About us

The Flemish Advisory Council for Innovation and Enterprise (Vlaamse Adviesraad voor Innoveren en Ondernemen or VARIO) was established by the Flemish Government by decision on October 14th, 2016.

The VARIO advises the Flemish Government and the Flemish Parliament on its science, technology, innovation, industry and entrepreneurship policy. The council does this on its own initiative as well as on request.

The VARIO works independently from the Flemish Government and the Flemish stakeholders in the field of science, innovation, industry and entreprise. The chairman and nine members of the VARIO take part in a personal capacity.

The VARIO is the successor of the Flemish Council for Science and Innovation (Vlaamse Raad voor Wetenschap en Innovatie or VRWI). Between 2010 and 2016 the VRWI was the strategic advisory body for the Flemish Government for science and innovation. In turn, the VRWI was the successor of the Flemish Council for Science Policy (Vlaamse Raad voor Wetenschapsbeleid or VRWB), which was active from 1985 to 2009.