The VRWB positively regards the 'Flanders in action' plan of the Flemish Government. With it, the Government wishes to play out the trump cards with which we can arm ourselves in the context of increasing globalisation as much as possible. But Flanders is not in control of all of the opportunities for leveraging, remarks the Council.
Only a limited number of segments of Flemish economic and social actors feel that it is 'five minutes to twelve' (that the situation is critical). Broad social support is lacking. Communication, mobilisation and conversion into a concrete plan with quantifiable objectives and milestones are needed.
The action plan contains a broad range of diverse initiatives in different policy domains. What is lacking is the distinguishing feature. Where do our priorities lie? For a small region like Flanders, developing a strategic vision is required if we wish to take on international competition. With its exploratory exercise, the Council hands over a reference framework of 30 techno-economic developments. As a future strategic advisory board for Science and Innovation, the VRWB is well placed for executing such technological experiments.
The action plan is not a new government agreement and is supposed to give a socio-economic impulse, according to the Council. Flanders has already made a serious effort in the area of financial resources and instruments. It is important to also focus on the intangible aspects: "how do you get people to think and act in a multi-disciplinary manner?" Attention needs to be paid to the three dimensions of the knowledge organisation: Science, Technology and Society. One of these, the scientific dimension, is not sufficiently prominent.
Introduction and stimulation of new technologies and innovation in the classical industrial sectors, which are still the basis of employment in Flanders, should be an integral part of the 'Flanders in action' plan. Permanent innovation in production technology is essential to ensure the competitiveness of our production industry. What can Flanders do in this respect? This is not covered in the action plan. More attention to be paid to supporting innovation in medium-sized companies: (1) high-tech spin-offs which represent a growth phase, (2) more traditional industrial family companies and (3) Flemish production establishments of international groups. The efforts with respect to sensitising SMEs to innovation are slowly bearing fruit. Now, these efforts must be maintained and enhanced. The Council welcomes the announced SME Innovation Action Plan. Earlier VRWB recommendations can provide useful ingredients for the same.
The associations covering the entire spectrum of cutting-edge research, basic strategic research, technological innovation, valorisation, service, etc., create opportunities for more diverse orientation to research and better use of training to broad corporate requirements. The Council is satisfied with the additional financial stimulus, but requests permanent attention to ensure sufficient play for associates.
More encouragement and valorisation for pure technical and technological research is required. A better image of science and technology should stimulate youth, and primarily the girls, to choose massively for exact sciences and technology.
The VRWB recognises the importance of increasing the average knowledge of our society and using all potential to the maximum. Talent should get all chances. Excellence should be strived for at all levels.