Competitiveness clusters

Would you like to work with key players in your sector to develop ambitious projects? Competitive clusters bring together companies, public and private research units and training organisations to support and develop ambitious collaborative projects. By joining a cluster, you gain access to financing, cutting-edge infrastructure and a network of experts to drive your business forward.

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What are competitiveness clusters?  

Competitiveness clusters are strategic alliances of businesses, public and private research units and training organisations based on a promising technological or scientific field. Their aim is to strengthen the competitiveness of companies through international innovation projects.

Examples include clusters in the agrifood sector, aerospace and the health biotechnology and medical technologies cluster. 

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To the list of Walloon clusters

What do competitiveness clusters do? 

Competitive clusters play an essential role in Wallonia's economic and technological development. They support innovation by promoting the development of highly innovative collaborative research and development (R&D) projects. 

Competitive clusters support member companies from the research phase through to the marketing of new products, services or processes. They facilitate access to financing, provide guidance and expertise at every stage of development and support the internationalisation of companies. They also act as ambassadors, keeping members informed of technological, political, and legal trends.

Who are competitiveness clusters for? 

Competitiveness clusters are designed for a wide range of economic and institutional actors who want to work together to innovate and grow. They are mainly intended for:

  1. Companies: whether SMEs, start-ups or large businesses, competitiveness clusters provide an environment conducive to collaboration, innovation and growth. Companies can find partners as well as financing and development opportunities.
  2. Research units: clusters enable public and private research units to work together closely, facilitating the development and transfer of technologies and knowledge.
  3. Training organisations: these entities support the upskilling of cluster members.

In addition, the clusters build synergies with associations and professional organisations, as well as investors and financing organisations, to enhance their actions and support their members.

Why join a competitiveness cluster?

Joining a competitiveness cluster in Wallonia gives you access to public funding for collaborative innovation projects and personalised support. You will also enhance your regional, national and/or international visibility.

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Why submit a project to a competitiveness cluster?

Submitting a project to a competitiveness cluster in Wallonia enables you to benefit from financial and strategic support from the region, essential for developing innovative initiatives. Clusters provide a collaborative environment, connecting companies, public and private research units and training organisations and granting access to a variety resources and skills. By joining a cluster, you maximise your chances of success through regional, national and European funding and benefit from personalised guidance throughout your project.

How to submit a project to a competitiveness cluster?

  1. Contact the cluster: before officially submitting your project, get in touch with the chosen cluster to discuss your idea and receive advice on the best way to develop it.
  2. Develop your project with the cluster's help: the cluster's managers will help you to design your project, prepare a convincing presentation and find the necessary partners (companies, research units, training organisations). Together, you define a schedule and expected outcomes and assess the budget, including potential funding sources and financial aid required. The impact on employment will also be considered.
  3. Present your project: during the next call for projects, submit your proposal to the cluster's jury. This jury assesses the value, interest and validity of your project before presenting it to an international jury for final evaluation.
  4. Obtain financing: if your project is approved, you may be eligible for regional aid, including research funding, investment grants and funding for specific training initiatives.

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Which Walloon competitiveness clusters are there? 

Biotechnology, aerospace, chemicals, transport and logistics... Explore the initiatives, current projects, news and information on services offered by the clusters to boost the innovation and competitiveness of Walloon companies.

To the list of Walloon clusters

What is Wallonia's role in the clusters' policy? 

Wallonia plays a central role in the policy of competitiveness clusters by providing essential financial and strategic support, both to the clusters themselves and to companies wishing to undertake collaborative innovation projects with suitable partners. 

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Wallonia Clusters.svgWallonia Clusters - the portal for competitiveness clusters in Wallonia

Discover "Wallonia Clusters", the portal for competitiveness clusters in Wallonia, a comprehensive resource including everything you need to know about clusters and maximising opportunities for collaboration and innovation.