds. Hence, the competitiveness principle comes into play only at the level of
agencies, academies or universities.
4.2.3
Other implementing bodies
4.2.3.1
Scientific Research Fund – FRS-FNRS
The FRS-FNRS 79 (Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique) was established in 1928 as a
non-profit organisation to promote scientific research in Belgium. The organisation
was initially privately funded but after 1945 became partly subsidised by Government. During the 50’s and 60’s several complementary (sub-) funds were created.
In 1994, a fund for research within industry and agriculture (FRIA) was created.
Following the federalisation of Belgium the FNRS became the agency funding scientific research in the French Community.
The mission of the FNRS is to develop non-oriented scientific research on the basis
of initiatives presented by researchers. The organisation promotes the production
and development of knowledge through support to individual researchers as well
as through research programmes carried out within laboratories and units of the
universities of the French Community. The action of the FNRS is therefore mainly
focussed on researcher training and research development. Financial support from
the FNRS is based on the sole criteria of scientific excellence.
With a budget of €89.5m in 2008, the FNRS, and its associated funds, is one of two
main research funding sources in the French Community, accounting for almost
33% of the R&D budget. Moreover, the funds also receive contributions from the
Federal Authority (mainly through fiscal measures), the Walloon Region (contribution to FRIA grants) and the private sector and charitable sources (Télévie Operation, donations and bequests from individuals, donations from companies).
In 2008, the FNRS supported more than 1,300 PhD researchers and 900 post-doctoral researchers. The organisation provides funding for temporary or permanent
individual researchers, financing for research teams, grants for favouring scientific
exchanges and awards scientific prizes.
79.
www.frs-fnrs.be
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4. STI POLICY IN WALLONIA AND IN THE FRENCH COMMUNIT Y
FNRS and its associated funds cover all scientific disciplines. The organisation
works through a small administration and a larger pool of experts from the universities in Belgium and abroad. The FNRS uses a ‘bottom-up’ approach in its funding and therefore researchers and laboratories propose ‘own-initiative’ research
projects to the FRS-FNRS. FNRS funds are permanently open for applications but
there are indicative deadlines, generally, corresponding to the academic year. The
scientific committees, including domain experts, evaluate the proposals and suggest a ranked list of applicants to the board which takes a final decision on whether
to fund the project.
BOX 25 FNRS development plan (2004-2009)
Initially drafted in 1996, it was not
until 2005, however, that budgetary
means were made available to the
FRS-FNRS to enable the
implementation of the development
plan, in the context of the ERA and
the Barcelona objective. During
2004-2009, following a
commitment to the FNRS
development plan in the joint
governmental declaration of the
French Community and the Walloon
Region, the Community budgetary
appropriation was significantly
increased (from €66.5m in 2004 to
€89.2m in 2008, or an increase of
34% including salary indexation
and adjustments to pay-scales). The
FRS-FNRS was also given
additional funds through the
Walloon Marshall Plan; as well as
from two federal initiatives: the tax
exemption for post-doctoral
students and a measure in favour of
employment in basic research.
During 2009, the development plan
objectives were achieved, namely:
In terms of human resources
PhD students:
Increase the number of new
candidates from 80 to 100
per year; on 1 October
2008, there were in total
493 FNRS doctoral
candidates;
Increase the number of
FRIA grants from 400 to
600; in 2004, there were
480 grants awarded, with
Marshall Plan funding the
target of 600 was
exceeded in 2009.
Promote an increase in the
number of medical doctors
undertaking research; as a
result a grant for doctoral
clinical researchers was
introduced in 2008.
Post-doctoral researchers:
Increase from 35 to 60 per
year the number of new
research assistants and
increase the length of their
funding from three to four
years; between 2006 and
2008 the number of
research assistants
increased from 240 to 354.
Increase the number of
permanent researchers
from 370 to 400, a target
achieved in 2007-2008.
In terms of mobility: faciliate
post-doctoral research for a
minimum of two years in
foreign laboratories for
Belgians and reciprocal
research by foreign postdoctoral researchers in
Belgium.
Increase the likelihood that
Belgian researchers living
abroad, particularly in the
USA, return to work in
Belgian labs. This objective
was, partially, achieved, by
the launch, in 2008, by the
FRS-FNRS of the ‘Ulysse
Mobility grants’.
In terms of improving the
working conditions of
researchers
Awards grants for operating
costs for all researchers of
the FRS-FNRS, and
associated funds,; since
2005, over 2000 lump-sum
grants have been awarded
to newly supported
researchers. The Ulysse
mobility grants and the
Scientific booster grants,
created in 2004, also
address this objective by
providing significant funds
for equipment and
operating costs.
In terms of programme and
project financing: increase the
financial means of the
associated funds, by at least
5% per year during four years,
net of indexation. This target
was not totally achieved but the
means available have grown
substantially.
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The FRS-FNRS supports individual researchers through a number of measures:
The main measure consists in grants financing the salary of aspiring researchers and enabling them to move through the five stages of a research career:
Doctoral student (‘Aspirant’) – four years funding to draft a doctoral thesis;
Post-doctoral researcher (‘Chargé de recherches’) - four additional years including additional training in a laboratory or a foreign research institution;
For those choosing a scientific career, three additional successive stages,
beginning with qualified researcher (‘Chercheur qualifié’), senior researcher (Maître de recherches) and finally research director (‘Directeur de
recherches’). A number of the researchers funded subsequently gain positions within the scientific establishment or are granted academic tenure.
A number of additional more specific posts are funded by the FRS-FNRS: a
half-time post, for a maximum of four years, as a clinical-doctoral researcher
(‘Clinicien-chercheur doctorant’) and another half-time grant for specialist
clinical-researchers (‘Clinicien-chercheur spécialiste’ for a maximum of 10
years);
A research grant (‘Crédit aux chercheurs’) of a maximum of €40,000 is awarded to a researcher to finance research on a specific project. The grant cannot
be used to hire staff, except in the case of a foreign post-doctoral researcher in
order to favour international mobility for a temporary period (‘Chercheur temporaire postdoctoral’);
The Scientific booster grant (‘Mandat d’impulsion scientifique’) provides a
maximum funding of €150,000 per year over three years and is aimed at young
researchers with a novel project and who have the ambition to create an autonomous scientific unit within their institution.
Funding for a scientific mission (‘Mission scientifique’) in the form of a sabbatical year awarded to a university professor to enable him/her to carry out
research in Belgium or abroad. Such funding may be awarded to a professor of a
foreign university but in this case the research must be carried out in the French
Community of Belgium.
A more recent measure, launched in 2008 with the first awards in 2009, is the
Ulysse Mobility Grant (‘Mandat Mobilité Ulysse’). A grant of up to €200,000
per year over three years may be awarded to a highly qualified researcher, of any
nationality, resident for at least five years abroad, who moves to pursue his/her
career in the French Community.
The FRS-FNRS provides funding for the organisation of seminars, conferences
and other types of scientific meetings in Belgium. Equally, grants are awarded
for short study trips abroad (summer schools, etc) and for active participation to
conferences outside of Belgium. Moreover, the fund intervenes to part-finance
the publication of journals or scientific books.
Thanks to donations or via wills, the FNRS can award scientific prizes in the
social sciences, biomedical sciences and technological sciencies.
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4. STI POLICY IN WALLONIA AND IN THE FRENCH COMMUNIT Y
Finally, a support is provided to encourage the creation of networks of researchers or so-called ‘contact groups’.
In addition to funding individual researchers, the FRS-FNRS also fulfils a number
of other missions, notably:
As the award of a PhD requires doctoral training, since 2004, the Parliament
has attributed to the FRS-FNRS the mission to organise ‘doctoral colleges’.
Currently, there are 21 such colleges covering specific scientific fields or a complete course of study. Each of the colleges has a number of doctoral (thematic)
schools, which are established by a decision of the Doctoral School Commission of the FRS-FNRS. Doctoral schools are created for five years and are evaluated at the end of this period, the first evaluations are scheduled to take place in
May 2010.
Since 2005, in the context of the internationalisation of research, the FRSFNRS is the NCP for the EU’s research FP; complementing the action of the
NCP-Wallonia managed by the UWE for regional actors (enterprises, research
centres, etc.). To this end, it aims to encourage the development of projects of
European dimension and to increase the success rate of applications from universities of the French Community.
BOX 26 Popularising science and developing a scientific culture in French-speaking Belgium
Over the last decade, the regional
and community ministers responsible
for education and scientific research
have spent annually from several
hundred thousand euro up to 2-3
million euro in developing actions
and research projects in the areas of
science education, educational
research and the dissemination and
popularisation of scientific
knowledge.
In particular, through the annual
event ‘Spring of Science’
(Printemps des Sciences) 80 , the
French Community seeks to
promote the attractiveness of
scientific studies, notably to young
people, and to pool efforts in this
area. The first ‘Spring of Science’
was organised in 2001 and
resulted from the work of an
80 .
81.
82.
informal group composed of
representatives of academic and
applied sciences. This action aims
to give a positive image of science,
to provide information on scientific
job opportunities, to study the
initial and subsequent training of
teachers and to disseminate
scientific culture.
Other budget appropriations
support scientific associations,
scientific prizes, travel grants for
PhD students or postdocs, and
finance the staff and the activities
of the Royal Academy of Sciences,
Letters and Fine Arts of Belgium81,
etc.
In Wallonia, a service of the DGO6
is responsible for managing and
coordinating a series of initiatives
in favour of the diffusion of science
and technologies. In addition to the
support granted by the region to
projects introduced by external
promoters (exhibitions,
conferences, scientific animations,
etc.), the DGO6 runs its own
awareness-raising actions:
a website 82 presenting in an
interactive way the actors
involved in science promotion
and the activities they
undertake in Wallonia and in
Brussels;
the monthly magazine ‘Athena’
aims at spreading intelligible,
quality and diversified scientific
and technological information;
the competition ‘L’odysée de
l’objet’ (The odyssey of the
http://www.printempsdessciences.be
http://www.academieroyale.be
http://difst.wallonie.be
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object) which aims at improving
the visibility of scientific
careers and at developing an
entrepreneurial spirit amongst
young people;
thematic events aiming at
strengthening the links
between awareness-raising
actors, students, researchers,
enterprises and the wider
public in general. They also aim
at demonstrating on an
entertaining way the
importance and omnipresence
of science and technology in
daily activities.
Key actions funded include:
permanent science promotion
centres (PASS 83 , Museum of
Science and Technology at
Parentville, Science Adventure
Parks); temporary exhibitions or
events to promote science and
technology; and media based
promotion (TV programmes,
monthly science, research and
innovation magazine).
BOX 27 A partnership for researchers: action Plan of the French Community 2010-2014
The French Community action plan
in support of the European
Partnership for researchers
contains, firstly, actions undertaken
by the FRS-FNRS and by the
universities in order to respect the
principles of the European Charter
for Researchers and a Code of
Conduct for the Recruitment of
Researchers; secondly, a number
of support actions as well as
evaluation, analysis and
administrative simplification.
The implementation of a human
resource (HR) strategy within
universities should also favour the
identification of existing problems
in terms of researchers careers or
the attractiveness of institutions
within the French Community. As
a result, a number of legislative
proposals may be made to improve
the situation of researchers.
1. Open recruitment procedures
and portability of grants
ACTION 1 – Reform of the
system of appraisal of
applications for research grants
of the FRS-FNRS in order to
make them more open,
transparent, competitive and in
line with the principles of the
83.
84.
http://www.pass.be
http://www.euraxess.be
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code of recruitment for
researchers: suppression of an
age limit; informing in writing
unsuccessful applicants;
selection procedures involving
to a greater extent experts
from outside of the French
Community; improved
communication of the calls for
candidates and the procedures
for obtaining a grant; a new
Internet site with improved
quality and content of
information on the procedures.
ACTION 2 – Simplification of
the procedures for applying for
a FRIA grant for holders of a
foreign academic qualification.
The Government will move to
abrogate the dissuasive
obligation for candidates with a
non-Belgian second cycle
degree to prove the
equivalence of their
qualification when applying.
ACTION 3 – Creation of a
working group ‘EURAXESS
Jobs’ with the mission to
propose a policy for the
publication of open job posts
where they are publicly funded;
publish on EURAXESS calls for
applications for the award of
FRIA or FRS-FNRS grants;
encourage universities to
publish available jobs on their
own Internet sites as well as on
EURAXESS; establish a list of
the types of contract open to
university researchers (and
upload this information to
EURAXESS).
ACTION 4 – Improvement of the
quality of information available
on the Belgium EURAXESS
services pages84 : publication of
a vade-mecum on the Belgian
mobility programmes; updating
links and identification of key
actors; posting of a guide for
mobile researchers; publication
of the list of types of contracts;
FAQ; etc.
Improving employment and
working conditions
ACTION 5 – Creation of a
working group ‘EURAXESS
Rights’ composed of
representatives of the
universities, the FRS-FNRS and
the French Community
administration, with the
objectives to: define a
2.
127
4. STI POLICY IN WALLONIA AND IN THE FRENCH COMMUNIT Y
communication strategy for the
implementation of the Charter
and the Code; develop in each
university a human resource
strategy in three phases:
a gap analysis of the
procedures of each
institution with respect to
the 40 principles of the
charter and code
setting priorities for the
HR strategy for each
institution
informing the Commission
of the strategy.
ACTION 6 – Creation of a grant
supporting universities in
developing a HR strategy.
ACTION 7 – Improving the
position of PhD holders in
public administrations.
ACTION 8 – Creation of a new
grade for research managers
and heads of technology
platforms
ACTION 9 – Creation of a
working group ‘Women and
science’ composed of
representatives of the
universities, the FRS-FNRS and
the French Community
administration, with the
objective to identify difficulties
encountered by female
researchers, the exchange of
good practice and the
development of a response to
identified problems.
3.
Training
ACTION 10 – evaluation of the
doctoral schools system (first
evaluation in May 2010)
4.2.3.2
Associated funds of FRS-FNRS: IISN, FRSM, FRFC, FRIA
The associated funds, which are specialised in certain research areas, and on which
the FRS-FNRS exercises control, are the following:
The ‘Interuniversity Institute of Nuclear Sciences’ (Institut interuniversitaire
des sciences nucléaires, IISN)
The ‘Fund for Medical Scientific Research’ (Fonds de la recherche scientifique
médicale, FRSM)
The ‘Fund for basic collective research at the initiative of researchers’ (Fonds de
la recherche fondamentale collective à l’initiative des chercheurs, FRFC)
The ‘Fund for Research training in Industry and Agriculture’ (Fonds pour la
formation à la recherche dans l’industrie et dans l’agriculture, FRIA)
The first three funds (IISN, FRSM, FRFC) award funds to teams to enable them to
carry out research programmes. Collaborative projects are also supported thanks
to the Televie charity operation and these projects focus on the fight against cancer
and leukaemia: 80 teams received funding through this operation in 2008 worth
approximately €8.1m. These subsidies cover hiring scientific and technical personnel (PhD students and post-doctoral fellows), acquiring equipment and operating
costs of the labs.
The FRIA provides PhD scholarships (four years) to researchers who intend to work
in industry or agriculture. The clear economic dimension of the FRIA justifies that
it is also funded by the Walloon Region.
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4.2.3.3
Agency for Technology Promotion – AST
Operational since 2006, the AST85 (Agence de Stimulation Technologique) was created by the Walloon Government following a 2005 evaluation of the network of intermediaries . The evaluation concluded that the transfer and diffusion of knowledge
and technologies did not sufficiently meet the needs of regional businesses. Given the
need to improve technology diffusion, the mission of the AST is: to lead a successful
system of technology transfer in the form of a publicly-funded network, aiming to:
raise the level of technical innovation among Walloon businesses, giving particular attention to non-innovative firms.
contribute in this way to the development of a competitive knowledge-based
market-place.
The activities and methods used by AST fall into two main categories:
improving the functioning of the network
Defining the role of each body at the heart of the network.
Defining the ‘purpose’ of each body within the network and the profile of its
employees.
Organising training for these employees, especially through placements at
other organisations within the network.
An information exchange allowing the effective circulation of members reports on businesses.
Creating shared communication tools and media.
Evaluating the individual performance of each body and the contribution to
the overall performance of the network, using a constantly updated system of
indicators.
2.
the general promotion and support of technological innovation.
organising meetings between the network and groups of businesses from a
specific field of activities (biotechnology, micro-engineering, materials, agrofood, information technology, etc.) in order to define exactly how the expressed
technological needs can be met by the network.
Organising pilot meetings between various individuals from the network and
managers from businesses, so they can determine together how to speed up the
technological innovation projects undertaken by these businesses.
Establishing a classification system for the technological innovation potential
of businesses.
Managing the technological vouchers measures (‘Chèques Technologiques’)
(the only direct financial support managed by AST): a 75% subsidy, granted
within three business days and available to all SMEs in Wallonia interested in
using the services of a research centre 86 .
1.
85.
86.
http://ast.wallonie.be
www.ct.innovons.be
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To design and moderate a community-based web portal, to be something akin
to a ‘Facebook of innovation’ for Wallonia (see BOX 28 ).
BOX 28 www.innovons.be – a novel resource for Walloon innovators
Walloon companies seeking to
innovate are faced by an everincreasing scale and complexity of
information on funding,
employment and access to
knowledge. In order to assist firms
to deal with this information
overload, the web portal www.
innovons.be has two main
objectives:
First, GUIDANCE! That is, pointing
a business towards the information
which will enable greater and more
successful innovations. How? By
ensuring access to the skills and
technologies available (knowledge
and equipment) from universities
as well as from industry.
Second, NETWORKING! A range
of providers are available to
businesses, to help and assist
them with their innovation strategy.
