VLAAMSE GEWEST

Their core work

The Flemish Regional Government (Flanders, Belgium) acts as a public policy and funding authority that shapes innovation ecosystems, energy policy, and sustainable development across the Flemish region. In H2020, they primarily co-fund transnational research programs (ERA-NETs) in energy, food, and materials, and run Coordination & Support Actions that help SMEs access innovation services. They bring regional policy implementation capacity, co-financing for joint calls, and a bridge between EU research agendas and Flemish economic priorities — particularly in energy efficiency, geospatial data analytics, and bioeconomy.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In 2014–2018, Vlaamse Gewest focused heavily on SME innovation capacity building (VEBIN SME series, innovation vouchers, twinning) and establishing transnational research networks in food and agriculture (SusAn, CORE Organic). From 2018 onward, the emphasis shifted toward energy efficiency, digital twins, urban planning, circular economy, and behavioral change — reflecting broader Flemish policy priorities around climate and digitalization. The move from "innovation management" keywords to "sustainability" and "big data" signals a transition from ecosystem-building to data-driven policy implementation.

Vlaamse Gewest is moving toward data-driven urban and energy policy, with growing emphasis on digital twins, behavioral change, and circular economy — expect future calls and partnerships in these areas.

How they like to work

Vlaamse Gewest operates predominantly as a participant or third-party co-funder (46 of 55 projects), providing regional funding and policy alignment rather than leading research execution. With 770 unique partners across 52 countries, they function as a broad network hub — connecting to many different organizations rather than repeatedly partnering with the same ones. This makes them an excellent "door opener" for accessing the Flemish innovation ecosystem and co-funding, but they are not a hands-on research performer.

An exceptionally wide network spanning 770 unique partners across 52 countries, driven largely by their role as co-funder in multiple ERA-NETs. Their geographic reach is truly pan-European with connections extending beyond EU borders through international cooperation projects.

What sets them apart

As a regional government, Vlaamse Gewest offers something most research organizations cannot: direct access to Flemish policy implementation, regional co-funding for joint transnational calls, and connections to the broader Flemish innovation ecosystem including EEN services. Their unusual combination of SME support experience, ERA-NET co-funding across energy/food/materials, and growing expertise in geospatial analytics and digital twins makes them a strong consortium partner when policy uptake and regional deployment are required. For projects needing a public authority that can translate research into regional policy action, they are a proven choice.

Highlights from their portfolio

• PoliVisu
  Their largest coordinated project (EUR 595K) combining big data, geospatial analytics, and policy development — represents their most ambitious technical leadership role.
• M-ERA.NET 2
  Highest single-project funding (EUR 430K) as participant in a major materials research ERA-NET spanning 2016–2022, demonstrating long-term co-funding commitment.
• VEBIN SME
  Three successive iterations (2014–2018) of Enterprise Europe Network SME innovation services — shows sustained commitment and institutional expertise in SME support.