Belgian sectors

Belgian Clean Hydrogen (2026)

The sectoral publication Belgian Clean Hydrogen, realised in close collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, the FPS Foreign Affairs, FIT, AWEX and hub.brussels, explores the strategic, economic and technological dimensions of Belgium’s emerging hydrogen sector. It highlights how Belgian companies, research institutions and public authorities contribute to the development of a clean hydrogen economy within the broader energy transition. As climate objectives, energy security and industrial competitiveness increasingly converge, hydrogen is gaining importance as a key solution for decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors such as industry and heavy transport.

Hydrogen development in Belgium has entered a phase of increasing maturity, supported by a solid legislative framework, emerging market mechanisms and tangible progress in infrastructure across ports, terminals and transport networks. Large-scale deployment, however, will depend on improving cost competitiveness and adopting a pragmatic approach that embraces multiple production pathways. In this context, the timely implementation of EU regulation remains essential to create a viable business case, provide demand certainty and accelerate decarbonisation.

The first part of the publication provides an in-depth analysis of hydrogen’s role in the energy transition, covering global trends, European policy frameworks and the Belgian landscape. The second part presents 12 Belgian companies, illustrating expertise across the value chain. The third part highlights key stakeholders and collaborative networks shaping the sector.

Belgian Sustainable Chemistry (2025)

The sectoral publication Belgian Sustainable Chemistry, produced in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, the FPS Foreign Affairs, FIT, AWEX and hub.brussels, explores the strategic and economic dimensions of Belgium’s sustainable chemistry sector. It shows how Belgian companies drive innovation and international trade in sustainable chemistry.

The first part shows the reasons for Belgium’s leadership in sustainable chemistry. The Belgian sector combines a strong industrial heritage, a dense innovation ecosystem, and an accelerated transition toward circularity and decarbonisation. Belgian chemistry brings together innovation, competitiveness, and sustainability. The second part features 12 Belgian companies active in the Belgian sustainable chemistry, each showcasing their expertise and innovative solutions. The third part presents key public and private stakeholders shaping Belgium’s sustainable chemistry landscape, including research centres, industry federations and private/public actors.

Belgian Defence (2025)

The sectoral publication Belgian Defence, realised in close collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, the FPS Foreign Affairs, FIT, hub.brussels and AWEX, explores the strategic and economic dimensions of Belgium’s defence sector. The publication highlights how Belgian companies and institutions contribute to security, innovation and international cooperation in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape. Belgium aims to remain a reliable NATO partner and is therefore significantly increasing its defence spending to reach the NATO target of 2% of GDP by 2025. At the same time, substantial investments are being made across all operational domains, with particular focus on infrastructure, logistical support and capability development. These investments not only enhance the readiness of the armed forces, but also contribute to the development of an integrated defence ecosystem that aligns with the priorities of both the European Union and NATO.

The first part of the publication provides an in-depth analysis of Belgium’s defence efforts, with a focus on modernisation, industry and international cooperation. The second part features 12 Belgian companies, each showcasing their specific expertise within the defence sector. The third part highlights the public and private stakeholders shaping Belgium’s defence landscape, from research centres to industry federations and governmental institutions. Belgian Defence offers a clear overview of national expertise and capacity in this essential sector.

Within the framework of the sectoral publication, Defence Minister Theo Francken, also in charge of Foreign Trade, shared his vision on the future of Belgian defence in a video interview: https://youtu.be/P1bihXnzUK8.

Belgian Nuclear Medicine (2024)

The “Belgian Nuclear Medicine” publication, realised in cooperation with the FPS Foreign Affairs, Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT), the Wallonia Export & Investment Agency and hub.brussels, highlights the critical role of nuclear medicine in diagnosing, interpreting, and treating a diverse array of diseases. Nuclear medicine offers patients less invasive treatment alternatives by imaging, treating, and monitoring conditions such as cancer. Despite the pressures on the supply chain, Belgium remains a leading producer of medical isotopes, expertly managing every link of the supply chain. This leadership provides Belgian enterprises unique opportunities to secure their future market position and contribute significantly to global health in an era filled with healthcare challenges.

The first part of this publication offers a detailed overview of nuclear medicine and outlines the supply chain challenges, including nuclear waste and transportation. It also explores how Belgium is addressing these issues to maintain its leading role. The second part includes interviews with 9 innovative Belgian companies active in this sector. The third part introduces various stakeholders in the nuclear medicine field, from sector federations to public institutions that support the industry.

Within the framework of the sectoral publication, three Belgian companies have also been video interviewed:

• Interview with Sven Van den Berghe, CEO of PanTera. PanTera is on a mission to address the scarcity of Actinium-225, a promising radioactive cancer-fighting agent which will revolutionize cancer treatment worldwide.
• Interview with Bruno Scutnaire, President of IBA Radiopharma Solutions. Discover IBA's global leadership and the company's recent developments in nuclear medicine and beyond.
• Interview with Ruth Devenyns, former CEO of Precirix (now Tom Plitz). Precirix is a Belgian biotech company, which pioneers innovative cancer treatments by utilising camel-derived antibodies to precisely target cancer cells.