Polishing Belgium's Innovation Jewel: Although Flanders is Already One of World's Most Prosperous and Productive Regions, The Government Sees Opportunities to Enhance Its Performance (Global Innovation‪)‬

Situated in the northern part of Belgium, the Flanders region is a natural meeting point for knowledge and talent, attracted by its highly skilled population, splendid cultural heritage, outstanding quality of life, excellent research, and easy accessibility. Its capital city Brussels doubles as the capital of Belgium and the headquarters of the European Union (EU). Additional assets include an open economy, excellent transportation and logistical infrastructure, and EU funding for science and technology development. Flanders has a strong educational infrastructure of six universities and 22 non-university higher-education institutions. These institutions have been grouped into five associations (Leuven, Ghent, Antwerp, Brussels, and Limburg) to facilitate and consolidate the implementation of the Bologna process, which aims to coordinate higher education across Europe. Over the past quarter of a century, Belgium was gradually transformed from a centralized state into a federal state. During this process, education and nearly all R & D-related responsibilities were devolved to the regional authorities at the level of governance best suited for implementing these policies.