Broad interest in VARIO advisory report on 'opportunities and needs for the Flemish defence industry and innovation'

In November 2024, the VARIO advisory report on the opportunities and needs for the broad Flemish defence industry and innovation was published. This advice and its accompanying analysis report were prepared in 2024 at the request of the former Minister for Innovation Brouns. Given the changed geopolitical context, there is increasing interest in and focus on defence and more specifically also defence industry and innovation. In the Flemish Government Agreement 2024 - 2029, Defence is designated as a strategic sector.

VARIO has already been invited by various stakeholders to explain its analysis and recommendations on this matter. On Tuesday 26 November, the VARIO staff entered into a dialogue with the Flemish defence companies at Agoria Flanders. On 31 January, we explained the advice to a number of members of VOKA West Flanders in an online information session.

On November 21, the annual TTO Flanders networking event took place at Museum M in Leuven. VARIO staff member Annelies Wastyn participated in a debate on defence-related R&D at universities.