Through the web portal www.
innovons.be, they can communicate
with each other and improve the
overall service to business. Much
like an express mail parcel, both
companies and service providers
can exchange information on www.
innovons.be, suggest improvements
and monitor the progress of their
common innovation projects. All of
this with guaranteed security and
confidentiality.
The community-based web portal
www.innovons.be is also the place
to go for companies who wish to
apply for technology vouchers, a
simple, quick and easy way to
receive help with innovation
projects.
The network managed by the AST is made up of eight organisations, four of which
are networks themselves, and all of which existed before the creation of the agency.
The network consists of around 300 people in total. The eight bodies are as follows:
1.
The LIEU network (www.reseaulieu.be)
Members: the technology transfer offices of universities and engineering
schools
Aims: to develop the knowledge and technologies emerging from research labs
(partnerships, new spin-off companies, patent licensing)
Challenges: to improve developmental efficiency and to be more aware of the
needs of businesses
2.
Accord Wallonie network (www.accord-wallonie.be)
Members: the technical advisers in the 22 accredited research centres
Aims: to enable businesses to gain the maximum benefit from the skills, expertise and facilities of these centres (700 researchers and advisers in total)
Challenges: to develop multidisciplinary platforms between the centres and to
reach a greater audience amongst businesses
3.
SPoW network – Science Parks of Wallonia (www.spow.be)
Members: the six Walloon science parks (482 companies and 11,500 jobs)
Aims: to facilitate the creation and development of high-tech businesses and to
support communication between companies, universities and research centres
Challenges: to improve and promote the added value of being based in a science
park
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4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Enterprise Europe Network Wallonie (www.wallonieeurope.be)
Members: 10 local development agencies
Aims: to make the 7,500 ‘commercial and technical opportunities’ from the
EEN database available to Walloon businesses
Challenges: to increase the frequency of technology and partnership exchanges
initiated through the database
InnovaTech (www.innovatech.be)
Aims: to help businesses to structure their technological innovation projects
and to assist them throughout their lifespan; to develop methodological tools
Challenges: to significantly increase the numbers of businesses that are technologically innovative and are ready to make use of it as a tool for growth and
development
Pi² Wallonie – Propriété intellectuelle et Innovation en Wallonie (Intellectual
property and Innovation in Wallonia) (www.picarre.be)
Aims: to increase the awareness of businesses on issues related to intellectual
property and to give assistance in this field (confirming freedom to operate,
‘patent alerts’, etc.)
Challenges: to increase understanding of intellectual property and to develop
tools, so as to make sure that intellectual property is an important part of every
company’s innovation strategy
NCP Wallonie (www.ncpwallonie.be)
Aims: to encourage businesses to participate in the EU’s R&D programmes
(FP7) and to assist them in building up partnerships
Challenges: to increase participation in EU projects and the number of successful partnerships
Cequal (www.cequal.be)
Aims: to help businesses adopt a ‘quality strategy’ for all of their activities
Challenges: to increase awareness of the importance of a ‘quality strategy’ during innovation projects
4.2.3.4
Economic Stimulation Agency (ASE)
The ASE 87 (Agence de Stimulation Economique) was set up by the Walloon Government in 2007 in the framework of the Marshall Plan as the regional umbrella
organisation for business development services (provided by business and innovation centres, chambers of commerce and local development agencies). The economic promotion consists in providing project holders and entrepreneurs with a
set of tools and services in order to raise their awareness on the creation of economic
activities in Wallonia and to support them throughout the stage of a firm’s development.
87.
http://www.as-e.be
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The main activities of ASE consist of:
Promotion of entrepreneurship via a strategic plan combining initiatives addressed to young people, teachers and other cross-cutting actions.
Overall co-ordination of public support for the creation and development of
enterprises via a network of six local co-ordinators managing the activities of
22 public operators.
Direct support: pre-activity grants helping people to transform an innovative
idea into a business project and innovation grants helping SME’s to implement
innovations in non technological fields (marketing and/or organisation).
Pilot actions in the field of strategic intelligence to promote the use of such
tools by businesses and create a resources centre.
Support business buy-outs by promotion and assistance actions.
4.2.3.5
Walloon Telecommunication Agency – AWT
Created in 1999 by a decision of the Walloon Parliament, on the initiative of the
Government, the AWT88 (Agence Wallonne des Télécommunications) aims to
promote ICT in Wallonia, in terms of production, diffusion and use. On the basis
of a management contract with the Walloon Government, the AWT’s mission is to
promote universal access to ICT and to encourage its widespread use. This mission
has three fundamental pillars, namely:
Watch: The mission of the Agency is based primarily on its ability to perform a
high level technological, legal, societal and economic watch on ICT.
Advice: based on its watch activities, the agency acts as an advisory body for the
government, the Walloon public services, and other regional organisations and
public interest companies.
Promotion: the agency aims to ensure a maximum visibility of its activities and
to diffuse the results of its watch activities to its main target groups.
In particular, the government has entrusted the AWT with the mission to develop
services for enterprises, especially SMEs, in order to stimulate the professional use
of ICT. This mission, for which the AWT receives an annual operating grant from
the regional research budget, consists notably in carrying out surveys and studies
on the use of ICT, establishing databases, organising technology watch activities,
developing and maintaining a portal and implementing promotional campaigns.
Its current action is centred on:
E-business: to promote ICT use in SMEs in complement of aids granted by
DGO6, AWT published an e-business guide and developed a permanent directory of the ICT sector enterprises in Wallonia. It organises a professional network to stimulate the exchange of experience between SME’S.
88.
http://www.awt.be
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E-learning: AWT has been charged by the Government to create an e-learning
platform to federate Walloon actors and initiatives in this field. A portal ‘Learnon-line’ and an e-learning guide have been developed to carry out this action.
4.2.3.6
Sowalfin (Walloon SME Financing Agency)
Sowalfin was created in 2002, in order ensure co-ordination of all the public financing instruments dedicated to SME ‘s. It plays at present the role of a one-stop
shop in this field offering subordinated loans and guarantees for commercial bank
loans to firms.
Specific instruments are dedicated to the financing of innovative projects particularly spin-offs and spin-out projects. A new subsidiary named Novalia was created
in 2009 to manage calls for innovative projects financed by subordinated loans.
4.2.4
Innovation intermediaries
4.2.4.1
University interfaces
Since 1998, the Walloon Government has funded additional specialised staff responsible for transfer and commercialisation of research results in order to reinforce the university-industry interfaces. The main goal of the measure is to encourage universities and third-level HEIs to strengthen their role in R&D through the
commercialisation of their scientific and technological knowledge. The measure is
managed by the DGO6 in terms of the handling of applications for funding of interface personnel, a successful application lead to a contract between the region and
the HEIs defining missions, duties and reporting obligations.
Since 1998, the region has financed 12 persons in charge of the commercialisation of
research results within universities. This represented a total budget of €1,060,000
between 2000-2003, renewed in 2004 for a 3-year period. In 2007, a budget of
€1,735,000 was made available to extend the funding until end June 2010.
The DGO6 provides financial support to two persons in charge of commercialisation in each of the three full universities, to one person in each of the other universities carrying out industrial research, and to one person for the group of non-university HEI. These persons usually work within the research management (handling contract research with enterprises, etc.) department of their institution. They
are in charge of identifying the potential to commercially exploit research results as
well as to manage the intellectual property strategy.
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In the framework of the Marshall Plan and following an evaluation of the science
and technology intermediation system in Wallonia carried out in 2004, interface
support is, since 2006, coordinated by the AST (see above).
4.2.4.2
Pi2
PiCARRE Wallonia 89 is an information and expertise centre on intellectual property (IP, such as patents, trade marks, designs and copyrights). Supported by the
Walloon Region and European funds, PiCARRE Wallonia works for all innovation
players and creators of economic activity (individuals, companies and research centres) through the provision of advice on IP.
Recognised by the EPO and the Belgian Office for Intellectual Property (OPRIDIE), PiCARRE Wallonia is also a PATLIB centre (PATent LIBrary – information
centre on patents, trademarks and industrial designs), belonging to a European network of over 300 relays.
4.2.4.3
LIEU
Created in 2003, the LIEU network 90 brings together university and other HEI
interfaces and research commercialisation bodies of the French Community. The
main activities of these units are technology information, technology assessment
and transfer, the creation of spin-offs and the fostering of exchange between laboratories and companies.
The objectives of the LIEU network are to:
Strengthen and promote the activities of universities in partnership with the
socio-economic actors, especially with a view to promoting regional development;
Promote the professionalisation of interface and commercialisation activities,
notably through the provision of training, the dissemination of good practice
and the development of common tools;
Promote collaboration between the interface structures of the different universities;
Participate in European and international networks related to university-industry relations and technology transfer
The LIEU network is an operational working group of the CReF rather than a separate
legal entity. The network management bodies are on one hand a steering committee
and, on the other, a management committee, accompanied by a coordination unit.
89.
90.
http://www.picarre.be
http://www.reseaulieu.be
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4.2.4.4
Innovatech
InnovaTech is a not-for-profit association (ASBL) with the mission to increase the
level of innovation in Walloon enterprises and thereby improve their competitveness via:
inform and raise awareness on innovation
support innovation processes,
create connections between actors in the innovation system.
From 2001-8, Innovatech operated 91 in the Hainaut Province thanks to financial
support from the Walloon Region and the ERDF (Phasing out of Objective 1 programme). Based on the results achieved in the Hainaut, the funding (co-funded by
the Walloon Region and the ESF) was extended for the period 2008-2013 and the
activities of Innovatech now cover the entire region.
In the first seven years of activity, the technological advisers of InnovaTech contacted 985, or approximately 50%, of manufacturing firms in the Hainaut; 80% of
which were SMEs. Slightly more than two-thirds of firms contacted (684) accepted
a visit by an innovation advisor; leading to the identification of support needs in
415 enterprises.
The identified needs led to 654 R&D projets, some still on-going, corresponding to
a total public and private investment of €19.3m. Moreover, the projects led to the
creation of at least 39 jobs.
InnovaTech provides assistance SMEs to manage their innovation and technology
projects. The aim is to transfer to SMEs the right methods to enable them to develop
the compentencies requires to manage such projects thanks a personalised coaching,
covering aspects such as: planning, search for partners (technological, scientific and
industrial), risk assessment, information on the state of the art and advice on IP, etc.
4.2.5
Main research and innovation performers
4.2.5.1
Universities
Since the FRS-FNRS does not have its own infrastructures (contrary to, for instance, the CNRS in France) and the French Community does not have any scientific or research centre (with the exception of the Museum of Mariemont), basic
research is almost exclusively performed in universities. Other non-university HEI
91.
At the time, the organisation was known as CeRDT (Centre de Promotion de la Recherche et Développement
et de Valorisation des Technologies en Hainaut)
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(mainly the ‘Hautes Ecoles’) tend to focus on applied research. Hence, at least 98%
of budgetary credit allocated directly or indirectly to research by the French Community goes to laboratories and researchers in universities.
As presented in BOX 29 , funding of university research in the French Community and
by the French Community is provided essentially through the basic funding of universities. The basic funds are distributed among the academic institutions based on
the ‘weighted number of students meeting the conditions for granting subsidies.’
The share of research activities in the basic operating funds of universities is estimated at 25%, a figure based on an agreed norm for academic institutions that
base their educational mission on research. It is estimated that in 2008, €147.5m
of the operating funds were spent on research by universities, amounting to 54%
of the budgetary appropriations for research in the French Community, not taking
into account funds from other Belgian authorities (Federal, Regions), EU or private
sources.
In 2008, there were nine universities receiving funding from the French Community, however, since 2004, the universities have been grouped into three academies
(Louvain, Wallonia-Brussels, Wallonia-Europe). Following recent mergers, only
seven universities exist and this number will be further reduced to four over time,
which will absorb other HEI (e.g. the higher institutes of architecture) as well.
The list in the box below presents the university landscape in the French Community as it stood in the academic year 2008-9, the last year for which final figures
on student population are available 92 (these are indicated in brackets, as well as the
mergers that occurred since then). In total, there were 73,249 university students
in 2008-9 in the French Community.
BOX 29 Universities of the French Community
University academy Louvain:
Université catholique de
Louvain (21.990 students) –
www.uclouvain.be
Facultés universitaires NotreDame de la Paix à Namur
(5.083) – www.fundp.ac.be
Facultés universitaires
catholiques de Mons (1.283) –
www.fucam.ac.be
Facultés universitaires SaintLouis (2.368) – www.fusl.ac.be
92.
University academy WalloniaBrussels:
Université Libre de Bruxelles
(21.042) – www.ulb.ac.be
Université de Mons-Hainaut
(3.550)
Faculté Polytechnique de Mons
(886; merged in 2009 wth
the University of Mons-Hainaut,
the merged entity now called
the University of Mons –
www.umons.ac.be)
University academy WalloniaEurope:
Université de Liège (16.050) –
www.ulg.ac.be
Faculté universitaire des
Sciences agronomiques de
Gembloux (997; merged in
2009 with the University of
Liège (ULG), retaining a
degree of autonomy under the
name of Gembloux Agro-Bio
Tech – www.fsagx.ac.be)
www.enseignement.be/infosup
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BOX 30 The Concerted Research Actions (ARC) & The Special Research Fund (FSR)
With an annual budget of €14m,
about 5% of the total research
funding of the French Community,
the ARC provides universities with
a specific instrument to develop or
strengthen centres of excellence in
areas they consider priorities.
The grants are first distributed
between the three university
academies based on a specific
distribution key for the years 2007
to 2015 (in order to ensure
stability). This distribution key is
based on the number of students
enrolled in the final year of the
second cycle and in the third cycle,
as well as the number of
researchers within the institution.
After consultation within the
relevant academy and an
evaluation by external experts on
the basis of clearly defined criteria,
the universities can allocate
significant funding to multi-annual
research programmes, in which are
involved ideally several teams
pooling multidisciplinary and
complementary skills. The ARC
projects are normally spread over
five years and may be renewed.
Annually, there are about 85 to 90
ongoing projects aimed at
developing university or interuniversity centres of excellence in
basic research. The funds may also
be used for ‘centres of excellence
undertaking in an integrated way
basic and applied research with a
view to the economic and social
exploitation of research results’.
Under the same distribution
conditions as for the ARC, a
further €14m, about 5% of total
funding of the French Community
for research, is allocated via the
FSR. The fund completes the share
(currently set at 17.5% of the
grant) that academic institutions
are required to put from their own
funds (including the basic
allocation). This fund allows
universities to meet the financial
needs of own initiative research,
but cannot be used for other
purposes.
4.2.5.2
University colleges
There are 21 university colleges (‘Hautes Ecoles’, or non-university HEI) located
in the French Community 93 . Most of those that offer technical education have established a research centre as a non-profit subsidiary. The 12 research centres associated to the university colleges conduct industrial research and are, as such,
eligible for most Walloon funding programmes: mobilising programmes, FIRST
programmes, competitiveness poles, etc.
A specific programme is dedicated to the university colleges: the FIRST Higher
Education Institutes (FIRST Hautes Ecoles) allow researchers of the HEI research
centres to conduct research directed towards the interests of an industrial partner
sponsoring the project. In 2008, the non-university HEIs benefited from funding
amounting to about €3m for their R&D activities.
The regional authorities also support the commercialisation of research results
developed by the HEI through Adisif 94 , a structure that provides the interface between the HEI research centres and SMEs, and in which the salary of a person in
charge of commercialisation of research results is supported.
93.
94.
The number will be reduced to 19 as of 2011 following some new mergers
http://www.adisif.be
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BOX 31 WELBIO: Walloon Institute for Life Sciences Lead
End 2008, the Walloon
Government created a new
institute for cutting-edge research
in life science and biotechnologies
called WELBIO (Walloon Institute
for Life Sciences Lead). With a
budget of €30m over five years,
the objective of this institute will be
the development and
commercialisation of advanced
non-oriented research in areas that
can have applications in all fields
of medical, pharmaceutical and
veterinary biotechnology. Results
that could generate intellectual
property will be protected through
patents or exploited through the
creation of spin-offs and/or
partnerships with Walloon firms,
including companies involved in the
two competitiveness poles BIOWIN
(Health Cluster of Wallonia) and
WAGRALIM (Agro-industries
cluster of Wallonia). The institute,
which is based on the model of the
Flemish VIB, is an institute ‘without
wall’. Legally speaking it is an
autonomous, non-profit association
(ASBL) operating under contract
with the Walloon Region and
working in partnership with the
university academies. The research
teams will co-ordinate their work
across the various university
campuses. The programme is
made up of two elements:
Excellence groups: each group
receives a budget between
€400-800,000 per year.
Technological platforms:
the institute has the mission
to ensure the commercialisation
of the research results.
4.2.5.3
Accredited research centres
The Walloon Region accredits twenty-two research centres for their collective
research activities. The region devotes considerable funding to support the operations of these centres (more than €13m in budgetary terms on annual basis).
In 2008, a new approach to structuring and co-ordinating the activities of the accredited research centres was proposed. The proposals included:
The creation of thematic inter-centre platforms in order to co-ordinate research
activities and optimise the management of specialised equipment
A process of progressive fusion of the activities of certain centres
The creation of a coordination unit with the aim to increase awareness of the
potential of the centres both towards regional enterprises and internationally.
The coordination unit would also be responsible for reinforcing inter-centre
co-operation.
The creation of a single ‘corporate identity’ for the centres as a form of trademark
allowing them to be rapidly identifiable, notably at the international level.
