Report VARIO study trip to the United Arab Emirates

VARIO has a tradition of annually organizing an international study trip, alternating between destinations within and outside Europe. An international perspective is essential in order to provide strong, forward‑looking, and well‑substantiated advice on innovation policy. These trips offer insights into how other regions strengthen innovation and entrepreneurship with ambition, speed, and vision; what opportunities this creates for our Flemish knowledge economy; and what lessons Flanders can draw from this.

For 2026, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been selected. The UAE serve as a strategic gateway to growth regions in the Middle East, the Global South, and India. In these geopolitically uncertain times, diversifying our export and trade partners is crucial. Reference can be made in this context to the recent trade agreement between the EU and India. Moreover, the UAE are undergoing a profound transformation, rapidly evolving from an oil‑based economy into a knowledge‑ and innovation‑driven economy. The UAE position themselves as a global experimental space for innovation and economic transformation, combining major ambitions with rapid implementation in areas such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence (AI), and healthcare.

During the study trip, VARIO identified several areas in which Flanders can learn from the policy approach in the UAE: visionary leadership and long‑term strategy, openness to international talent, the targeted development of ecosystems, a strong focus on implementation and ambition, a business‑friendly climate, efforts to tackle overregulation, collective progress, and pragmatic governance.

The VARIO delegation undertook its study trip together with a dynamic and diverse group of seven external stakeholders. Together, they visited universities, companies, investors, government institutions, and more. VARIO prepared a report on the study trip, including an overview of the visits and the key takeaways for Flanders. VARIO will integrate the insights gained into its future advisory work.