Building A Belgian Earth Observation Cluster

Presentation of Project results

Vital Schreurs, MD - GIM nv/sa

Brussels, 26th May

20002

Context

• Oct 98: “Study on the Potential of Cluster-Based Innovation Policies for EO in Belgium” (KUL)

• April 99: OSTC Call for Proposals re cluster formation for 2 market segments– agriculture ~Agrinet (GIM)– SPOT-VGT applications

VEGETATION cluster initiative (Vito)• Nov 99: cluster initiatives have been joined

formation of 1 EO cluster

Brussels, 26th May

20003

Cluster Objectives

Brussels, 26th May

20004

Increase the critical mass w.r.t. EO expertise and skills

available in Belgium

– better service provision by joining complementary skills and expertise

– increasing awareness of Belgian expertise on international market

Brussels, 26th May

20005

Further develop the (Belgian) market for EO

applications

– ensure sustainability of EO sector– economic growth of members– independence of government

financing

Brussels, 26th May

20006

Role & Responsibilities

Brussels, 26th May

20007

Industrial networking

– stimulate cooperation between members– encourage information flow between members– increase international awareness of Belgian RS

expertise– participate in large international programs– enable market development– ...

Brussels, 26th May

20008

Skills development

– stimulate knowledge transfer / inform. exchange– provide continuous education and training– support recruitment mechanisms– facilitate staff mobility between organisations– ...

Brussels, 26th May

20009

Interfacing to governmental organizations

– financial support for joint initiatives– defend common interests– …