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FIGURE 35 List of collective research centres accredited by the Walloon Region
OFFICIAL ACRONYM
NAME IN ENGLISH
LOCATION
BBRC
Belgian road research centre
Brussels
BCRC
Belgian ceramic research centre
Mons
BIL-IBS
Belgian welding institute
Brussels
CEBEDE AU
Centre for expertise in the treatment and management of water
Liege
CEL ABOR
Research and control centre on wood and chemicals
Herve
CENAERO
Centre of excellence in aeronautical research
Gosselies
CENTEXBEL
Belgian textile research centre
Brussels
CER
Rural economy centre
Marloie
CERTECH
Centre of technological resources in chemistry
Seneffe
CETIC
Centre of excellence in Information and communication technologies
Gosselies
CEWAC
Walloon research centre on assembling and material testing
Ougree
CORI
Coatings research institute
Limelette
CRIC-OCCN
Belgian centre for scientific and technical researches for the cement industry
Brussels
CRM
Centre for research in metallurgy
Liege
CSTC
Belgian building research institute
Limelette
CTIB-TCHN
Belgian institute for wood technology
Brussels
CTP
International technology centre for earth and stone
Tournai
IMMUNEHE ALTH
IMMUNEHEALTH
Charleroi
INISMA
Interuniversity research institute on silicates, soils and materials
Mons
MATERIA NOVA
Centre of excellence on materials
Mons
MULTITEL
Research centre in telecommunications, signal and image processing
Mons
SIRRIS
Collective centre of the Belgian technology industry
Liege
To be eligible for funding from the Walloon Region, research centres must meet a
number of criteria that guarantee the collective nature of the research undertaken
and the respect of good management standards. To be a accredited, a centre must:
be a separate legal entity
have as a mission to undertake industrial research, and specifically:
mainly industrial R&D likely to respond to the needs of enterprises at the
level of a sector or a field of technology
to a significant extent carried out in partnership with universities, university colleges or in the framework of the EU’s FP or other international programmes.
target firms to which the centre can offer a real added value.
With the effect of developing or keeping up to date the know-how and
competence base of the centre.
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Keep up to date on a continuous basis with scientific and technical progress, in
Belgium as well as abroad, in the centre’s fields of specialisation and which offer
a high potential for industrial innovation; and use this expertise to regularly
contact and consult with firms on required services.
Have at least half of the centre’s board members of the centre from business,
with a balanced membership drawn from SMEs and larger firms.
Keep analytical accounts of their activities and conform with the required Belgian accounting standards enabling the verification of the use of public subsidies from which the centre benefits; and that the price charged to firms is
market-based.
Have at least one operational facility in Wallonia.
Have a sufficient degree of self-financing capacity in order to be able to co-finance services and research activities; and contribute to the up-keep and reinvestment in equipments and materials necessary for its activities.
Aside from the ‘accredited centres’, the region also has two public research centres:
the Walloon Centre for Agricultural Research (Centre wallon de Recherches
agronomiques, CRAW)
Scientific Institute for Public Services (Institut Scientifique de Service Public,
ISSEP)
FIGURE 36 Trend in budgetary appropriations for accredited research centres (thousand euro).
80.000
70.000
60.000
50.000
40.000
Collective research
Technologie guidance
30.000
Mobilising progammes
Competitiveness poles
20.000
FIRST
Complement to FP
Horizon Europe
10.000
Structural Funds
0
Other
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
Source: WPS DG06
FIGURE 34 highlights that the budgetary credits awarded to the financing of the accredited research centre are strongly dependent on the Structural Funds, even if the
regional budget has also increased in recent years.
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The Walloon programmes of collective research are aimed exclusively at the accredited
research centres, with the aim to assist the centres to develop their expertise and knowhow in a technology key for a group of companies or a business sector in Wallonia. A
basis requirement for a project to be selected is that it involves at least two centres.
A second regional measure for the accredited centres is the funding of technology
guidance services (technology audits for new processes or products as well as advice
on required technological know-how) for companies looking scientific or technical
expertise. In 2008, 21 technology guidance services received co-financing (80% of
costs) in 17 centres, a total budget of just over €6.5m.
The centres tend to work independently, both for R&D projects and for equipment
investment, however, synergies are beginning to develop, for example:
The creation of scientific interest group bringing together the centres (CRM,
Matéria Nova and the Cori) active in the field of surface engineering;
Seven inter-centre technology guidance services have been created since 2006;
Since 2005, all research projects funded by the Walloon Region must be based
on a partnership including at least two research centres.
4.2.5.4
Clusters and Competitiveness poles
Over the last decade, the Walloon authorities have invested in two complementary
key actions to improve co-operation in the regional innovation system: business
clusters funding the development of networks and of innovative partnerships, be
they industrial, commercial or technological; and competitiveness poles supporting implementation of a strategy defined by a broad-based partnership in the form
of investments, R&D or training projects in coherence with the competitive positioning strategy defined by all members.
Since 2005, the competitiveness poles are a major plank of the Walloon STI policy
with a budget from 2006 to 2010 of €280m. The measure is one of the five priorities of the Marshall Plan and is a major shift in the regional policy both in terms of
the financial means mobilised as well as the process of design and implementation.
Competitiveness poles are defined as a combination of companies, training centres
and public and private research units, working in partnership to achieve synergies
on common innovative projects. The partnership is organised around a market and
a related technology and aims at building a critical mass to be competitive and have
international visibility.
Five sectors and corresponding poles were identified and officially recognised by
the regional authorities: life sciences – Biowin; agro-food – Wagralim; mechanical
engineering – Mécatech; transport-logistics – Logistics in Wallonia; aeronautics/
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space – Skywin. A sixth competitiveness pole focusing on environmental technologies will be launched in the framework of the Marshall Plan2.Green.
Each competitiveness pole has received budgetary funds that should enable it to
implement various actions in line with its strategy. The support from the Walloon
Region can take different forms:
Investments in infrastructure, buildings and equipments;
R&D funding;
Investment grants;
Training support;
Attracting foreign investments and export promotion.
In addition the region partially covers the costs of a management unit for each pole.
The participants of the pole retain, in addition, access to all existing forms of support for investment, R&D, employment measures, training and exports according
to the normal procedure for proposals presented outside of the pole framework. All
funding is granted on the basis of a call for projects (except grants for FDI support
and export promotion). Proposals presented within the framework of the cluster
such as projects included in the business plan or subsequent work-programmes for
spin-offs, qualify for the maximum aid and a specific top-up for some of the measures.
The private sector has a key role in steering the competitiveness poles in partnership with the French-speaking universities, which have the right to appoint a deputy chairperson to the board of each cluster.
The first steps of in project selection are managed by the poles themselves, namely
Internal calls for projects in each cluster;
Selection by an internal jury then by the governing board;
The following steps are:
Eligibility check of projects by the administrations concerned;
Selection by an international jury composed of experts independent from the
government and the administration;
Decision of the Walloon Government.
Regular calls for projects for the members of the five poles are organised by the
Walloon Government. Between 2005 and 2008, the Government approved 55 research projects following four calls for projects.
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FIGURE 37 Compatitiveness poles: budgetary allocations of the Walloon Region per type of bene-
ficiary, 2001-2008
NUMBER OF APPROVED RESE ARCH
PROJECTS (ON 31/12/2008 )
Skywin
Biowin
Mécatech
Logistic
Wagralim
TOTAL
CALL 1
2005
CALL 2
2006
CALL 3
2007
CALL 3BIS
2008
TOTAL
5
1
5
2
2
2
5
2
1
5
4
4
3
1
2
1
0
7
1
2
12
10
17
5
11
15
15
14
11
55
Source: WPS DG06
The Walloon cluster policy, launched in 1999, supports, within a given field of activity, enterprises (and other relevant operators) willing to work together within
the framework of collective actions (sectoral seminars, marketing abroad) and industrial or commercial partnership initiatives. After a pilot phase, viewed as promising by the Walloon Government following an external evaluation, a cluster Decree was adopted by the Parliament in January 2007.
The clusters develop their actions according to the following six guidelines:
1.
improve knowledge amongst the enterprises of the cluster with a view to
knowing the environment of the concerned area of activity.
2.
strengthen commercial links between the cluster’s enterprises allowing them
to improve innovative capacity and competitiveness.
3.
develop partnerships between cluster members for the production of goods
and services, R&D or marketing or, in some cases, new firm creation.
4.
promote the cluster on a local and international level, e.g. through participation
in specialised trade fairs; encourage foreign investors to set up in Wallonia.
5.
share knowledge and exchange good practices between the clusters, including
on an international level.
6.
reinforce synergies between activities of the clusters and those of the competitiveness clusters.
The region funds 100% of the costs of a cluster manager during the first three years,
80% the next three years, and 50% thereafter. Eligible costs are set by the Government and are subject to a €160,000 yearly ceiling. The grant can be renewed after
the first three years depending on the outcome of an evaluation and based on a new
action plan with new goals for the additional period.
The Government may also grant a subsidy to specific clusters which set up a partnership with a view to participating in international cooperation programmes or
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which enter into cooperation with other clusters to achieve a specific task, including an internationally. In this case, the ceiling of assistance is of €24,000.
As of 2010, 14 clusters are supported in Wallonia: Automotive, Aeronautic, Solid
waste, Eco-building, Space, Nutrition, Clinical research, ICT, Transport/logistics,
Photonics, MITECH (Micro-Technologies for Intelligent Manufacturing & Products), TWIST (Text, image, and sound technologies), TWEED (Energy savings/
sustainable development technologies), CAP2020 (Energy saving performances of
buildings) and Plastiwin (Moulders, plastic parts, and raw material).
Under legislation adopted in Wallonia in 2008 on R&D support, R&D projects of
clusters and competitiveness poles enjoy more favourable financial conditions than
‘individual’ projects, namely: an increased subsidy of 15% for industrial research
projects and the possibility to choose between a reimbursable loan or a subsidy (at a
lower rate than the loan) for an experimental R&D project.
4.3
Perspectives for STI policy in Wallonia and
in the French Community
Over the last few years, notably influenced by European and global trends in research,
a number of priorities have been added to the policy agenda of the French Community and Walloon Region in the field of R&D. Since 2004, this has resulted in the definition of a range of measures, some of which have been launched, others reinforced
and finally a number remain on the drawing-board requiring further work. The four
interlinked priorities, or lines of actions, are:
Reinforcing the financial means available for scientists and companies to undertake R&D.
Improving the image, security of employment and working conditions of researchers
Ensure greater coherence and synergies between the actions of the French
Community, the Walloon Region and the Brussels-Capital Region;
Internationalisation of the French-speaking research community and Walloon
firms in order to reinforce their visibility and competitivity.
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In terms of the first priority, the reinforcement of financial means available for scientists to undertake R&D takes various forms including: boosting the number of
scientific and technical staff available; increasing operational budgets of university
labs; increased funding for industrial research and for product and process innovation, including by enterprises and accredited research centres; and the development
of advanced research infrastructure in universities and research centres. To this end,
there has been a significant boost to public investment during the last decade, and
particularly since 2005. Annual budgetary appropriations for R&D of the French
Community increased from €207m in 1999 to €272m in 2008; further increases
being limited by the law on funding of federated authorities. The Walloon Region
has more budgetary ‘room for manoeuvre’ and budgetary appropriation increased by
50% over the decade to 2008 to reach €332m. In both cases, the increase in budgetary means has had differentiated results depending on the recipients. As far as the
Community budget is concerned, the FRS-FNRS has been the main beneficiary,
based on successive development plans and notably the plan of 2000, only implemented from 2004 onwards and concluded in 2009. A new plan has since been approved, in March 2009. Equally, but to a lesser extent, the university academies have
seen research funds increase and stabilise. After an increase of one million euro by
institution, a decree of 30 March 2007 fixed the basic subsidies distributed via the
ARC and the FSR and the distribution ratio for the coming years.
Concerning the Walloon budget, the increase in R&D funding accelerated from
2006 onwards with the implementation of the 1st Marshal Plan. The increase in
appropriations for R&D gave a budgetary boost to various types of actors in the
innovation system including enterprises, collective research centres and universities. Additional financial resources have been mobilised to co-finance the investments undertaken in the framework of Structural Fund programmes in the region;
and have also led to an increase in budgetary appropriations for R&D. However,
such increases in budgetary appropriations are a one-off boost spread over six years,
with a notable increase in budget in the early years (2008 for the current period)
decreasing over time and raising the issue of sustaining investment beyond the life
of the current 2007-13 period. For the period 2000-2006, the accredited research
centres were the major beneficiaries of Structural Fund investment; while for the
2007-2013 period, the funds allocated to the funding of research projects and investments have been approximately split 60/40 between accredited research centres, on the one hand, and the universities and university colleges on the other.
Concerning the second priority, the image, security of employment and working
conditions of researchers, the actions taken are fully in line with the European
Charter for Researchers. The action of the Community aims to improve the objectivity and transparency of decision making on recruitment and researchers career
paths, including in terms of equal opportunities.
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It is estimated that in order to contribute to Belgium reach the 3% GERD/GDP objective, the French Community would need to increase public expenditure by half
again. Even if this was achieved, it would require a corresponding increase in the
availability of researchers, either freshly graduated or attracted (back) from abroad.
The current Government foresees an intensification of the awareness raising campaigns (such as the Spring of Science) aimed at encouraging young people to pursue
scientific studies. In addition, there is a need to reduce the precarity of employment
for researchers if newly graduated scientists are to be retained in the research community. Within the French-speaking universities, four categories of researchers
exist: scientific researcher and academic tenure both funded by the block grant,
researcher funded by external contracts from essentially public grants (including
EU), and researchers funded by the FRS-FNRS.
Uncertainty over a researcher’s career concerns principally the first two steps in a
researchers life, namely the preparation of the PhD and the post-doctoral training.
The third category of researcher is particularly exposed to the risk of not being able
to pursue or complete their training, since they depend on numerous short-term
contracts, before finally being given a permanent position (which still does not protect them from being made redundant if there are no funds).
Harmonising the four types of career paths is complex, not only because of the diversity of situations, but also because the competence for various policies supporting
researchers careers are spread across the different authorities (e.g. tax and pension are
the responsibility of the Federal Government). Nevertheless certain measures have
been taken, for instance, the FRS-FNRS has obtained, in line with the previous development plan (see BOX 25 ), the necessary budget for a substantial increase in the
number of FRIA grants, and envisages, in its current plan to harmonise the stipend
scales with those of the FNRS researchers. The DGENORS has also sought to simplify the administrative procedures related to the recruitment of researchers (FRIA and
FNRS), via the Partnership for Researchers action plan drafted in 2010 (see BOX 27).
The third priority is to ensure greater coherence, rationalisation and synergies in the
actions of the French Community, the Walloon Region and the Brussels-Capital Region authorities. The objective is to create a unified research area covering Frenchspeaking researchers in both Wallonia and Brussels. Specific actions include:
Encouraging greater inter-disciplinary research as well as inter-institutional
and inter-sectoral research
Taking greater account in planning of research funding of strategic cross-cutting
themes, such as sustainable development, ageing, health and renewable energies;
Reinforcing the action of the AST towards the networking and professionalisation of the network of technology transfer and innovation advisory organisations.
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On-going implementation of research programmes targeted towards economically exploitable results, based on partnership and mobility between research
and industry.
Pursuing the policy of networking of enterprises through the clusters and competitiveness clusters programmes and the creation of structured and long-term
co-operation between academic and public researchers and enterprises.
Promoting public-private partnerships with a view to funding industrial research.
Finally, there is a need to strengthen the process for technology assessment
with a view to supporting decision-making on public policies.
Finally, in terms of internationalisation of R&D, the fourth priority, in the French
Community and Wallonia, the actions taken are fully in line with the aim to foster
greater integration of French-speaking researchers and Walloon enterprises in the
ERA, including:
Support for international mobility (both authorities, as detailed in previous
sections);
An active participation in ERA-Net programmes: the Walloon Region is involved in eight projects, including one as a co-ordinator. In addition to the numerous opportunities for increased exchange with policy actors and specialists
across Europe, these initiatives are important in opening the doors for Frenchspeaking universities, research centres and enterprises to a number of international calls for proposals for which they can receive regional funding.
Reinforcing cooperation amongst the actors in the system to create critical
mass:
Inter-university and inter-academic cooperation; including the gradual integration of university colleges and mergers between universities
A priority to funding projects based on partnership and inter-disciplinary
approaches in terms of the selection criteria for various regional and community programmes.
Increase cooperation between accredited research centres with a view to
maximising synergies and avoiding overlaps in terms of know-how and
expertise.
Creation of teams supporting the drafting of projects of a European dimension;
Encouraging the international promotion of research results.
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In Wallonia, increasing attention is given to a broader support to innovation as a
form of ‘new industrial policy’. The main current priorities can be summarised as
follows:
Continue to stimulate all actors to develop long-term collaboration by the pursuit and amplification of new industrial policy mechanisms to incite and help
innovation actors to work together (competitiveness poles, clusters). Partnerships are also stimulated by a re-orientation of funding conditions notably for
business R&D projects and the design of new programmes where companies,
scientific institutions and public authority are involved in the financing of the
project (PPP).
Focus on promoting innovation in non- and barely innovative firms through
the networking and a better co-ordination of business support operators, and
the development of synergies between business and technological advisory
services.
A stronger focus on the strategy and structuring of the innovation system notably by the development of management and evaluation tools. This aim is to improve functioning internally and a better integration into European networks
by the implementation of a systematic evaluation of R&D programmes and the
implementation of a technology assessment process as a tool for decision-making in different fields of public action.
A better integration of the ‘sustainable development’ dimension notably by the
creation of a centre of excellence and the funding of R&D programmes in this
specific field and taking the sustainability criteria into account in the selection
process of projects financed in other programmes.
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5. STI POLICY IN BRUSSELS-CAPITAL REGION
5.1
General orientations of STI policy in
Brussels-Capital Region
Created in 1989, Brussels-Capital is a relatively young region, and during the first
decade, the region ‘sub-contracted’ most of the policy related to research to the
Federal authorities. However, over the course of the last decade, it has developed
a comprehensive system of encouragement, support and follow-up of research and
innovation in Brussels. Indeed, since 2004, the Brussels authorities have increased
their support to research and innovation recognising the potential contribution to
economic development of the city-region.
