Belgian sectors

Belgian Defence (2024) - Paper

The paper ‘Belgian Defence’, realised in cooperation with the FPS Foreign Affairs, Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT), the Wallonia Export-Investment Agency (AWEX) and hub.brussels, provides a comprehensive overview of the Belgian defence sector, which fully exploits its strategic position in Europe, near major defence suppliers such as France, Germany and the UK. Belgium has a rich history in arms production and technological innovation, supported by a strong academic base, making it a crucial player in both national and international defence.

The document highlights the complexity of the current geopolitical environment and Belgium's role within international and European defence organisations, with a particular focus on the country's strategic partnerships and capabilities. The adoption of the STAR plan underlines Belgium's ambition to further modernise its defence capabilities and adapt to the challenges of hybrid warfare and cybersecurity.

The first part of the paper provides an in-depth analysis of the international defence context, covering increasing military spending and cooperation initiatives. The second part discusses key initiatives such as PESCO and the European Defence Fund (EDF) that enable EU member states to cooperate on defence projects, improving interoperability and strengthening Europe's strategic autonomy. The final section explains the Belgian defence sector itself, including its five main components and the role of dual-use capabilities, which are used for both civilian and military purposes. The implementation of the STAR plan and adjustments to the Belgian defence budget illustrate the country's strategic priorities to promote technological leadership while strengthening EU and NATO cooperation. All this contributes to a sustainable and efficient defence system that ensures both Belgium's and Europe's security.

The full sectoral publication will be officially released in early 2025, following its traditional format. Beside the comprehensive introduction (paper), the publication will feature success stories highlighting four companies from each region, and present a dedicated chapter with relevant stakeholders.

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.

Belgian Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (2023)

The “Belgian Advanced Manufacturing Technologies” publication, realised in cooperation with the FPS Foreign Affairs, Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT), the  Wallonia Export & Investment Agency and hub.brussels, focuses on the new trends of the industrial sector and its innovative technologies. Advanced manufacturing technologies are reshaping industries and responding to some challenges and trends that the sector is facing. Belgium, thanks to dynamic industrial actors and a friendly innovative environment, is taking part in the new revolution Industry 5.0.

The first part of this publication provides a comprehensive picture of the advanced manufacturing sector in Belgium. The second part provides 12  interviews of Belgian innovative companies active in this sector. The third part presents various stakeholders active in the advanced manufacturing sector from sectoral federations to public institutions which are supporting the industry.

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

• Interview with Rob Smets, Managing Director at uWare: immerse yourself in the world of ocean conservation and exploration. uWare builds ingenious, data-driven solutions for monitoring coastal ocean life and the sustainable industries developing within it.
• Interview with Joris Ceyssens, Director at Vintiv. Vintiv not only develops and builds customised high-tech machines, but it also retrofits existing installations into state-of-the-art production devices.
• Interview with Bertrand Herry & Roger Cocle, co-founders and CEOs of AnyShape: they will let you discover the great possibilities of additive manufacturing (3D printing). AnyShape (ISO9001-EN9100-ISO13485 company) works with state-of-the-art equipment across the entire additive manufacturing value chain to produce high-quality metal, plastic and composite industrial parts.  

Belgian Entertainment Technologies (2022)

Released during a webinar on May 30, 2022, the sectoral publication “Belgian Entertainment Technologies” illustrates the pioneering and leading role that Belgium plays in the field of entertainment technologies. Belgian companies in the sector are particularly innovative and invest heavily in the research and development of new entertainment technologies for the sports, video games, media and audio-visual industries.

The first part of this publication provides a comprehensive picture of the entertainment technology sector in Belgium and takes a closer look at some current trends. In the second part, 12 innovative companies in this sector showcase their expertise through various interviews. The third part presents the various stakeholders in the study, the sectoral federations concerned and their members.

Following the launch of this publication, a webinar was organised in collaboration with our partners FPS Foreign Affairs, Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT), AWEX and hub.brussels.
Watch the replay of the webinar.

Also watch the interviews of:

• Stéphane Battaille, Chief Executive Officer of Alterface, a Belgian company specialized in providing both technology and turnkey solutions for the interactive attractions industry
• Jelmer Jacobs, performance manager speedwear of Bioracer Motion, a Belgian company created to develop new technologies that improve the performance of professional cyclists
• François Fripiat, CEO of Demute, a Belgian company providing innovative sound solutions for the video games industry and immersive sound experiences for the cultural sector.