Invest

Open the door to Europe, and beyond

A crucible of innovation and learning at the heart of Europe, both geographically and politically, Wallonia-Brussels is a commercial gateway to the continent and the world.

Our open, inclusive culture means everyone’s welcome, with 150 languages spoken and a flourishing foreign researcher population drawn to our sought-after higher education system.

Grants and taxation are geared to drive growth and R&D power towards our thriving research community, which includes many international companies, not to mention our burgeoning local economy, outstanding healthcare, and high quality of life.

Driving sustainable animal feed through European collaboration

Walloon expertise is also contributing to Europe's transition towards more sustainable livestock production through participation in EU projects, one recent example with the UK is the Horizon Europe ProFEED project. Led by the University of Leeds, the four-year, €5.5 million initiative brings together 15 partners from eight countries to develop locally sourced, climate-resilient plant proteins for animal feed, reducing Europe's dependence on imported soy. Walloon research organisations, including CELABOR, CER Groupe and CRA-W play a key role in developing and validating sustainable feed solutions that support more resilient agricultural value chains.

Meet the ecosystem

Wallonia benefits from a strong open innovation culture, supported by a well-structured and collaborative innovation ecosystem. The region has established sectoral innovation clusters that bring together companies, research organisations, universities and public authorities to accelerate innovation and technology transfer. These clusters act as catalysts for collaboration, facilitating the development of joint R&D projects, access to pilot infrastructures, international partnerships and funding opportunities. By fostering cross-sectoral cooperation and connecting stakeholders across the entire value chain, Wallonia creates an environment where innovative solutions can be developed, tested and rapidly brought to market.

Universities:

The LiEU network (Liaison Entreprises-Université) brings together the Knowledge Transfer Offices (KTOs) of the five universities of the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, putting researchers in touch with public and private partners to stimulating collaboration.

Higher Education Institutions:

SynHERA, supports and promotes applied research from the 19 universities of applied sciences in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation and their 10 associated research centers.

Research Centers:

Wal-Tech brings together the 19 accredited research centres operating in Wallonia with the objectives of uniting the accredited research centres in Wallonia.