Hearing Flemish Parliament: Flemish defence industry and innovation

At the end of last year, at the request of former Minister of Innovation Brouns, VARIO published an advisory report on the opportunities and needs of the broad Flemish defence industry and innovation.

On February 27, VARIO director Danielle Raspoet and senior policy advisors Annelies Wastyn and Kristien Vercoutere explained the recommendations in the WEWIS committee of the Flemish Parliament.

VARIO believes that the commitment in the Flemish Government Agreement must now quickly lead to a clear, consistent and stimulating policy framework for the defence industry and innovation. In doing so, several barriers must be removed and certain elements facilitated:

• Strengthen communication with and involvement in the Ministry of Defence
• Facilitate networks, partnerships and access to consortia
• Facilitate R&D&I in the security and defence sector
• After loosening in 2018, it is now time for another step: release restrictions from ‘Circular Muyters’ Muyters'
  
• Ensure an export level-playing field at European level
• Facilitate access to and cooperation with the Ministry of Defence
• Conduct a thorough analysis of the financing/investment needs and take action to remove the obstacles

The explanation of the report and the interaction with the members of the committee can be reviewed (as of 2:00)