Green Paper: “The future of the Flemish cluster policy”

The Green Paper “The future of the Flemish cluster policy” was communicated to the Flemish Government on 22 March 2024. After 10 years of financing the spearhead clusters, Flanders is facing a renewed approach on cluster policy. In June last year, the Minister of Innovation therefore took the initiative to draw up a green paper. VLAIO has been asked to initiate a process to investigate the appropriate options for anchoring valuable activities. The Green Paper is the result of this exercise. VARIO is asked to provide recommendations regarding the Green Paper by May 6. Advice is also requested from the SERV, HBC (Decision Committee at the Fund for Innovation and Entrepreneurship) and consolidated advice from the 6 spearhead clusters. In his request for advice, the minister asks to consider (1) the role that the current spearhead clusters can play in the four scenarios in the Green Paper and, (2) strategically important themes that could potentially give rise to spearhead clusters in new domains.