To understand the specific orientations of the regional STI policy, it is necessary
to take account of some specific features of the ‘capital of Europe’. Brussels hosts
in a very small territory many universities and colleges of higher education and a
number of top-level university hospitals. The region is truly multilingual and hosts
many important international, national and regional representative bodies, policy
think-tanks and, of course, the EU institution.
With 13.000 employees (of which, about, 9.000 researchers), the research sector
has an important weight in the economy. Moreover, the highly developed, servicedriven, economic structure of the Brussels-Capital Region makes a strategy founded on innovation and research, as proposed by the ‘Lisbon Strategy’, relevant even
if Brussels’s urban characteristics impose certain trade-offs.
In its June 2009 memorandum to the new regional Government, the Science Policy
Council of the Brussels-Capital Region identified a few facts and opportunities for
research in Brussels on which the STI strategy was to be built.
Brussels has a unique potential with a significantly large concentration of companies active in research, totalling more than 10% of private employment in
Brussels, and a very significant presence of students in higher education.
Brussels is characterised by a service economy that forms an ideal growth base
for capitalising on the knowledge economy.
The regional science policy is increasingly structured but suffers from the constraints of resources and the territory of a city-region.
The specificities of Brussels as regards multiple players, their proximity, international exposure, the role of capital and the open regional economy, place it in
an ideal position to take advantage of the process of open innovation.
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5.1 GENER AL ORIENTATIONS OF STI POLICY IN BRUSSELS-CAPITAL REGION
The Belgian EU Presidency in 2010 represents an opportunity to improve the
effectiveness of support for research and innovation as regards both the region
and the collaboration between different players and Brussels has been designated among the various Belgian entities to be the pilot of the research presidency.
The basis for STI policy was initiated since the early 2000s with the creation of the
Science Policy Council in 2000 and the adoption of the ordinance of 21 February
2002 on the encouragement and the funding of scientific research and technological innovation, then by the development of the Institute for the Encouragement
of Scientific Research and Innovation of Brussels (ISRIB) in 2003. This support
has been strengthened considerably, as regards both budgetary resources and programmes and regulatory framework.
A first attempt to structure a regional research and innovation policy was made
when the government launched, in the context of a broader 2005 agreement
called Contract for Economy & Employment (C2E/CET – 2005 – Contrat pour
l’Economie et l’Emploi/Contract Economie en Tewerkstelling), a Regional Plan for
Innovation (PRI/GPI - Plan Régional pour l’Innovation/Gewestelijk Plan voor Innovatie).
The representatives of the social partners, the academic community and government parties signed the PRI/GPI on 18 December 2006. The aim was to implement
a set of coherent measures intended to improve the capacity for innovation of the
Brussels-Capital Region. The six strategic targets of the PRI/GPI are:
Target 1: Promote the three most innovative sectors: ICT, health and the environment by strengthening the ‘clustering’ approach in these sectors;
Target 2: Increase the rate of innovation through the implementation of specific programmes;
Target 3: Stimulate the use of innovation through marketing research results
and assistance to small enterprises so that they assimilate and use innovations;
Target 4: Foster the internationalisation of innovation;
Target 5: Attract and anchor innovative activities;
Target 6: Create an environment that favours innovation.
These objectives were made operational through the introduction of new instruments of support and the consolidation of existing ones. Moreover, the strategy is
focused through the selection of ICT, health and environment as the three priority
sectors on which the resources available to the institutions responsible for research
support were focused. These sectors were selected because of the identified potential as regards research, innovative content, growth and job creation in Brussels.
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Given the growing awareness of the importance of research and innovation for the
regional economy and the acceptance that the regional authorities should act as a
motor, the government has progressively devoted an increasing budgetary share
to research and innovation. This trend has been evident since 2004 witnessed by
a significant growth in the regional budget devoted to research, increasing from
€22m in 2004 to over €37m in 2009, representing an increase of more than 50%.
FIGURE 38 Initial public budgets for R&D in Brussels-Capital, 2004-2009 in million €
2004
22.298
2005
26.046
2006
29.829
2007
35.480
2008
37.535
2009
37.382
Source: ISRIB
To this ‘strict’ research budget should be added the other budgets that are used to
support research and innovation; such as the budget for incubators for which more
than €30 million was invested between 2004 and 2008 in the development and
the operation of infrastructures offering young innovative companies an environment conducive to their development from both material and intellectual perspectives.
In parallel to the increase in financial resources, an effort was made to create an updated and clearer legal framework of the various forms of support for research and
innovation actors; including a thorough revision of the regional ordinance for the
funding and encouragement of scientific research (ordinance of 21 February 2002,
revised in 2008). At the time of writing, the implementing measures of this ordinance are not yet all approved but there is little doubt that they are moving in the
same direction taken in recent years by other mechanisms to assist companies (economic development, export support, etc.), namely rationalisation, coherence and
administrative simplification.
To complete the strategic overview, the ‘research’ budget is supplemented by other
budgets that contribute to improving the general environment for research and innovation. This is especially the case of aid for business investment from which a large
number of Brussels companies benefit or of export incentives for companies, including those active in research. To this regional support should be added on the one hand
private investment and, on the other, French and Flemish community programmes
and investments and Federal State measures, especially fiscal subsidies.
The years 2009 and 2010 were pivotal in the context of aligning the Brussels legal
framework (of 21 February 2002) for encouraging and financing scientific research
and technological innovation to the Community Framework for State Aid for Re-
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5.1 ACTORS AND INSTRUMENTS OF STI POLICY IN BRUSSELS-CAPITAL REGION
search and Development and Innovation 95 . The range of available aid is being, or
will soon be enriched, by new measures and extensions to existing measures for
industrial research and for experimental development, aid for process and organisational innovation, aid intended to cover the costs for intellectual property rights,
aid to young innovative companies, aid for international partnerships and aid for
temporary hiring of R&D personnel. In order to implement these additional measures, a new legal framework was adopted by the ordinance of 26 March 2009 concerning the promotion of research, development and innovation
5.2
Actors and instruments of STI policy
in Brussels-Capital Region
The two highest public authorities of the Brussels-Capital Region are the Parliament and the Government, jointly responsible for defining the policies to be adopted in the context of the region’s fields of competence. Since the election of a new
government in 2009, the minister in charge of Economy, External trade, Employment and Scientific Research of Brussels Capital is competent for STI matters, even
if the word innovation is not explicit in his portfolio
5.2.1
Science Policy Council of Brussels-Capital Region
Created on 10 February 2000, by a parliamentary ordinance, the members of the
SPCBCR 96 are drawn from the academic community, on the one hand, and from
the social partners (employers associations and trade unions), on the other. The
ten academic members are selected based on own proposals of each academic institution. The trade unions and employers federations propose five members each
for approval by the government. The meetings of the council are also attended by
observers representing the regional ministers and secretaries of state, and by two
experts from collective research centres (appointed by the government).
95.
96.
European Commission Communication – EU O.J. 2006/C 323/01 – 30.12.2006
Further information on the Science Policy Council can be found (in Dutch or French) at
http://www.irsib.irisnet.be/CPS/cps_index_fr.htm
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5. STI POLICY IN BRUSSELS-CAPITAL REGION
The council is the advisory body of the regional Government for the design of its
science policy. In line with regional objectives, the activities of the SPCBCR are
structured in three main strands:
Advising the government and parliament in strategic decision making
Assisting the Government in designing measures that respond to the concerns
of the players at the grass-roots level
Evaluating the effectiveness of the regional policy.
The SPCBCR has no operational role and is politically independent and, hence,
provides a representative forum for strategic thinking on STI. Its positions are delivered through own-initiative opinions or, further to a government request, recommendations on issues connected to research and innovation in Brussels. In addition, it contributes to inter-regional cooperation through regular contacts with
the counterpart councils from the two other regions and of the FCSP (to which two
members of the SPCBCR are nominated by the Government).
5.2.2
Government departments and agencies
The Ministry of the Brussels-Capital Region is the main body used by the Government to implement its policy. The Ministry has competence in many different areas and is structured in six separate administrations. Five of these administrations
have competence in specific areas, the sixth provides organisational and management support.
Additionally, the Brussels-Capital Region often entrusts public utility missions to
a variety of pararegional bodies and non-profit making organisations of regional
interest. This is the case for STI policy, where the main agencies are the regional
agency ISRIB (see 4.5.2.1) and non-profit organisations of regional interest: Brussels
Enterprise Agency (BEA, see 4.5.2.2 ) and Research in Brussels (RIB, see 4.5.2.3 ).
The Ministry of the Brussels-Capital Region continues to manage two specific subsidies that support innovation and business development:
Recruitment subsidy for companies (Article 123)
This regional employment grant is awarded to companies that employ between
three and 100 workers and that meet the SME criteria, as defined by the European
Commission. In addition, to a number of other conditions, the recruitment may, in
particular, have the goal of ‘studying or research with a view of the development of
considerably improved or new products or processes.’ The aid granted is equivalent
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5. 2 ACTORS AND INSTRUMENTS OF STI POLICY IN BRUSSELS-CAPITAL REGION
to 90% of the salary and social charges for the first year and to 75% for the second
year. The employer must hire fully unemployed workers who are on receiving unemployment benefit (or related benefits) 97.
Regional aid for economic expansion
Although not reserved exclusively for innovative companies, aid for business investment (capital, subsidies or exemption from property tax) may be attributed to
SMEs that invest in know-how in the Brussels-Capital Region. Know how is defined as ‘the purchase or the deposit of patents, brands or designs as well as the cost
of staff and supplies aimed at improving the technical knowledge of the company,
in particular as regards research or development of prototypes, products or new
manufacturing processes’. The aid intensity granted depends on three factors: the
size of the company, the location or not in a development zone and criteria related
to employment. Moreover, additional percentage points of aid intensity may be
awarded to companies that fall within strategic sectors, including in particular ICT
and R&D.
5.2.2.1
The Institute for the Encouragement of Scientific Research
and Innovation of Brussels (ISRIB)
Since 2004, the Ministry of Brussels-Capital Region no longer has a department
with responsibility for research and innovation. Instead, a public agency, answering directly to the regional minister with responsibility for scientific research, has
been created to manage the implementation of the regional policy in favour of research and innovation. Established on 1 July 2004, the ISRIB 98 is the cornerstone
of the regional financial support system for research and innovation. The missions
of the agency, set out in an ordinance of 26 June 2003, are:
the encouragement, financial support and commercialisation of scientific research and technological innovation in accordance with regional policy;
communication on science policy issues;
representing the Brussels-Capital Region within various STI related organisations or committees;
the provision of statistical indicators and information to Brussels research actors;
and the management of scientific research projects with an international scope.
To these ends, the ISRIB manages various funding measures aimed at universities
and companies, including support for technology transfer.
Since 2008, the ISRIB became completely independent of the regional ministry and
manages the entire regional budget for research and innovation, as well as its own
97.
98.
http://www.bruxelles.irisnet.be/fr/region/region_de_bruxelles-capitale/ministere_de_la_region_de_
bruxelles_capitale/competences_et_organisation/economie_et_emploi.shtml
http://www.irsib.irisnet.be/ IRSIB in French and IWOIB in Dutch.
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5. STI POLICY IN BRUSSELS-CAPITAL REGION
operating budget (staff and overheads) 99 . In 2010, the institute had 24 members of
staff, of whom 12 have a scientific background. The institute is structured in two
departments: scientific and administrative. The former is responsible for managing the calls for project proposals, their evaluation and selection based on objective
criteria, and, finally, an effective and continuous monitoring of the funded projects.
Aware of the lack of sufficient resources devoted to research and innovation, particularly from the perspective of the objectives set by the EU’s ‘Lisbon Strategy’, the
Brussels authorities have taken steps to remedy the situation. A significant effort has
therefore been made over the past few years to increase and improve not only the financial but also the human and regulatory resources intended to support research.
The backbone of this support is managed by the ISRIB through funding of projects
submitted by both companies and universities and colleges of higher education located in the region. The ISRIB provides not only financial support but seeks to provide an adequate follow-up of the funded projects. Over the last 5-10 years, various
measures have been launched which can be classified into three categories:
support to companies,
support to universities;
and support to technology transfer.
Most of these measures are implemented following a similar process: calls for proposals (annually or more frequently), evaluation and selection of proposals by the
expert juries or by experts at ISRIB depending on the programme concerned, scientific and financial monitoring of the selected projects.
One exception, created in 2008, is related to micro-projects (with a duration of between three and nine months) led by innovative micro-businesses or SMEs whose
projects may be introduced at any time. This more flexible and especially faster formula corresponds better with the expectations of small enterprises, which form a
significant part of the economic fabric in Brussels.
The ISRIB represents the regional authorities in various types of meeting (information, steering committees, monitoring committees, intra-authority consultation,
etc.) and negotiations in the field of research and innovation at regional, federal
(CIS, CFS, CEI), European (COST, Eureka, ERAC, etc.) and international (OECD)
levels. The ISRIB is also the regional ‘NCP’ responsible for disseminating information on the thematic programmes and calls of the EU’s FP7.
99.
In 2008, the operating budget of the ISRIB was approximately €1.8m: €1.3m in staff costs and €0.5m
in operating costs (Annual Report of the ISRIB 2008).
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BOX 32 Regional impulse programmes
The objective of the impulse
programmes, in the three priority
innovative sectors (ICT, health
and environment) identified by
the PRI/GPI, is to strengthen the
technological potential of the
region. In particular, the
programme aims to foster
technology transfer between basic
research and industrial research
actors.
higher education and collective
research centres located in the
Brussels-Capital Region that
submit a collaborative project.
Projects are selected by a jury of
scientific experts and industrialists
with regional know-how.
To encourage cooperation between
institutions and networking of
research teams that have achieved
a good level of excellence, the
research must be carried out by at
least three to four research teams
that belong to two or more
This programme is open to
universities as well as colleges of
different institutions. Three
programmes have been launched
to date: ICT in 2006, life sciences
in 2007 and the environment in
2008.
The impulse programmes are one
of the most significant budgetary
efforts for research as the amount
available for each programme is
€7.5m per year, providing projects
with 100% funding for a period of
three years (renewable for a period
of three years).
Impulse programmes 2007-2009
YE AR
THEME
PROJECTS
SUBMITTED
PROJECTS
ACCEPTED
AMOUNTS GR ANTED
(€MILLION )
NUMBER
OF TE AMS
7
4
6.7
18
22
FTE
2007
ICT
2008
Life Sciences
27
5
7
21
27
2009
Environment
17
6
7.5
21
28
51
15
21.2
60
77
TOTAL
BOX 33 Brains back to Brussels (BB2B)
The programme aims to encourage
mobility of researchers and
exchange of knowledge and is the
longest-standing programme of the
Brussels-Capital Region, dating
from 1990. Originally named
‘Research in Brussels’, the
programme was rebranded ‘Brains
back to Brussels – BB2B’
programme in 2007. The initial RIB
programme, based on an annual
call, only funded projects carried
out by foreign researchers under
the direction of a promoter within
regional research units at
universities or colleges of higher
education. The RIB programme led
to 206 high-level researchers
being hosted in the region (from
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neighbouring as well as more farflung countries such as Algeria,
Argentina, Canada, Congo, India,
Israel, Russia and USA).
The new ‘BB2B’ programme is
designed to bring talented
researchers (Belgian and foreign)
(back) to Brussels to strengthen
the region’s image as a centre of
excellence by contributing to the
improvement of the quality of
research carried out in the
universities in Brussels. The
researchers funded should bring
with them new know-how and
techniques to the host institution,
enabling it to gain increased
international recognition and
access additional national or
European funding.
The research projects that receive
financial support need to prove
that they are likely to contribute to
the socio-economic development
of the region. Two categories of
projects are eligible for funding
depending on the profile of the
researcher:
Establishment projects seek to
attract a researcher, of any
other nationality, who is on a
post doctoral stay abroad for at
least two years, to return to
Belgium. An ‘establishment
project’ receives funding for a
period of three years and is
159
5. STI POLICY IN BRUSSELS-CAPITAL REGION
renewable for another two
years.
Short-term visit’ (ex-’Research
in Brussels’) comprises two
profiles: the first concerns
researchers established abroad
and holding a PhD who are
funded for a stay in Brussels
lasting 10 to 12 months; the
second is open to post-doctoral
researchers with an outstanding
CV implying that the researcher
has authored several scientific
publications in specialised and
reputable journals, and is
recognised within the scientific
community as a specialist in the
field. In this case, the short-term
research grant covers a stay of
duration of three to nine
months.
The first edition was launched in 2008.
YE AR
NUMBER OF
PROJECTS
CATEGORY
BUDGET
( IN € MILLION )
2008
Cat. 1 (3 yrs + 2 yrs)
Cat. 2 (3 to 12 months)
5
8
1.9
0.3
2009
Cat. 1 (3 yrs + 2 yrs)
Cat. 2 (3 to 12 months)
5
9
1.8
0.36
BOX 34 Spin-off in Brussels
Launched in 2006, this programme
aims to encourage the transfer of
basic research results into
concrete applications with a view
to creating new companies (spinoffs) in the Brussels-Capital
Region and thereby develop the
regional economy. It addresses
both academic spin-offs
(universities and colleges of higher
YE AR
education) and industrial spin-offs
(companies and collective research
centres).
‘enterprising researcher’, the
operating and training costs (the
most common in entrepreneurship)
as well as support costs
(preparation of the business plan,
for example). The ‘enterprising
researcher’ is expected to receive
training and coaching by a
promoter, an industrial sponsor
and a liaison officer from ISRIB.
