REGION-SPECIFIC TECHNOLOGY POLICY IN BELGIUM - THE SIGNIFICANCE OF NEW TECHNOLOGY BASED START-UPS

Since the beginning of the 1980s, strategic regional technology policies have been adopted in Belgium. A number of NTBFs are emerging in generic technology industries such as micro-electronics, biotechnology and information technology. These industries are particularly conducive to the formation of NTBFs since the advancing new technologies are constantly creating new and specialist product-market niches. High technology product groups are selected/supported in the fields of aerospace, medical technology, robotics and office automation, agro-business and energy. The regional dimension of technology policy raises the question whether a relationship can be established between strategic technology policy and New Technology Based Start-ups in Belgium. An outline of the current situation in Belgium (Flanders and Wallonia) provides an answer to this question.