As one of the world leaders in connectivity, Flanders is also home to the infrastructure, business, research and education that drives it. Innovation in today’s digital society requires the support of many different players and enablers in multiple domains, and the region has every resource needed for a network technology initiative to grow.
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Network technology in Flanders
Home to innovators in ICT fields as cutting-edge as the Internet of Things, fintech, smart systems and cryptography, digital communication is at its best in Flanders. Network technologies are the supportive elements that make digital communication possible, from optic cables and satellite communications to wireless systems and data transfer. Flanders has a comprehensive ecosystem of companies, research groups, associations, incubators and educational institutions engaged in educating, innovating and contributing to a connected society and enabling Industry 4.0.
Network tech in Flanders – facts & figures
99%
of the area is covered by next-generation access networks (#2 in Europe)
99%
of households subscribe to fixed broadband
95%
of households are covered by 4G networks
Multidisciplinary ICT Welcome Team
As of January 2017, Flanders Investment & Trade offers the skills and services of a dedicated ICT Welcome Team to foreign companies interested in establishing themselves in the region of Flanders. Also charged with driving Flanders’ market approach, this team is comprised of experienced advisors with expertise covering many aspects of ICT.
Building blocks for network tech success
Nearly every digital innovation today relies on network technology – and its drivers are complex and interconnected. Fortunately, Flanders has considerable strengths in other tech sectors that contribute to and are affected by network technology developments. Find out more about the region’s powerful assets relevant to network technologies:
- micro- and nanotechnology;
- cloud computing;
- big data;
- the Internet of Things;
- mobile applications.
- fintech.
An ecosystem for network technology innovation
Flanders is home to all the resources your network tech business needs to survive and thrive, from universities, knowledge bases and research centers to leading industry players.
Network tech: a foundation for society
Our increasingly interconnected lives, businesses, governments and societies are based on a key foundation: network technology. Without this hugely valuable resource, digitization and Industry 4.0 would have no soil on which to grow. Nearly every single industry depends on network technology, and Flanders’ ICT strengths across various domains demonstrate that it invests in network technology. Key sectors include:
City of Antwerp takes traffic management to the next level
To be initially designed and implemented in 2017 with enhancement continuing to 2025, the City of Antwerp is currently completely redesigning its network of traffic lights.
Using next generation network technology, the new Traffic Coordination Centre (TCC) will enable the transparent, dynamic monitoring and management of changing traffic conditions – for less traffic, safer motorists, cyclists and pedestrians and an overall more accessible metropolitan area.
All the talent at hand
Several university colleges in Flanders provide practical bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fields closely related to network technology. Some of these programs include:
- Master of Mathematical Informatics at UGent teaches advanced skills in computing, cryptography and coding theory;
- Master in Electronics and ICT Engineering Technology at KU Leuven educates students on the analysis, design and implementation of a range of electronic systems, including information communication systems;
- Master in Computer Science: Data Science at UAntwerpen – a one-year master’s degree program covering all aspects of data science within the framework of computer science and network tech;
- Master of Science in Applied Sciences and Engineering: Computer Sciences at VUB provides students with a deep understanding of computer science applications in research and society;
- Master of Applied Informatics at KU Leuven educates students on the design and management of data processing systems;
- Master of Computer Science: Computer Networks and Distributed Systems at the UAntwerpen covers all aspects of software design and systems development.
Access to smart financing
Companies setting up or managing their activities or headquarters in Flanders can reap the rewards of:
- various government grants and subsidies for transformation, ecological, R&D and growth investments;
- unique tax incentives for various types of business activities and investments;
- a set of employment subsidies to further reduce your salary costs as well as fiscal remuneration advantages;
- a number of funding options to help you get off the ground.
Specific incentives
Flanders offers incentives that are relevant to research-intensive domains like encryption, computer science and data security. Examples include:
- innovation income deduction – up to 85% of a firm’s net earnings from innovation is tax exempt;
- investment deduction for R&D – 13.5% of acquisition value/qualifying asset or 20.5% of the depreciated amount;
- exemption of payment of 80% – of the personal income withholding tax of researchers in certain scientific fields.
Discover Flanders' tax incentives for foreign businesses with R&D activities.
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