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 Startups in Belgium. An outline of the current situation in Belgium (Flanders and Wallonia) provides an answer to this question.