Wallonia invests heavily in research and development and has recognised strengths: top-level universities, high-performing research centres, an innovative industrial fabric. But this ecosystem has gradually become more complex, to the point of becoming difficult for businesses to navigate. On a proposal from the Minister for the Economy and Industry, Pierre-Yves Jeholet, the Walloon Government has adopted, at first reading, a preliminary draft decree that thoroughly reforms the organisation of regional innovation to make it more coherent, more stable and more geared towards measurable economic results.
“Innovation can no longer be held back by too many intermediaries. This reform concentrates resources on a single cluster model, aligned with our strategic priorities. Less dispersion, more economic impact.” Pierre-Yves Jeholet, Deputy Prime Minister of the Walloon Government, Minister for the Economy and Industry.
A structural reform: a unified model, aligned with regional priorities
The preliminary draft decree establishes a single model:
The strategic innovation cluster, strictly aligned with the Strategic Innovation Domains (SIDs).
In concrete terms:
- A number of clusters aligned with regional strategic priorities;
- Clarified governance with a stable legal basis;
- Better alignment with European strategy;
- Removal of duplication and overlaps.
This is a thorough reorganisation of the landscape, designed to concentrate resources where they generate the most value.
An assertive performance culture
Each cluster will have to:
- Sign a precise objectives contract;
- Achieve measurable indicators (collaborative projects, private investment mobilised, industrial commercialisation, job creation, etc.);
- Undergo regular evaluations.
Recognition is extended to 7 years, renewable, to ensure stability and consistency with European cycles.
The decree strengthens performance-based management in order to concentrate resources on the most effective mechanisms.
The reform also strengthens strategic coordination and encourages better collaboration between sectors to support more cross-cutting, market-oriented innovation.
A stronger economic impact
The objective is explicit: to improve the economic return on public investment in Research, Development & Innovation.
The reform aims in particular to:
- Speed up the market launch of innovations;
- Strengthen the conversion of scientific results into industrial projects;
- Increase the leverage effect on private investment;
- Support the creation and growth of innovative companies.
This is not an administrative reform, but a strategic repositioning of innovation policy.
What this means for businesses
For Walloon SMEs and entrepreneurs:
- A single, clearly identified entry point;
- Clarified missions;
- A more direct focus on market launch and economic value creation;
- Structured support built around coherent regional priorities.
“We stand for coherent strategic management between research and innovation. Less dispersion, more coherence, more measurable results. Every euro invested must generate economic value for Wallonia.” Pierre-Yves Jeholet, Deputy Prime Minister of the Walloon Government, Minister for the Economy and Industry.