Funding is granted for a two-year
period, which may be extended by
two years for an academic spin-off
and by one year for an industrial
spin-off. The funding covers,
in addition to the salary for an
PROJECTS SUBMITTED
PROJECTS ACCEPTED
2006
8
4
AMOUNT GR ANTED
€422,988
2007
14
6
€999,992
2008
11
5
€909,948
2009
9
7
€1,308,080
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Subsidies or reimbursable loans for applied research projects
In line with the EU’s State Aid framework for R&D and innovation, industrial research (R projects) and pre-competitive development (D projects) are distinguished
from each other in the regional direct financial support instruments. The level of
support granted varies depending on the size of the enterprises (large, SMEs), the
existence or not of co-operation with university laboratories, and where applicable,
the transnational character of the project (Eureka, Eurostars, etc.). More than 300
projects have been supported since 2000.
The ISRIB selects projects for grant aid within the limits of available budgetary
appropriations and according to the following criteria (Regional Order of 18 July
2002):
1.
the innovative character of the project;
2.
the scientific or technological risks to overcome;
3.
relevance and realism of the work-programme;
4.
competence of the R&D team;
5.
interest of the project in terms of the industrial and/or commercial strategy of
its sponsor;
6.
the prospects for achieving the results;
7.
the potential impact of the results on the economy, employment and the environment of the Brussels-Capital Region;
8.
the capacity of the sponsor to finance their part of the costs related to the execution of the proposed programme of work.
Feasibility studies and aid to isolated inventors
Only SMEs are eligible for financial support for feasibility studies. A subsidy may be
granted by the ISRIB to a company for a preliminary technical feasibility study prior to launching an R&D project. The study should be carried out by a specialised organisation (university, college of higher education, collective research centre) and
the scale of the subsidy will depend on the type of project (R or D). Furthermore,
the ISRIB also finances from 50-75% of the costs (with a ceiling of €125,000) for
technical feasibility studies for inventions by individual inventors, officially resident in the region, if such a study is entrusted to a specialised organisation.
Filing and maintaining patents
Support for patenting is a long-standing measure, whereby the Brussels-Capital Region subsidises costs for filing and maintaining patents. The level of subsidy depends
on the type of project (R or D). Filing and maintaining patents from results obtained
in the context of a R&D project that received regional funding may be awarded a subsidy at the rate of 35-80% of the costs of these operations for a R&D project. The
duration of the intervention is limited to three years from the date of submission of
the grant demand. This subsidy is reserved exclusively for SMEs.
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Prospective Research for Brussels – PRFB
Since 2000, the PRFB programme has financed projects, led by researchers, in
fields deemed essential for the region. The objective is to encourage the development, within the Brussels region, of skills platforms in regional areas of interest,
like mobility, multiculturalism, environment, employment, housing, and so on. A
professor or researcher from a university or a college of higher education may submit a project proposal. A monitoring commission reviews the selected projects,
grouped according to themes, annually.
The research themes that have been retained relate to all the fields of competence of
the region. In 2009, for example, the eligible fields of research were the following:
Mobility
Which activities for the port of Brussels (logistics, industrial activities, etc.)?
Analysis of use of modes of transport by commuters, residents of Brussels, etc.
Impact of mobility on economic activity in the region.
Environment: biodiversity and urban environment.
Urban and demographic development: how to adapt/anticipate urban planning to population trends, notably public infrastructure (child-care, transport,
schools, etc.), housing and real estate market, employment zones.
Economy
Informal economy (undeclared employment, prostitution, etc.)
Social economy: state of affairs and perspectives
Socio-economic impact of research activities
Within these themes, the researchers are free to develop specific research topics.
There are two eligible researcher profiles:
Profile A: young researcher (max. 30 years old) and holding a PhD (2 years, renewable for 2 years)
Profile B: experienced post-doctoral researcher (2 years, renewable for 1 year).
The subsidies cover the researcher’s salary, operating costs of the host laboratory
and administrative costs for the institution.
FIGURE 39 PRFB, 2004-2008
YE AR
NUMBER OF PROJECTS
AMOUNT GR ANTED ( IN € MILLIONS )
FTE / YE AR
2004
31
2.9
55
2005
25
2.9
55
2006
23
2.6
48
2007
22
2.7
45
2008
27
2.9
49
Source: ISRIB
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5.2.2.2
The Brussels Enterprise Agency (BEA)
In terms of support to innovation in enterprises, the Brussels Enterprise Agency
(BEA)100 is the main organisation, resulting from the merger in 2003 of two previous economic development agencies: Technopol and Ecobur. The BEA offers
companies a one-stop shop for all information they need to establish or operate a
business in the Brussels-Capital Region, including for innovation. Its mission is ‘to
be the leading public entity for business people (entrepreneurs, company founders,
firms SMEs, the self-employed, and foreign investors) in the Brussels-Capital Region’. The BEA has four departments: ‘economy and start-ups’, ‘technology and innovative projects’, ‘international relations’ and ‘town planning and environment’.
In terms of support for innovation, the BEA offers two types of actions:
collective actions that are underpinned by a cluster strategy: networking, internationalisation, visibility, common projects, technology watch, thematic
seminars, technological or commercial missions, and so on in six sectors: food,
environment, eco-construction, health, ICT, fashion and design;
facilitating the start-up and growth of innovative projects: checking the technological and competitive position, optimising the business model, search for
strategic partners, financing, mobilising public support notably for R&D and
innovation.
The BEA is also a part of the NCP network of Brussels to assist companies and research centres to benefit from EU subsidies for R&D in the framework of FP7. With
the BECI (Chamber of Commerce Brussels Enterprises, Commerce and Industry), the
BEA is also the contact point in Brussels for the EEN focusing on assisting companies
to develop internationally and to establish collaborative efforts with foreign partners.
5.2.2.3
Research in Brussels (RIB)
RIB101 is a non-profit organisation founded in November 2007 by the BrusselsCapital Region. It reports to the ISRIB and ultimately to the Minister for Scientific
Research. RIB is a not-for-profit organisation responsible for promoting scientific
and technological research in Brussels. In this context, it:
passes on information on all noteworthy activities, possibilities, subsidies and
initiatives in Brussels;
participates in activities to raise awareness amongst young people;
carries out studies on the state of research;
100. http://www.abe-bao.be
101. http://www.rib.irisnet.be
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5. STI POLICY IN BRUSSELS-CAPITAL REGION
provides support to regional players;
improves the Domaine Latour de Freins102 , the ‘flagship’ location for research
in Brussels.
RIB also seeks to promote Brussels research on the European and the international
stages. Moreover it takes charge of the entire operational aspect of European cooperation agreements and projects. During the 2010 Belgian Presidency of the EU,
the ‘research’ theme is coordinated by the Brussels-Capital Region and RIB will
manage all events (council meetings, conferences, colloquia, receptions, etc.).
103
BOX 35 Brussels Studies
Since 2006, Brussels Studies103
has operated as an electronic
scientific journal with a wide
circulation that allows universities
to disseminate the results of their
research related to the realities of
Brussels and offers its readers
articles that allow a nonspecialised public easy access to
information related to important
subjects being studied and
debated in the academia.
Brussels Studies thus favours the
intervention of scientific research
results in the public debate
concerning Brussels. To do so, the
journal publishes articles in PDF
format, in French, Dutch and
English that can be downloaded
easily and for free from its website.
All university disciplines and all
themes are accepted. A large
amount of research carried out in
the context of Prospective
Research for Brussels is published
in Brussels Studies.
5.2.3
Innovation intermediaries
5.2.3.1
University Interfaces
The universities and colleges of higher education, located in Brussels, have created
research-industry interface structures to commercialise their scientific and technological potential and to benefit economic activity in the region.
The mission of these interfaces is to promote and facilitate collaboration between
the university and external partners (government authorities, companies, social
and cultural sector, etc.) in matters of scientific services, R&D, commercialisation
of research results and participation in local and regional development. They play
a dual role as leader and coordinator of the activities concerned, and function as adviser and support to the university teams and their external partners.
102. http://www.latourdefreins.be A castle of the 19 th century where RIB and ISRIB are located. The castle
has become the rallying point of the research community of Brussels, the location of identity of Brussels
research. The area has retained its unique charm of the past while firmly embracing the future. Its infrastructure, with a park of 6 hectares, covered terraces, and conference rooms offer an ideal framework for the
organisation of events. The castle also offers apartments and flats to mobile researchers and their families.
103. http://www.brusselsstudies.be
103
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In Brussels, there are four interfaces104 : three are university dependent (ULB, UCL
and VUB), the fourth, Indutec, is connected to the four higher education institutes
in the Brussels-Capital Region (Haute Ecole Léonard de Vinci/Institut Supérieur
Industriel ECAM, Haute Ecole Paul-Henri Spaak/Institut Supérieur Industriel/
ISIB, Haute Ecole Lucia de Brouckère/Institut Meurice and Erasmushogeschool
Brussel).
BOX 36 Incubators in the Brussels-Capital Region
An incubator is a real estate
structure connected to a university
or a college of higher education
and whose goal is to house, under
financially favourable conditions,
university spin-offs or other
innovative start-ups from scientific
research. In this way, small
enterprises benefit from provision
of offices and laboratories that
have fully integrated services and
from customised managerial and
technological support as well as
in-depth support in all areas of
company management, in the
areas of technology validation,
finding capital, subsidies and
financing, and so on. Currently, the
Brussels-Capital Region host six
technology incubators:
EEBIC (Erasmus European
Business & Innovation Centre)
located in Anderlecht near the
Erasme Hospital and the
Erasmus science park.
http://www.eebic.be/
Eurobiotec Brussels SA,
created in 2005 and
specialising in the
biotechnology sector.
http://www.eurobiotec.be/
ICAB (Incubatiecentrum
Arsenaal Brussel), connected
to the VUB, opened its doors
on the Arsenal site at
Etterbeek in 2008. The
incubator houses and supports
entrepreneurs who wish to
create a company in the ICT
sector. http://www.icabrussel.
be/
The UCL incubator, which
accommodates R&D
companies, chiefly active in the
fields of human health and
oncology, will soon be
reinforced by the creation of
BLSI, Brussels Life Sciences
Incubator. www.parc.ucl.ac.be
Solvay Research & Technology
opened to start-ups its largest
R&D site (in Neder-overHembeek) where the start-ups
are offered access to R&D
facilities, the support they need
for their activity, particularly
favourable accommodation for
a two-year period and this, in
the framework of an agreement
where the start-up retain full IP
rights on its research. www.
solvay.com
3B-Brussels Business Base
Plug & Play incubator
(Tweebeek) offers temporary
accommodation for spin-offs
that benefit from the
technological and managerial
support of the incubator,
university or college of higher
education that supports their
project.
104. http://www.ulb.ac.be/rech/docs/ulbinter.html; http://www.uclouvain.be/374.html; http://www.vub.
ac.beenglish/infofor/researchers/technologytransfer.html; http://www.indutec.irisnet.be
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5.2.3.2
The SRIB and the SDRB
A regional company for investment (the SRIB-GIMB)105 and a regional development company (SDRB-GOMB)106 are the two regional agencies that complete the
list of key players. The SRIB funds a large number of innovative company projects
while the SDRB, through its many actions, helps companies find a location adapted
to their needs, which can prove to be particularly difficult in the urban context of
Brussels. Historically, it developed and managed the first science parks in Brussels
and, besides this ‘classic’ mission, the also oversees the development of the various
incubators in Brussels.
5.2.4
Main research and innovation performers
The Brussels-Capital Region is an important natural crossroads for future technologies of a European knowledge-based society as the region offers true economic,
institutional and scientific synergies. The region hosts numerous universities and
higher education colleges as well as many of the federal scientific establishments
and other sectoral research organisations. As noted above, due to the structure of
the country, HEI fall under the competence of the communities and those located
in Brussels have already been presented in previous sections.
5.2.4.1
Collective Research Centres
Over the last few years, the Brussels-Capital Region has focused financial support
for collective research centres on key issues faced by regional companies. Funded on
a project basis by the ISRIB, there are three such centres located in Brussels:
Brufotec107 was created in 1997 to assist Brussels-based SMEs in the agro-food
sector to set up and respect the rules on food hygiene and security, and the environment.
SIRRIS108 is a centre of expertise in the field of software engineering and
technological assistance for companies in the Agoria sector. Sirris helps companies in the implementation of technological innovations, enabling them to
strengthen their competitive position over the long-term. Experts visit companies on site, offer them technological advice, launch innovation paths, and
provide guidance until they reach the implementation phase. It also developed
the ‘Mistral’ programme devoted to micro, small and medium-sized industrial
105.
106.
107.
108.
http://www.srib.be
http://www.sdrb.irisnet.be
http://www.brufotec.be
http://www.sirris.be
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5. 2 ACTORS AND INSTRUMENTS OF STI POLICY IN BRUSSELS-CAPITAL REGION
firms by offering strategic innovation support to allow companies to increase
their innovative potential.
The Belgian Building Research Institute (BBRI)109 provides guidance related to
eco-construction and sustainable development. In addition to offering information services, direct aid and training courses. BBRI has three main missions: to
perform scientific and technical research for the benefit of its members, to supply
technical information, assistance and consultancy to its members and to contribute in general to innovation and development in the construction sector in particular by performing contract research upon request of the industry and the authorities. To fulfil its mission BBRI pools the expertise of some 200 highly skilled and
motivated staff with widely varying educational background, allowing the creation of multidisciplinary teams as required by the problems to be dealt with.
5.2.4.2
Clusters
The cluster strategy preceded the definition of an innovation policy in Brussels. In
2005, the C2E foresaw, notably, the need to concentrate available public resources
for innovation on three priority sectors: new ICT, health and the environment.
This objective of the Government was then translated operationally in 2006 in the
regional innovation plan, which gave the BEA a mission to create and animate clusters of innovative enterprises in each of the sectors.
In a region where the tradition of collective action is less strong than in the industrial heartlands elsewhere in Belgium, the clusters were conceived as a form of
business club, aiming to foster co-operation and exchanges between members, and
subsequently enlarged to other partners as needs or opportunities were identified.
Given the limited scale of the industrial sector in Brussels, there are very few sectors where the entire value chain is present in the region. Hence, the BEA, from the
beginning, favoured an horizontal approach that brought together business with a
growth potential with similar activities.
As a result, four clusters were gradually developed: a BioPharma110 cluster, a telemedicine cluster, a software publishing cluster111 and a cluster focused on the environment and, notably, green building called Ecobuild112 . The latter, contrary to the
first three, has adopted a vertical value chain approach bringing together various
professions, since the sector in Brussels is relatively complete covering all fields of
construction and related professions. Ecobuild has signed co-operation agreements
with the Walloon Eco-construction and Cap 2020 clusters.
109.
110.
111.
112.
http://www.bbri.be
http://www.biotechinbrussels.be
http://www.itscan.be
www.brusselsgreentech.be
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5. STI POLICY IN BRUSSELS-CAPITAL REGION
The objectives pursued by the clusters are to increase the visibility of their members, and in this way to reinforce the innovative image of the region, and promote
the international development of the clusters and their members. The activities
carried out include the development of websites presenting directories of clusters
members, joint stands at major sector events (Bio USA, Medica, Cebit, MIPIM),
inter-regional partnerships through programmes such as INTERREG, study missions, activities within the EEN on technology transfer, business development, etc.
5.3
Perspectives for STI policy in
Brussels-Capital Region
Over the two decades since the creation of the region, the focus of attention in STI
policy, as in other fields, was to develop the budgetary means, legislative framework and support measures. The system has now reached a level of ‘maturity’ and
it is time to look forward and reflect on how to further optimise policy and adjust
and align it with the evolving needs of the actors in the regional innovation system.
A key question that is constantly reflected upon is, of course, the place of research
in a region like Brussels-Capital. In a range of recent documents and debates there
are certain common themes that emerge: research and innovation are essential for
the overall development of Brussels and the region has all the basic requirements to
become a leading city of knowledge. The issue, then, is how can the development
of research and innovation be fostered and how can the benefits for the regional
economy and the population be maximised?
The issues and future options discussed by the regional STI stakeholders suggestions may be divided into two subsets: the tools for support and the strategy to be
followed.
Most of the stakeholders express a favourable opinion on the measures to support
research and innovation that have been implemented by the regional authorities
over the last few years and they stress the professionalism, conscientious approach
and the rigour of the process and outcomes. As an example, during the discussions
on the mobility of researchers at the European Commission, which gave birth to
the ERA-MORE network (EURAXESS – Researchers in motion), the Brussels’
programme ‘Research in Brussels’ had been presented as a good practice.
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Nonetheless, the overall satisfaction with progress made should not obscure areas
where further improvements can be made:
The administrative procedures are often deemed burdensome and (too) long,
especially for smaller companies that struggle to find the necessary human resources.
the multiplicity of players likely to intervene during an innovation project is
sometimes perceived as a source of confusion.
The definition of a clear vision of the objectives being pursued and the role of
research and innovation in Brussels still need to be refined, in the same way the
strategy being pursued needs to be deepened more generally.
These issues are similar to those expressed about policy systems in other EU
Member States or for the EU’s own instruments for research and innovation;
and hence the reflection taking place in Brussels is done in parallel with that at
European level.
In short, while the mix of policy measures available to support research and innovation
is satisfactory, improvements are need to render them even more effective, namely:
the pursuit of budgetary and regulatory efforts is indispensable. The regional
budget for research and innovation has followed a positive trend between 2004
and 2009, however, there is now concern about how feasible it will be to maintain this financial effort in a difficult economic context.
In addition to the budget, all stakeholders stress the need for a clear regulatory
environment and an effective administration to implement it.
Enhanced coherence and synergies between regional policies for research,
economy and employment, environment, and so on, is required.
at the level of delivery of policies, there is also room for better overall consistency and coordination of support services. For example, there is a need to further coordinate training programmes with the needs of innovative companies
seeking a good quality workforce and thereby create employment that benefits
the inhabitants of Brussels.
