Building A Belgian Earth Observation Cluster

1
Building A Belgian Earth Observation Cluster

• Presentation of Project results
• Vital Schreurs, MD - GIM nv/sa

2
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

3
Cluster Objectives
4
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

5
Further develop the (Belgian) market for EO
applications

• ensure sustainability of EO sector
• economic growth of members
• independence of government financing

6
Role Responsibilities
7
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
• ...

8
Skills development

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

9
Interfacing to governmental organizations

• financial support for joint initiatives
• defend common interests