5 steps towards innovation success in Flanders

In the corporate jungle, it’s survival of the innovative. Learn how to boost your R&D efforts in Europe by taking advantage of one of the continent’s most innovative regions: Flanders.

What’s in the ebook?

You’ll discover how to kick-start your R&D success by relying on Flanders’:

niche specializations;
collaborative R&D ecosystem;
smart and talented workforce;
targeted innovation support;
R&D-related tax incentives.

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Strike the perfect balance in Flanders

What comes to mind when you think of Flanders? It could be the region's strong traditions, dedicated people and deep-rooted love for life. However, Flanders is also known for the strength of its R&D ecosystem, which offers the talent, knowhow, network and incentives to boost the innovation efforts of businesses in a wide range of industries.

Learn from your peers

These multinationals are already reaping the rewards of innovating in Flanders.

Pfizer

American biopharma juggernaut Pfizer has been present in Flanders for decades. Luc Van Steenwinkel, managing director of Pfizer Puurs, knows why: “The region boasts a central location in Europe. This, in combination with Flanders’ top-notch education system and excellent workforce, makes a big difference.”Pharma production hub“As a pharma and health company, we inform people about health, produce vaccines, detect diseases early on and carry out a lot of research to develop new medicines in response to medical needs,” Van Steenwinkel continues. “To achieve that, we operate 4 major sites in Belgium and Flanders as a region: an R&D center in Anderlecht, our Belgian HQ in Brussels, a distribution center in Zaventem and an ultramodern factory in Puurs, where we make sterile products that are shipped worldwide.”Investment after investmentAs one of the world’s largest biopharmaceutical companies, Pfizer invests heavily in research and development. Van Steenwinkel: “In the past 6 years, we have funneled over EUR 500 million into various projects at our Flanders-based site in Puurs. We have created more than 1,000 jobs, and we will continue on this path in the years to come.”People powerIt’s our people, however, who are the main driving force behind our growth in Flanders and beyond. In addition to their knowledge, educational backgrounds and expertise, there’s also the work ethic in Flanders: the drive to do the right thing for the patient at all times, and to produce medicines of the highest quality. That’s definitely a major key to success.Luc Van Steenwinkel, Managing Director, Pfizer Manufacturing BelgiumA lifetime of achievementsIn February 2018, Pfizer was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Trophy at the annualForeign Investment Trophyevent, hosted by Flanders Investment & Trade. This prestigious trophy acknowledges the multinational’s contribution to Flanders’ economy and business environment.Find out more aboutpharmaceuticalsandhow to set up advanced manufacturing activitiesin Flanders.

Brolis

Why Brolis, photonics’ leading light, innovates in FlandersAfter years of fruitful collaboration with the Photonics research group of Ghent University, Brolis Semiconductors decided to set up an innovative photonics research center in Ghent, Flanders. Here’s why the Lithuanian flagship company fell for the region’s R&D strengths.