There is also need to pursue the effort begun on the promotion and improved
awareness of the importance of research and innovation. On the one hand, more
information needs to be disseminated on the support measures for research and innovation, and on the other, an enhanced visibility of innovative work being carried
out in Brussels, whether in companies or in universities and colleges of higher education, would be welcome.
A final issue is the lack of adequate tools to follow up the effects of the Brussels-Capital
STI policy, especially statistically. This makes it very difficult to evaluate the research
potential of Brussels and its consequences in terms of creation of wealth, employment
and well-being. It is equally a key problem when it comes to evaluating the effects, direct and indirect, of the support measures. The SPCBCR has issued recommendations
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5. STI POLICY IN BRUSSELS-CAPITAL REGION
taking into account the general discussion about ERA indicators and monitoring which
took place in ERAC, etc. The development of strategic intelligence tools is required to
measure the effectiveness of policy and contribute to developing a strategic vision for
research and innovation in Brussels based on objective data.
The development and the implementation of an overall and integrated strategy for
research and innovation in Brussels is without doubt the challenge to be met over
the next few years. Taking into account the urban specificity of Brussels and the
structurally difficult budgetary situation, it is essential to use the available means
in the best way possible. In this context, it is essential to define an ambition, a role
to play and objectives to achieve for research and innovation. To do so, it will likely
be necessary to develop the potential identified in research in the context of the
regional objectives of growth and prosperity for everyone in Brussels.
Having established a well-defined regional STI policy framework, institutions and
measures, Brussels is seeking to definitively ‘jump on the train’ of European programmes and initiatives by further boosting its integration and participation in the
main European research and innovation initiatives. Of course, Brussels has been
participating for many years to all the most important European initiatives like
the FP, the CIP, the Structural Funds, COST, EUREKA, EUROSTARS and so on.
Brussels is also a co-founder of the network ERRIN (European Regions Research
and Innovation Network) whose member work to support the three pillars of the
Lisbon Agenda. Brussels is also active in the NEREUS network, the ‘Network of
European Regions Using Space Technologies’. Moreover, during the 2010 Belgian
presidency, Brussels will chair the GPC dedicated group of the ERAC and pay special attention to the development of the joint programming initiatives and together
with a priority focus on the framework conditions.
In conclusion, there is an expectation that the research and innovation projects supported by the regional authorities should contribute (directly and indirectly) to job
creation and well-being, be based on a reasonable balance between public and private financing, and contribute to socio-economic development and medium-term
recovery in a manner compatible with the urban context of the region. In line with
the Europe 2020 goals of smart, sustainable and inclusive, growth, the regional authorities and stakeholders are committed to pursuing the current broadly effective
and pragmatic STI strategy of the Brussels-Capital Region in the years to come.
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CONCLUSIONS
AND
PERSPECTIVES
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6. CONCLUSIONS AND PERSPECTIVES
Science, technology and innovation (STI) are at the core of all public policies. Without sound scientific research and advice, without the diffusion and application of advanced technologies in public administrations, schools and workplaces, and without
new innovative products and solutions, society cannot hope to sustain economic,
environmental and social well-being. At the beginning of this report, the question
was asked as to why a reader would want to plunge into a presentation of the policies,
institutions and initiatives of the Belgian authorities in the field of STI.
The answer lies not in the details of every initiative or in the ‘cloud’ of acronyms of the
numerous organisations in the Belgian system. Rather, the Belgian STI policy story is
that a decision-making system based on ‘multi-level governance’ can lead to the design
and delivery of effective public policy. This is an important lesson in the context of efforts to create a well-functioning European research and innovation area.
Over the decade since the first BRISTI report, all the Belgian authorities have defined,
developed, refined and above all pushed forward their policy in favour of improving
support for researchers and innovators. While each authority has pursued specific actions or objectives and adopted solutions adapted to their specific institutional and
constitutional role, the lessons for other European countries to be drawn from the
Belgium experience lie in what could be termed the ‘commonality within diversity’.
Five ‘commonalities’ in the STI policies of the Belgian federal, regional and community authorities stand out from the preceding pages and can be summed up as follows:
a policy commitment to maintaining the upward trends in public investment
in R&D;
an effort to structure and consolidate research and innovation potential;
a re-orientation of funding measures towards co-operation and networking;
a strong focus on improving opportunities and working conditions for researchers and innovation personnel;
efforts to enhance the effectiveness of governance of research and innovation
policies (strategies, target setting, broad-based partnerships, evaluation).
A sixth, and somewhat newer trend, is the broadening of innovation policy
to meet societal challenges and ensure that all policy instruments are being
brought into play to strengthen the national innovation system.
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In more detail, the six common trends in Belgian STI policy are:
1.
Since the mid-2000s, all the Belgian authorities have made a significant budgetary
effort to make additional means available for doctoral and post-doctoral training
and researcher mobility, research and funding measures, research infrastructure
and Belgium’s contribution to international research programmes. This public ‘reinvestment’ in research and innovation is a clear sign of a real commitment to the
EU’s Barcelona Objective (3% of GDP spent on R&D). However, the investment
made should not be considered as simply a reaction in order to ‘meet a target’. The
boost in public expenditure on R&D is under-pinned by a significant strategic reflection (the Brussels-Capital Regional Innovation Plan; Flanders in Action (ViA)
plan and Pact 2020 in Flanders; Strategy, the Walloon ‘Marshall-Plan’, etc.) and a
broad consensus of political, business and academic leaders on the priority to be
given to boosting the ‘knowledge triangle’ in Belgium as a fundamental source of
competitiveness and social well-being. Each of the authorities has set out their own
targets and objectives reflecting a much wider ‘innovation system’ perspective than
the current EU27 investment target. The form (direct subsidies, infrastructure investment, tax reductions, innovation advisory services, etc.) and the targeting of
the additional public expenditure vary across authorities depending on their specific competencies and priorities. The Federal government has stepped up efforts to
support regional and community policies through, notably, tax breaks to encourage
people to pursue scientific careers and to attract innovative people (back) to Belgium. The regional governments have stepped up funding for enterprises, research
centres and innovation intermediaries; while, the communities have refinanced
the academic research base and stimulated researchers’ mobility. The efforts will
take time to bear fruit, although Belgium has broadly maintained or improved its
position in international benchmarks of STI in the last decade, and their remains a
need for strong political will not to cut back on public STI budgets despite the tightening of public finances post crisis.
2.
The second ‘commonality’ is the shift to an even greater focusing and structuring
of research and innovation potential. This trend is evident in the policies of all
the authorities: through the Brussels regional innovation plan focus on three key
innovation sectors; through the ‘breakthroughs’ of ViA and the ‘spearheads’ for
technology and innovation of the VRWI strategic clusters; in Wallonia through
the clusters and competitiveness poles programmes; at Federal level through
thematic research programmes and the long-term investment in nuclear (the
MYHHRA project) or space research that makes Belgium the ‘largest of the small
countries’ in the latter field. In addition to the strategic focusing at policy level, the last years have witnessed a reconfiguration of the Belgian STI landscape
as universities and university colleges regroup (driven by the Bologna reform
from an education perspective) and pool research potential, as research centres,
businesses and academic labs come together in new forms of temporary or per-
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6. CONCLUSIONS AND PERSPECTIVES
manent strategic partnerships, as new institutes are created (e.g. CMI, SIM and
NERF in Flanders or WELBIO in Wallonia) and existing ones are modernised
(e.g. the Federal Scientific Institutions) or given a new financial footing (the ‘collective’ research centres). The leitmotiv is critical mass, not only from a regional
or national perspective, but more particularly on the European and global level
to ensure that Belgian teams continue to keep up with the pace in an increasingly
competitive and integrated ‘global market’ for research and innovation.
3.
A third common feature of policies is an increased emphasis on partnership and
networking. This is evident in the emphasis placed on competitiveness clusters,
strategic research centres, etc. in the STI strategies, but also in changes made
in recent years to the procedures and selection criteria for funding of projects.
In many programmes, an obligation has been introduced for joint proposals or
mixed teams (from universities, collective research, enterprises, etc.); in new
schemes like innovation vouchers aimed at stimulating demand for services by
enterprises from universities or research centres. By analogy, there is a push to
open regional/community policy initiatives to partners from other parts of Belgium. As an example, competiveness poles in Wallonia are being opened to participants from Brussels-Capital, and there are plans to explore opening or joint
calls with French competitiveness clusters. Likewise, in Flanders, most IWT
R&D support measures are open to co-operation with entities from other Belgian regions or abroad. The federal IUAP measure is evidence of the continued
interest of academic research teams from the different communities/regions to
work together across institutional and territorial boundaries. Hence, the EU level
concept of joint programming and the idea of the ERA finds a natural echo in Belgium, where the principle has already been applied for several years! The participation of the Belgian authorities in ERA-NETs or the successful performance of
Belgian participants in the EU’s 6 th and 7th FP for RTD, in JTI, COST, EUREKA
and the newly launched KICs of the EIT are a witness to the country’s willingness to play its part in the development of the ERA.
4.
Research and innovation is not about abstract technology and Belgian policy
has recognised the key importance of the ‘human touch’ over the last decade.
All Belgian authorities have played their part in improving the environment
for educating and training new scientific, engineering and technical experts, in
promoting scientific careers, in encouraging skilled and highly trained people
to stay in Belgium as well as to pursue training or careers abroad or to come to
Belgium to pursue R&D and innovation projects. A raft of measures from federal tax breaks for recruiting R&D staff, to community measures implementing the European Partnership for Researchers agenda, to regional funding for
mobility of innovative people between research and industry are all evidence
of the importance given to ‘investing in people’.
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5.
It is hoped that this report will have helped both the non-Belgium and indeed
national, reader to understand better who does what in Belgian STI policy, how
competencies are distributed and which are the main policy measures, priorities and budgets. Nevertheless, the federalised nature of the country lends itself by nature to the risk that no single authority can pull all the ‘policy levers’
required or that some fragmentation of effort in specialised scientific or industrial research fields may occur. A particular attention to ‘governance’ is therefore not unsurprisingly a feature of policy debates in Belgium. This is first and
foremost visible in terms of the action of each of the individual authorities to
optimise and modernise their own specific institutional structures, in the context of their own policy priorities. This has included the creation in BrusselsCapital of a legal framework and an agency to deliver funding for research and
innovation; in Flanders by the re-organisation of the government departments
responsible for economic, research and innovation, the reinforcing of advisory
councils, the fusion of agencies supporting entrepreneurship and the networking of innovation actors through the key VIS programme; in Wallonia by a
similar merger of government departments and by the creation of two agencies to structure and professionalise regional and sub-regional innovation and
business development organisations; and at Federal level by the modernisation
of the scientific institutions or the creation of specialised units supporting IPR,
etc. There has equally been an attention to improving ‘processes’ and strategic
intelligence with policy-making driven by increased consultation with broadbased partnerships, investment in policy research (e.g. the Flemish policy research centres) and increased efforts to evaluate the impact of policy (by all the
authorities).
6.
Finally, in line with ‘global’ trends and in conformity with the newly stated
objective of ‘smart, sustainable growth’ laid out in the Europe 2020 strategy,
there is clear evidence of policy attention being given by the Belgian authorities to a ‘broad-based’ approach to innovation policy. This can be seen through
the linkage to ‘education and training’ made in policies such as competitiveness
clusters, to an attention ‘open innovation’ (e.g. Walloon Region funding under
the Marshall Plan for ‘open innovation’ projects), to addressing societal challenges and integrating research and innovation into regional policies, examples
include: a focus in Brussels on mobility and transport issues; public procurement as driver for innovation (Flanders is active in pioneering this approach),
greening of research and innovation policies including sustainable development and climate change research at Federal level, the MIP2 (environment),
GENERATIES and SMART GRID (energy) and FISCH (sustainable chemistry) platforms in Flanders; and the launch in Wallonia of a new ‘green’ competitiveness pole.
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BOX 37 Belgian Presidency Priorities
For the first time Belgium is part of
a Trio Presidency together with
Spain and Hungary. In cooperation
with these member states, Belgium
developed a common Trio
Presidency Programme which was
approved by the European Council
at the end of 2009 and which is
implemented successively by the
three Presidents in the 18 months
from 1 January 2010.
Besides the priorities of the Trio
Presidency, each presiding
country also focuses on its own
themes. The overall priority of the
Belgian presidency will be the full
development and consolidation of
the European Research Area
(ERA) through a close interaction
between higher education,
research and innovation policy.
The aim being to promote
Europe’s competitiveness and
greater convergence between
national and regional policies and
those pursued at the level of the
Union.
R&D and innovation will be a key
priority during the second half of
2010 in the Framework of the
Europe 2020 strategy and through
the flagship initiative ‘Innovation
Union’ and will be the subject of
in-depth discussions at the
European Council meeting in
October 2010. In line with the
conclusions of the March 2010
European Council, the
Competitiveness Council, through
its research and industry strands, is
expected to provide a contribution
with a view to the European Council
meeting. In particular, it will be
necessary to define the guidelines
with a view to better coordination of
Member States policies in order to
reach the goal of spending 3% of
GDP on R&D. The Belgian
Presidency will focus on, amongst
other issues, the development and
implementation of a set of
indicators to monitor progress
towards full realisation of the ERA.
The importance of the ERA for
developing a sustainable economy
and society will be emphasised.
With a view to the preparation of
the 8th Research and Technological
Development Framework
Programme (FP8), the Council will
continue during the Belgian
Presidency work on the
simplification of administrative
procedures and financial controls
begun under FP7.
The effective implementation of
the free movement of knowledge
in ERA (the fifth freedom) is vital.
Under the Belgian Presidency,
a particular focus will be placed
on three initiatives to this end:
Definition of the conditions
for joint programming by
the Member States through
selection and implementation
of a list of priority themes and
the detailed arrangements for
cooperation and for the
coordination of joint research;
Pursuit of the implementation
of the European Partnership
for Researchers;
promote an enhanced
integration of universities
and research institutes in
the knowledge triangle.
The Belgian Presidency will
emphasise the importance of
the regional dimension in the
development, implementation
and follow-up of innovation and
research policies, in particular
those where complementarities are
possible with initiatives co-financed
by the Structural Funds.
Through a number of strategic
initiatives in the field of the bioeconomy, low-carbon technologies
development plan (in the
framework of the Strategic Energy
Technology plan) and marine and
maritime research, the Council will
examine during the Belgian
Presidency the contribution of
R&D to sustainable development.
The Trio Presidencies’ aim will be
to make concrete contributions as
regards sustainable industrial
policy initiatives, to promote ecoinnovation and the development of
a competitive green economy, in
particular with a view to the
Europe-2020 Strategy.
The extension of the current 7th
EURATOM Framework Programme
(from end 2001 to 2013 to
coincide with the end of FP7)
and on-going discussion on the
ITER project will be key points
on the agenda of the Council
during the Belgian Presidency.
The Belgian Presidency will give
particular attention the European
space policy including EU-ESA
co-operation, space exploration
and space and security issues.
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List of acronyms
3B
AAL
ABE
ADS
AGORIA
AO
ARC
ARKimedes
ASE
AST
AWT
BAN Vlaanderen
BAO
BBRI
BB2B
BCCM
Name in English
Name in national language
Website (where applicable)
Brussels Business Base Plug & Play Incubator
http://www.incubateur3b.be/fr/index.html
Ambient Assisted Living
http://www.aal-europe.eu
Brussels Enterprise Agency
Agence Bruxelloise pour l’Entreprise
Brussels Agentschap voor de Onderneming
http://www.abe-bao.be
Accelerator Driven System
Union of technology industries
Federatie van de technologische industrie
Fédération de l’industrie technologique
http://www.agoria.be
Enterprise Flanders
Agentschap Ondernemen
http://www.agentschapondernemen.be
Concerted Research Action
Action de Recherche Concertée
Activation of risk-bearing capital
Activering Risicokapitaal
http://www.pmvlaanderen.be/pmv/view/nl/
kmo/producten/arkimedes/home
Economic Stimulation Agency
Agence de stimulation Economique
http://www.as-e.be
Agency for Technology Promotion
Agence de Stimulation Technologique
http://ast.wallonie.be
Walloon Telecommunication Agency
Agence Wallonne des Télécommunications
http://www.awt.be
Business Angels Network Flanders
Business Angels Netwerk Vlaanderen
http://www.ban.be
Brussels Enterprise Agency
Agence Bruxelloise pour l’Entreprise
Brussels Agentschap voor de Onderneming
http://www.abe-bao.be
Belgian Building Research Institute
Wetenschappelijk en Technisch Centrum
voor het Bouwbedrijf
Centre Scientifique et Technique
de la Construction
http://www.bbri.be
Brains Back to Brussels
http://www.irsib.irisnet.be/bbtb_fr.htm
http://www.irsib.irisnet.be/bbtb_nl.htm
Belgian Coordinated Collection
of Micro-organisms
Belgische Gecoördineerde Verzamelingen
van Micro-organismen
Collections coordonnées belges
de microorganismes
http://bccm.belspo.be
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BCRC
BEA
BECI
BELNET
BELSPO
BERD
BIOWIN
BLSI
BNIX
BOF
BPI
BR2
BRC
BRISTI
BRRC
BRUFOTEC
BWI/BIL-IBS
C2E-CET
C4ISTAR
Belgian Ceramic Research Centre
http://www.bcrc.be
Brussels Enterprise Agency
Agence Bruxelloise pour l’Entreprise
Brussels Agentschap voor de Onderneming
http://www.abe-bao.be
Brussels Enterprises Commerce And Industry
Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie
de Bruxelles
Kamer voor Handel en Nijverheid van Brussel
http://www.beci.be
Belgian national research network
Belgisch nationaal onderzoeksnetwerk
Réseau national belge de la recherche
http://www.belnet.be
Belgian Federal Science Policy Office
Federaal Wetenschapsbeleid
Politique scientifique fédérale
http://www.belspo.be
Business expenditure on research
and development
Health Competitiveness Pole of Wallonia
Pôle de compétitivité Santé de Wallonie
http://www.biowin.org
Brussels Life Sciences Incubator
http://www.parc.ucl.ac.be
Belgian National Internet Exchange
Special Research Fund
Bijzonder Onderzoeksfonds
Belgian Packaging Institute
Belgisch Verpakkingsinstituut
Institut Belge de l’Emballage
http://www.ibebvi.be
Belgian Reactor 2
Biological Resource Centre
Belgian Report on Science,
Technology and Innovation
Belgian Road Research Centre
Opzoekingscentrum voor de wegenbouw
Centre de recherches routières
http://www.brrc.be
Brussels food technology Association
brufotec@village.uunet.be
Belgian Welding Institute
Belgisch Instituut voor Lastechniek
Institut Belge de la Soudure
http://www.bil-ibs.be
Contract for Economy and Employment
Contract Economie en Tewerstelling
Contrat pour l’Economie et l’Emploi
Command, Control, Communications and
Computers for Intelligence, Surveillance,
Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance
179
CAP2020
CCIB
CEBEDEAU
CECAM
CEI
CELABOR
CENAERO
CENTEXBEL
CER
CeRDT
CERN
CERT.be
CERTECH
CESRW
CETIC
CEWAC
Cluster on Energy saving performances
of buildings
http://clusters.wallonie.be/cap-2020
Brussels Enterprises Commerce And Industry
Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie
de Bruxelles
Kamer voor Handel en Nijverheid van Brussel
http://www.beci.be
Centre for Expertise in the Treatment
and Management of Water
Centre Belge d’étude et de Documentation
de l’Eau
http://www.cebedeau.be
European centre for atomistic and molecular
computations
Centre Européen de Calcul Atomique
et Moléculaire
http://www.cecam.org
de Interministeriële Economische Commissie
Commission Economique Interministérielle
Research and Control Centre on Wood
and Chemicals
Centre de Recherche et de Contrôle Lainier
et Chimique
http://www.celabor.be
Centre of Excellence in Aeronautical Research
Centre d’Excellence en Recherche
aéronautique
http://www.cenaero.be
Belgian Textile Research Centre
Technisch en Wetenschappelijk Centrum
voor de Belgische Textielnijverheid
Centre Scientifique et Technique de l’Industrie
Belge du Textile
http://www.centexbel.be
Rural Economy Centre
Centre d’Economie Rurale
http://www.cergroupe.be
Centre for R&D promotion and technology
exploitation in Hainaut
Centre de Promotion de la Recherche
et Développement et de Valorisation
des Technologies en Hainaut
http://www.cerdt.be
European Organisation for Nuclear Research
http://public.web.cern.ch
Belgian Computer Emergency Response Team
Centre of Technological Resources
in Chemistry
Centre de Ressources Technologiques
en Chimie
http://www.certech.be
Walloon Economic and Social Council
Conseil économique et social de la Région
wallonne
http://www.cesrw.be
Centre of Excellence in Information
and Communication Technologies
Centre d’Excellence en Technologie
de l’Information et de la Communication
http://www.cetic.be
Walloon research centre on assembling
and material testing
Centre wallon d’études de l’assemblage
et du contrôle des matériaux
http://www.cewac.be
CFS
CFS/STAT
CIMPS-IMCWB
CIP
CIPS-ICWB
CIS
CIS
CIUF
CIV
CLARIN
CLUSTA
CMI
CMOS
CNRS
COHESI
CORI
COST
CPS RBC
CRAW
CRC
CRef
Federal Co-operation Commission
Commissie Federale Samenwerking
Commission Coopération Fédérale
Federal Cooperation Commission on statistics
Inter-Ministerial Conference on Science Policy
Interministeriële Conferentie
Wetenschapsbeleid
Conférence interministérielle de la Politique
scientifique
Competitiveness and Innovation Programme
http://ec.europa.eu/cip
Federal Inter-ministerial Commission
for Scientific Policy
International Co-operation Commission
Commissie Internationale Samenwerking
Commission Coopération internationale
Community Innovation Survey
Inter-university Council of the French
Community
Conseil Interuniversitaire de la Communauté
Française
http://www.ciuf.be
Cleantech Investment Vehicle
Common Language Resources
and Technology Infrastructure
Flemish network for the steel plating industry
Vlaamse netwerkorganisatie voor
de staalplaatverwerkende industrie
http://www.clusta.be
Centre for Medical Innovation
Centrum voor Medische Innovatie
Complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor
French National Centre for Scientific Research
Centre national de la recherche scientifique
or CNRS
http://www.cnrs.fr
Flemish innovation platform for component
development and complex heterogeneous
systems integration
Coatings Research Institute
Institut de Recherche des Revêtements,
Peintures et Encres
http://www.cori-coatings.be
European Cooperation in the Field of Scientific
and Technical Research
http://www.cost.eu
Science Policy Council of the Brussels-Capital
Region
Conseil de la politique scientifique
de la Région de Bruxelles-Capitale
Raad voor het Wetenschapsbeleid van
het Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest
http://www.irsib.irisnet.be/CPS/cps_index_
fr.htm
http://www.irsib.irisnet.be/CPS/cps_index_
nl.htm
Walloon Centre for Agricultural Research
Centre Wallon de Recherches Agronomiques
http://cra.wallonie.be
Clinical Research Centre
Council of Rectors of the French Speaking
Community
Conseil des Recteurs de la Communauté
Française
http://www.cref.be
http://www.consilium.europa.eu/showPage.
aspx?id=1422&lang= en
BELGIAN REPORT
ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
2010
180
CRIC-OCCN
CRM
CSDS
CSL
CSTC
CSTP
CTIB-TCHN
CTP
CTU
CV
CWPS
DG
DGDC
DGENORS
DGO
DGO6
DIE-OPRI
DLD
DSP Valley
DUBBLE
DYMASEC
ECMWF
Belgian Center for scientifical and technical
researches for the cement industry
Nationale Centrum van Wetenschappelijk
en Technisch Onderzoek voor
de cementnijverheid
Centre national de Recherches Scientifiques
et techniques pour l’industrie cimentière
http://www.cric.be
Centre for Research in Metallurgy
Centre de Recherches Métallurgiques
http://www.crm-eur.com
Centre for Security and Defence Studies
Liège Space Centre
Centre Spatial de Liège
http://www.csl.ulg.ac.be
Belgian Building Research Institute
Wetenschappelijk en Technisch Centrum
voor het Bouwbedrijf
Centre Scientifique et Technique
de la Construction
http://www.cstc.be
Committee on Science and Technological
Innovation Policy
Belgian Institute for Wood Technology
Technisch Centrum van de Houtnijverheid
Centre Technique de l’Industrie du Bois
http://www.ctib-tchn.be
International technology centre for earth
and stone
Centre Technologique International de la Terre
et de la Pierre
http://www.ctp.be
Clinical Trial Unit
Curriculum Vitae
Walloon Science Policy Council
Conseil Wallon de la Politique Scientifique
http://www.cesrw.be/index.
php?page= detail&alias= Conseil-de-laPolitique-scientifique-CPS
Directorate-General
Federal Directorate-General for Development
Cooperation
Directorate-General for non-obligatory
education and scientific research of
the French Community
Direction générale de l’Enseignement non
obligatoire et de la recherche scientifique
http://www.enseignement.be
Operational Directorate-General
DG for Economy, Employment and Research
of the Walloon Public Service
Direction générale opérationnelle de
l’Économie, de l’Emploi et de la Recherche
http://recherche-technologie.wallonie.be
Federal Service for Intellectual Property
Dienst voor de intellectuele Eigendom
Office belge de la Propriété intellectuelle
http://economie.fgov.be/opri-die.jsp
Defence Laboratories
Digital signal processing Valley
http://www.dspvalley.com
Dutch-Belgian beamline
http://www.esrf.eu/UsersAndScience/
Experiments/CRG/BM26
DYnamic MAterials for SECurity
European Centre for Medium-Range Weather
Forecasts
http://www.ecmwf.int
BELGIAN REPORT
ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
2010
ECOBUILD
ECT
EDA
EDA
EDCTP
EEBIC
EEN
EEN Vlaanderen
EFDA
EIROforum
EIS
EIT
ELAt
EMBC
EMBL
EP
EPG
EPO
ERA
ERAC
ERCIM
ERDF
ERRIN
ESA
ESF
ESFRI
ESO
ESRF
Eco-building cluster in Brussels
http://www.ClusterEcobuild.be
European Centre for Theoretical Studies
in Nuclear Physics and Related Areas
http://www.ect.it
European Defence Agency
http://www.eda.europa.eu
Electronic design automation
European and developing countries clinical
trials partnership
http://www.edctp.org
Erasmus European Business and Innovation
Centre
http://www.eebic.be
Enterprise Europe Network
http://www.enterprise-europe-network.
ec.europa.eu/index_en.htm
Enterprise Europe Vlaanderen
http://www.enterpriseeuropevlaanderen.be
European Fusion Development Agreement
http://www.efda.org
European Intergovernmental Research
Organisations Forum
http://www.eiroforum.org
European Innovation Scoreboard
http://www.proinno-europe.eu/metrics
European Institute of Innovation
and Technology
http://eit.europa.eu
Eindhoven-Leuven-Aachen triangle
http://www.elat.org
Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Marine
Biodiversity and Conservation
http://embc.marbef.org
European Molecular Biology Laboratory
http://www.embl.de
European Parliament
http://www.europarl.europa.eu
Enterprise Policy Group
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/dg/epg/
index_en.htm
European Patent Office
http://www.epo.org
European Research Area
http://ec.europa.eu/research/era
European Research Area Committee
Comité de la recherche scientifique
et technique
European Research Consortium
for Informatics and Mathematics
http://www.ercim.eu
European Regional Development Fund
http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funds/
feder/index_en.htm
European Regions research and Innovation
Network
http://www.errin.eu
European Space Agency
http://www.esa.int
European Science Foundation
http://www.esf.org
European Strategy Forum on Research
Infrastructures
http://ec.europa.eu/research/infrastructures/
index_en.cfm?pg= esfri
European Southern Observatory
http://www.eso.org
European Synchrotron Radiation Facility
http://www.esrf.eu
181
European Social Survey
http://www.europeansocialsurvey.org
EU European Union
http://europa.eu
EUMETSAT European Organisation for the Exploitation
of Meteorological Satellites
http://www.eumetsat.int
EUPRO European Union of Physics Research
Organisations
http://www.eupro.cbp.ens-lyon.fr
EURATOM European Atomic Energy Community
http://www.euratom.org
EUREKA http://www.eurekanetwork.org
Eurobiotec Technology Center for Biotech Innovations
http://www.eurobiotec.be
EUROHORCS European Heads of Research Councils
http://www.eurohorcs.org
EUROSTAT Statistical office of the European Union
http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat
EWI Department of Economy, Science and
Innovation of the Flemish Government
Departement Economie, Wetenschap
en Innovatie van de Vlaamse overheid
http://www.ewi-vlaanderen.be
FCSP Federal Council for Science Policy
Federale Raad voor Wetenschapsbeleid
Conseil fédéral de la Politique scientifique
FEDICT Federal Public Service for Information and
Communication Technologies
Federale Overheidsdienst Informatie- en
Communicatietechnologie
Service Public Fédéral Technologie
de l’Information et de la Communication
http://www.fedict.belgium.be
FedMAN Federal Metropolitan Area Network
FGV ( VIGC) Flanders Graphic Valley
FIRST Training and Promotion of Scientific
and Technological Research
Formation et Impulsion à la Recherche
Scientifique et Technologique
FISCH Flanders strategic Initiative for Sustainable
Chemistry
http://www.fisch-essenscia.be
FLAMAC Flanders Materials Centre
http://www.flamac.be
FLANDERS DC http://www.flandersdc.be
Flanders’ DRIVE http://www.flandersdrive.be
Flanders Food http://www.flandersfood.com
Flanders InShape http://www.flandersinshape.be
Flanders’ Synergy http://flanderssynergy.be
Flanders’ Plasticvision http://www.plasticvision.be
FMTC Flanders’ Mechatronics Technology Centre
http://www.fmtc.be
FOL Federal Orientation Laboratory
FP Framework Programme for Research
and Technological Development
FP6 Sixth Framework Programme for Research
and Technological Development
FP7 Seventh Framework Programme for Research
and Technological Development
FPS Federal Public Service
FRFC Fund for basic collective research at
the initiative of researchers
Fonds de la recherche fondamentale collective
à l’initiative des chercheurs
FRIA Fund for research and education within
industry and agriculture
Fonds pour la formation à la Recherche
dans l’Industrie et dans l’Agriculture
ESS
FRS-FNRS
FRSM
FSR
FTE
FUCAM
FUNDP
FUST
FWO
GBAORD
GDP
GERD
GIMB
GIMV
GMO
GOMB
GPC
GPI
GPS
HCB-KA
HEI
HERD
HR
HUB-KUBrussel
IA
IBBT
ICAB
ICOS
ICR
ICT
IEC
Scientific Research Fund
Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique – FNRS
http://www2.frs-fnrs.be
Fund for Medical Scientific Research
Fonds de la recherche scientifique médicale
Special Research Fund
Fonds Spécial pour la Recherche
Full Time Equivalent
Catholic University of Mons
Facultés Universitaires Catholiques de Mons
http://www.fucam.ac.be
University of Namur
Facultés Universitaires Notre-Dame de la Paix
http://www.fundp.ac.be
Flanders’ UNESCO Science Trust Fund
http://www.unesco-vlaanderen.be
Research Foundation Flanders
Fonds voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek
Vlaanderen
http://www.fwo.be
Government Budgetary Appropriations on R&D
Gross Domestic Product
Gross expenditure on R&D
Brussels Regional Investment Company
Société Régionale d’Investissement
de Bruxelles
Gewestelijke Investeringsmaatschappij
voor Brussel
http://www.srib.be
Flanders Investment Company
http://www.gimv.com
Genetically Modified Organisms
Brussels Regional Development Agency
Société de Développement pour la Région
de Bruxelles-Capitale Gewestelijke
Ontwikkelingsmaatschappij voor het Brussels
Hoofdstedelijk Gewest
http://www.sdrb.irisnet.be
High Level Group for Joint Programming
Groupe de haut niveau pour la Programmation
Conjointe
Regional Plan for Innovation
Plan Régional pour l’Innovation
Gewestelijk Plan voor Innovatie
Global Monitoring System
Central Hospital Base Queen Astrid
Higher education institution
Higher Education expenditure on Research
and Development
Human resources
Hogeschool-Universiteit Brussel
http://www.hubrussel.be
Innovative Public Procurement
Innovatief Aanbesteden
http://www.iwt.be/diensten/innovatiefaanbesteden-ia
Interdisciplinary Institute for Broadband
Technology
Interdisciplinair Instituut voor Breedband
Technologie
http://www.ibbt.be
Incubator Arsenaal Brussels
Incubatiecentrum Arsenaal Brussel
http://www.icabrussel.be
Integrated Carbon Observation System
Interdisciplinary Cooperative Research
Information and communication technologies
Inter-ministerial Economic Commission
Interministeriële Economische Commissie
BELGIAN REPORT
ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
2010
182
IFMIF
IISN
ILL
ILVO
IMEC
IMI
INBO
INISMA
IOC
IODE
IOF
IPH/ISP-WIV
IPR
IRSIB
ISBR
ISIB
ISP
ISRIB
ISSEP
IST
IT
International Fusion Materials Irradiation
Facility
http://www.frascati.enea.it/ifmif
Interuniversity Institute of Nuclear Sciences
Institut interuniversitaire des sciences
nucléaires
Laue-Langevin Institute
Institut Laue-Langevin
http://www.ill.eu
Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries
Research
Instituut voor Landbouw en Visserijonderzoek
http://www.ilvo.vlaanderen.be
Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre
Interuniversitair Micro-Elektronica Centrum
http://www2.imec.be
Innovative Medicines Initiative
http://imi.europa.eu
Research Institute for Nature and Forest
Instituut voor Natuur- en Bosonderzoek
http://www.inbo.be
Interuniversity research Institute on silicates,
soils and materials
INstitut Interuniversitaire des Silicates,
Sols et Matériaux
http://www.bcrc.be
Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission
http://ioc-unesco.org
International Oceanographic Data
and Information Exchange
http://www.iode.org
Industrial Development Fund
Industrieel Onderzoeksfonds
Scientific Institute for Public Health
Belgisch Wetenschappelijk Instituut
Institut scientifique de Santé Publique belge
http://www.iph.fgov.be
Intellectual property rights
Institute for the encouragement of Scientific
Research and Innovation of Brussels
Institut d’encouragement de la Recherche
Scientifique et de l’Innovation de Bruxelles
Instituut ter bevordering van het
Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek en de Innovatie
van Brussel
http://www.irsib.irisnet.be
http://www.iwoib.irisnet.be
Interdisciplinary strategic basic research
Brussels Engineering Institute
Institut supérieur Industriel de Bruxelles
http://www.isib.be
Internet Service Provider
Institute for the encouragement of Scientific
Research and Innovation of Brussels
Institut d’encouragement de la Recherche
Scientifique et de l’Innovation de Bruxelles
Instituut ter bevordering van het
Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek en de Innovatie
van Brussel
http://www.irsib.irisnet.be
http://www.iwoib.irisnet.be
Scientific Institute for Public Services
Institut Scientifique de Service Public
http://www.issep.be
Institute Society and Technology
Instituut Samenleving en Technologie
http://www.samenlevingentechnologie.be
Information Technologies
BELGIAN REPORT
ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
2010
ITER
ITM
IUAP
IWOIB
IWT
JRC
JTI
KAGB
KANTL
KHBN
KIC
KMSKA
K.U.Leuven
KVAB
LIEU
LO
LPP/ERM-KMS
MATERIA NOVA
International Thermonuclear Experimental
Reactor
Institute for Tropical Medicine
Instituut voor Tropische Geneeskunde
http://www.itg.be
Inter-University Attraction Poles
Interuniversitaire attractiepolen
Pôles d’attraction interuniversitaires
http://www.belspo.be/belspo/iap/index_
en.stm
Institute for the encouragement of Scientific
Research and Innovation of Brussels
Institut d’encouragement de la Recherche
Scientifique et de l’Innovation de Bruxelles
Instituut ter bevordering van het
Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek en
de Innovatie van Brussel
http://www.irsib.irisnet.be
http://www.iwoib.irisnet.be
Agency for innovation by Science
and Technology
Agentschap voor Innovatie door Wetenschap
en Technologie
http://www.iwt.be
Joint Research Centre
http://www.jrc.ec.europa.eu
Joint Technology Initiative
http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/jtis
Royal Academy for Medicine of Belgium
Koninklijke Academie voor Geneeskunde
van België
http://www.academiegeneeskunde.be
Royal Academy for Dutch Language
and Literature
Koninklijke Academie voor Nederlands
Taal- en letterkunde
http://www.kantl.be
Brussels Enterprises Commerce And Industry
Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie
de Bruxelles
Kamer voor Handel en Nijverheid van Brussel
http://www.beci.be
Knowledge and Innovation Communities
Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp
Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten
Antwerpen
http://www.kmska.be
Catholic University of Leuven
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
http://www.kuleuven.be
Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium
for Sciences and Arts
Koninklijke Vlaamse Academie van België
voor Wetenschappen en Kunsten
http://www.kvab.be
Enterprise University network
Liaison Entreprises-Universités
http://www.reseaulieu.be
Agriculture Research Programme
Programma Landbouwkundig Onderzoek
http://www.iwt.be/subsidies/
landbouwonderzoek
Plasmas Physics Laboratory
http://fusion.rma.ac.be
Centre of excellence on materials
Centre d’excellence dédié aux matériaux
http://www.materia-nova.com
183
MBCR
MBHG
MECATECH
MET
MIP2
MIRAS
MITECH
MOBINISS
MoD
MRA
MRBC
MRW
MULTITEL
MYRRHA
NATO
NCP
NEREUS
NERF
NESTI
NGI
OBIS
Ministry of the Brussels-Capital Region
Ministère de la Région de Bruxelles-Capitale
Ministerie van het Brussels Hoofdstedelijk
Gewest
Ministry of the Brussels-Capital Region
Ministère de la Région de Bruxelles-Capitale
Ministerie van het Brussels Hoofdstedelijk
Gewest
Competitiveness Pole in Mechanical
Engineering
Pôle de compétitivité wallon
en génie mécanique
http://www.polemecatech.be
Ministry of Equipment and Transport
Ministère de l’équipement et du transport
Environment and energy technology innovation
platform
Milieu- en energietechnologie Innovatie
Platform 2
http://www.mipvlaanderen.be
Microwave Imaging Radiometer using Aperture
Synthesis
http://www.esa.int/esaLP/Lpsmos.html
Cluster on Micro-Technologies for Intelligent
Manufacturing & Products
http://clusters.wallonie.be/mitech
Mobile Intelligence Information Sensors
for Security
Ministry of Defence
Ministerie van Defensie
Ministère de la Défense
http://www.mil.be
Royal Museum of the armed forces
and of military history
Koninklijk Museum van het Leger
en de Krijgsgeschiedenis
Musée Royal de l’Armée et de l’Histoire
Militaire
http://www.klm-mra.be
Ministry of the Brussels-Capital Region
Ministère de la Région de Bruxelles-Capitale
Ministerie van het Brussels Hoofdstedelijk
Gewest
Ministry of the Walloon Region
Research Centre in Telecommunications,
Signal and Image Processing
Centre de Recherche en Télécommunications,
Traitement du Signal et de l’Image
http://www.multitel.be
Multi-purpose hybrid research reactor
for high-tech applications
http://myrrha.sckcen.be
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation
http://www.nato.int
National Contact Point
Network of European Regions Using Space
Technologies
http://www.nereus-regions.eu
Neuro-Electronics Research Flanders
http://www.nerf.be
National Experts on Science and Technology
Indicators
National Geographic Institute
Nationaal Geografisch Instituut
Institut géographique national
http://www.ngi.be
Ocean Biogeographic Information System
http://www.iobis.org
OECD
OMC
OVAM
OZM
PASS
PATLIB
PIM
PIT
PLASTIWIN
PMV
PPP
PRFB
PRI
PRINS
PRO
PRODEX
PWO
R& D
RHID
RIB
RIVM
RPR
RTD
RWB BHG
Organisation for Economic Co-operation
and Development
http://www.oecd.org
Open Method of Coordination
Public Waste Agency of Flanders
Openbare Vlaamse Afvalstoffenmaatschappij
http://www.ovam.be
Post-doctoral Research Fellowship
Onderzoeksmandaten
http://www.iwt.be/subsidies/
onderzoeksmandaten
Scientific Adventures Parc
Parc d’aventures scientifiques
http://www.pass.be
Patent information centres
PATent LIBrary
http://www.epo.org/patents/patentinformation/patlib/directory/belgium.html
Innovative Media Programme
Programma Innovatieve Media
http://www.iwt.be/nieuws/
programma-innovatieve-media-pim
Technological Innovation Partnership
Partenariat d’innovation technologique
Cluster on moulders, plastic parts,
and raw material
http://clusters.wallonie.be/plastiwin
Flanders Holding Company
Participatiemaatschappij Vlaanderen
http://www.pmv.eu
Public Private Partnership
Prospective Research for Brussels
Regional Plan for Innovation
Plan Régional pour l’Innovation
Gewestelijk Plan voor Innovatie
Pan-European Research Infrastructure
for Nano-Structures
Public Research Organisation
PROgramme for the Development of scientific
Experiments
PROgramme de Développement
d’Experiences scientifiques
http://sci.esa.int/science-e/www/area/index.
cfm?fareaid=76
Project-based Scientific Research
Projectmatig Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek
Research and Development
Royal High Institute for Defence
Koninklijk Hoger Instituut voor Defensie
Institut Royal Supérieur de Défense
http://www.mil.be/rdc
Research in Brussels
http://www.rib.irisnet.be
Dutch National Institute for Public Health
and the Environment
Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheit en Milieu
http://www.rivm.nl
Research Project Manager
Responsible de projet de recherche
Research and Technological Development
Onderzoek en Technologische Ontwikkeling
Science Policy Council of the Brussels-Capital
Region
Conseil de la politique scientifique
de la Région de Bruxelles-Capitale
Raad voor het Wetenschapsbeleid
van het Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest
http://www.irsib.irisnet.be/CPS/cps_index_
fr.htm
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2010
184
SB
SBO
SCK-CEN
SDRB
SecEU
SERV
SHARE
SIC
SIF
SIM
SIRRIS
SKYWIN
SME
SOC
SOWALFIN
SPC
BCR
SPICAM
SPOT
SPoW
SPSD
http://www.irsib.irisnet.be/CPS/cps_index_
nl.htm
Post-graduate strategic research Grants
Strategische onderzoeksbeurzen
http://www.iwt.be/subsidies/sb
Strategic Basic Research
Strategisch BasisOnderzoek
http://www.iwt.be/subsidies/sbo
Belgian Nuclear Research Centre
Studiecentrum voor Kernenergie
Centre d’Etude de l’Energie Nucléaire
http://www.sckcen.be
Brussels Regional Development Agency
Société de Développement pour la Région
de Bruxelles-Capitale
Gewestelijke Ontwikkelings-maatschappij
voor het Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest
http://www.sdrb.irisnet.be
European Security
Flanders Social and Economic Council
Sociaal-Economische Raad van Vlaanderen
http://www.serv.be
Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement
in Europe
Signal, Systems & Sensors, Information
& Intelligence, Communication
Systems-in-Foil
Strategic Initiative Materials
Strategisch Initiatief Materialen in Vlaanderen
http://www.sim-flanders.be
Collective Centre of the Belgian Technology
Industry
Collectief Centrum van de Belgische
Technologische Industrie
Centre Collectif de l’Industrie Technologique
http://www.sirris.be
Aerospace competitiveness pole
Pôle de compétitivité du secteur aéronautique
et spatial
http://www.skywin.be
Small and medium-sized enterprises
Strategic Research Centre
Strategische Onderzoekscentra
Walloon SME Financing Agency
Société Wallonne de Financement et de
Garantie des Petites et Moyennes Entreprises
http://www.sowalfin.be
Science Policy Council of the Brussels-Capital
Region
Conseil de la politique scientifique
de la Région de Bruxelles-Capitale
Raad voor het Wetenschapsbeleid
van het Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest
http://www.irsib.irisnet.be/CPS/cps_index_
fr.htm
http://www.irsib.irisnet.be/CPS/cps_index_
nl.htm
Spectroscopy for Investigation of
Characteristics of the Atmosphere of Mars
Earth observation satellite system
Satellite Pour l’Observation de la Terre
Science Parks of Wallonia
http://www.spow.be
Scientific Support Plan for a Sustainable
Development Policy
Plan voor wetenschappelijke Ondersteuning
van een beleid gericht op Duurzame
Ontwikkeling
BELGIAN REPORT
ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
2010
SRIB
STEVIN
STI
STIS/SIST-DWTI
STRD
STV
SWOT
TAFTIE
TBM
TD
TETRA Fund
TIP
TIS
TNO
TWEED
TWIST
UA
UAMS
Plan d’appui scientifique à une politique
de développement durable
http://www.belspo.be/ssd
Brussels Regional Investment Company
Société Régionale d’Investissement
de Bruxelles
Gewestelijke Investeringsmaatschappij
voor Brussel
http://www.srib.be
Essential Speech and Language Technology
Resources for Dutch
Spraak- en Taaltechnologische Essentiële
Voorzieningen In het Nederlands
http://stevin-tst.org
Science, Technology and Innovation
Scientific and Technical Information Service
Dienst Voor Wetenschappelijke En Technische
Informatie
Service d’Information Scientifique
et Technique
http://www.stis.fgov.be
Science and Technology Research of Defence
Flemish Foundation for Technology
Assessment – Innovation & Works
Stichting Technologie Vlaanderen – Innovatie
& Werk
http://www.serv.be
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities,
and Threats
The Association for Technology
Implementation in Europe
http://www.taftie.org
Applied Biomedical Research
Toegepast Biomedisch Onderzoek
http://www.iwt.be/subsidies/tbm
Technological advice
Technologische Dienstverlening
http://www.iwt.be/subsidies/vis-td
Technology Transfer Fund
Technologietransfer door instellingen
van hoger onderwijs
http://www.iwt.be/subsidies/tetra
Technology and Innovation Policy
Thematic Innovation Stimulation
Thematische InnovatieStimulering
http://www.iwt.be/subsidies/vis-tis
Netherlands Organisation for Applied
Scientific Research
Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast
Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek
http://www.tno.nl
Cluster of Energy, Environment and
Sustainable Development technologies
Cluster Technologie Wallonne Energie –
Environnement et Développement durable
http://clusters.wallonie.be/tweed
Cluster on Walloon Technologies for Image,
Sound and Text
Cluster Technologies Wallonnes de l’Image,
du Son et du texte
http://clusters.wallonie.be/twist
University of Antwerp
Universiteit Antwerpen
http://www.ua.ac.be
University of Antwerp Management School
Universiteit Antwerpen Management School
http://www.uams.be/EN
185
UA
UCL
UGent
UHasselt
ULB
ULG
UN
UNESCO
UNIDO
USPTO
UWE
UZ Antwerpen
UZ Brussel
UZ Gent
UZ Leuven
VEA
VEI
ViA
VIB
VIGC
VIL
VIM
VIN
University of Antwerp
Universiteit Antwerpen
http://www.ua.ac.be
Catholic University of Louvain
Université Catholique de Louvain
http://www.uclouvain.be
Ghent University
Universiteit Gent
http://www.ugent.be
University of Hasselt
Universiteit Hasselt
http://www.uhasselt.be
Free University of Brussels
Université Libre de Bruxelles
http://www.ulb.ac.be
University of Liège
Université de Liège
http://www.ulg.ac.be
United Nations
http://www.un.org
United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organisation
http://www.unesco.org
United Nations Industrial Development
Organisation
http://www.unido.org
United States Patent and Trademark Office
http://www.uspto.gov
Walloon Business Federation
Union Wallonne des Entreprises
http://www.uwe.be
Antwerp University Hospital
Universitair Ziekenhuis Antwerpen
http://www.uza.be
Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel
http://www.uzbrussel.be
Ghent University Hospital
Universitair Ziekenhuis Gent
http://www.uzgent.be
University Hospitals Leuven
http://www.uzleuven.be
Flemish Energy Agency
Vlaams Energieagentschap
http://www.energiesparen.be
Flemish Electro Innovation Centre
Vlaams Elektro Innovatiecentrum
http://www.vei.be
Flanders in Action
Vlaanderen in Actie
http://www.vlaandereninactie.be or
http://www.flandersinaction.be
Flanders’ Institute for Biotechnology
Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie
http://www.vib.be
Flemish Innovation Center for Graphic
Communication
Vlaams Innovatiecentrum voor Grafische
Communicatie
http://vigc.be
Flanders Institute for Logistics
Vlaams Instituut voor de Logistiek
http://www.vil.be
Flanders Institute for Mobility
Vlaams Instituut voor de Mobiliteit
http://www.vim.be
Flemish Innovation Network
Vlaams Innovatienetwerk
http://www.innovatienetwerk.be
VINNOF
VIOE
VIS
VIS-CO
VIS-RIS
VITO
VKC
VLAST
VLHORA
VLI
VLIR
VLIZ
VLOR
VMDC
VOKA
VRI
VRWB
VRWI
VUB
WAGRALIM
WATS
Flemish Innovation Fund
Vlaams Innovatiefonds
http://www.pmv.eu/pmv/view/en/sme/
products/vinnof
Flemish Institute for Archaeological Heritage
Vlaams Instituut voor Onroerend Erfgoed
http://www.vioe.be
Flemish Co-operative Innovation Networks
Vlaamse Innovatiesamenwerkingsverbanden
http://www.iwt.be/subsidies?tid=All&tid_1=
28&tid_2=All
VIS Collective Research Programme
Vis – Collectief Onderzoek Programma
http://www.iwt.be/subsidies/vis-co
Sub-regional innovation stimulation
(sub)Regionale InnovatieStimulering
http://www.iwt.be/subsidies/vis-ris
Flemish Institute for Technological Research NV
Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch
Onderzoek NV
http://www.vito.be
Flanders’ Centre for Plastics
Vlaams Kunststofcentrum
http://www.vkc.be
Flemish Academic Centre for Science
and the Arts
Vlaamse Academische Stem
http://www.kvab.be/vlast.aspx
Council of Flemish University Colleges
Vlaamse hogescholenraad
http://www.vlhora.be
Flemish Aerospace Industries
Vlaamse Vlaamse Luchtvaart Industriëen
Flemish Interuniversity Council
Vlaamse Interuniversitaire Raad
http://www.vlir.be
Flanders Marine Institute
Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee
http://www.vliz.be
Strategic Advisory Council for the education
and training policy of Flanders
Vlaamse Onderwijsraad
http://www.vlor.be
Flanders Marine Data and Information Centre
Vlaams Marien Data Centrum
http://www.vliz.be/EN/Data_Centre
Flanders’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Vlaams netwerk van ondernemingen
http://www.voka.be
Flemish Space Industries
Vlaamse Ruimtevaartindustrie
http://www.vrind.be
Flemish Science Policy Council
Vlaamse Raad voor Wetenschapsbeleid
Flemish Science and Innovation Policy Council
Vlaamse Raad voor Wetenschap en Innovatie
http://www.vrwi.be
Free University of Brussels
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
http://www.vub.ac.be
Agro-industries Competitiveness pole
of Wallonia
Pôle de Compétitivité de l’Agro-Industrie
Wallonne
http://www.wagralim.be
Wireless Autonomous Transducer Solutions
BELGIAN REPORT
ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
2010
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WELBIO
WHO
WPS
Walloon Institute for Life Sciences Lead
Institut wallon virtuel de recherche
d’excellence dans les domaines des sciences
de la vie
http://welbio.org
World Health Organisation
http://www.who.int
Walloon Public Service
Service Public de Wallonie
http://spw.wallonie.be
BELGIAN REPORT
ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
2010
WSN/RTLS
WTOCD
ZAP
Wireless Sensor Networks/Real Time
Location System
Scientific and Technical Research Centre
for Diamond
Wetenschappelijk en Technisch
OnderzoeksCentrum voor Diamant
http://www.hrdresearch.be
Independent Academic Staff
Zelfstandig Academisch Personeel
Belgian Report on Science,
Technology and Innovation 2010
This publication, issued by the Belgian Science Policy Office
in collaboration with the authorities of the Brussels-Capital
Region, the Flemish Government, the French Community
and the Walloon Region, presents Belgium’s institutional
environment regarding science, technology and innovation
(STI) for a large audience.
It also highlights the current policy orientations.
Another publication ‘Key Data on Science, Technology
and Innovation – Belgium, 2010’ presents a set of key data
on STI in Belgium and situates Belgium in an international
environment.
Available online.
Interested readers can find up-to-date data
and analyses on the following website: www.belspo.be
Belgian
Science
Policy
Office
Avenue Louise 231
Louizalaan 231
B-1050 Brussels
T +32 2 238 34 11
F +32 2 230 59 12
burg@belspo.be
www.belspo.be
Alasdair Reid