TECHNOLOGYSCIENCEINNOVATIONand GuideInformation2002 Greta VERVLIET Ministry of Flanders Science and Innovation Administration TECHSCIENCENOLOGYINNOVATIONand
Insert: Bruges, 4 January 2002. Two months after the launch of the first mini-satellite built in Flanders, PROBA, the first photograph reached the earth station of the European Space Agency (ESA) in Redu. The photograph was taken by CHRIS, Compact High Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (Credits: Verhaert, SIRA and ESA).
Colophon – 2
COLOPHON The Science, Technology and Innovation Information Guide is an annual publication, compiled on the initiative of Mrs. Marleen Vanderpoorten, Minister of the Government of Flanders for Education and Training, and Mr. Dirk Van Mechelen, Minister of the Government of Flanders for Finance and the Budget, Innovation, Media and Town and Country Planning, by decree of the Government of Flanders, dated 26 November 1999. For information about the Guide, or to obtain a copy, you can apply to: Dr. Greta Vervliet Ministry of Flanders Science, Innovation and Media Department Science and Innovation Administration Boudewijnlaan 30 1000 Brussels Tel: (02) 553 57 95 - Fax: (02) 553 60 07 E-mail: D/2002/3241/166FlemishFlemishInteruniversityAntwerpInstitutePhotographsCompilation,website:greta.vervliet@wim.vlaanderen.bewww.innovatie.vlaanderen.be/speurgids/editing/finalediting:GretaVervlietPh.D.weremadeavailableby:forForestryandGameManagement(IBW)RoyalMuseumforFineArts(KMSKA)Micro-ElectronicCentre(IMEC)InstituteforTechnologicalResearch(Vito)InteruniversityInstituteforBiotechnology(VIB)
Cover photograph: Space as the ideal observation post for the earth itself and for the atmosphere and as a research environment for several different disciplines (aeronomics, meteorology, geology, hydrology, etc.). Space travel stimulates high-tech developments and economically and socially useful applications based on this. (Dirk Burggraaf Frimout, NASA photograph).
This guide describes the Horizontal Budget Programme for the Science Policy in 2002 and provides a complete survey of the budgets which the Government of Flanders is providing in 2002 for science, technology and innovation. This comprises both the science and technology innovation policy of both of us as ministers, as well as the sectoral science policy of the other ministers of the Government of Flanders. The complete Science budget for 2002 amounts to 1,214.279 million Euro, of which 655.794 million are research credits. The guide provides detailed information on the policy lines financed with these funds. As the subject for the thematic analysis of expenditure, it was decided to focus this year on the expenditure of the three Flemish research institutes, IMEC, Vito, and VIB, along with their performance in previous years. The guide was again broadly distributed to all interested parties this year.
The policy line and the aims formulated in the policy memorandum have become clearly visible after two years and have been translated into concrete measures. The new focus of the policy is primarily on a greater autonomy and the accountability of the parties involved in innovation themselves, both universities and industry. To achieve this, the existing small funding channels, characterised by the fragmentation of funds and multiple administrative procedures, were systematically reduced. They were replaced by a centralization of funds on the basis of a few main funding channels. This results in the simplification of the regulations and greater transparency. A transitional measurement was drawn up for basic research for the period 2001-2004, with its own specific focus: the funding is student-independent, existing anomalies in the funding system are removed, additional funds reinforce academic research and restruc-
The Government of Flanders assumes that a good science and technology innovation policy should reflect a balanced mix of the following ingredients: sufficient funds, a careful balance with regard to fundamental, basic and applied research, as well as the quality of the measures. For this, the budget for 2002 includes an increase in the funds of 52 million Euro, of which 38 million is allocated for research. In addition, it is very important to look at the budgets for university education and research together with the other research credits for science policy. After all, these funds allocated for different purposes reinforce each other. Research in industry which results in technological innovations cannot be carried out without the knowledge acquired from basic research. However, highly profitable basic research can only flourish in a favourable environment, and it is actually the universities which are responsible for this to a large extent. Therefore their operational subsidies increase in 2002 with an extra 18.7 million Euro.
Foreword – 3
FOREWORD
This is the seventh edition of the Science, Technology and Innovation Information Guide.
Foreword – 4
Finally, the Government of Flanders is completely aware of the importance of involving universities and industry in an international context, for example by participating in the Sixth Framework Programme for Research and Development and the “European Research Space”, proposed by Commissioner Busquin. The importance of ensuring that citizens should have every opportunity to participate in the information society cannot be overemphasized. These aspects are also incorporated and are supported by the Flemish science and technology innovation policy.
Meanwhile, the innovation decree has a concrete platform for industrial research with the subsidy decision, the SME programme, the Flemish Innovation Cooperative Ventures (VIS) decision, and the Interface decision (in 2002). The new regulations for a subsidy for projects of technological research and development in industry provide for important administrative simplifications and more extensive possibilities for subsidies. The subsidy percentages and the accepted project costs will follow the EU regulations from now on, so that our Flemish industries will receive the same subsidy as their foreign competitors –enabling them to reinforce their international position. In fact, simplified procedures and conditions of submission will be introduced as far as possible for SMEs.
turing funds replace reoriented operational funds. An additional 49.58 million Euro were provided for operational funds during this transitional period. In 2005, a new funding mechanism will be progressively introduced, that is based on objective parameters to a greater extent than it is now. Evolutions in the student population, quality criteria and the cost price of the different courses in every university will then be taken into account. Currently a detailed study is being carried out into these issues.
Marleen Vanderpoorten Minister of the Government of Flanders for Education and Training
Dirk Van Mechelen Minister of the Government of Flanders for Finance and Budget, Innovation, the Media and Town and Country Planning
17
Chapter I.3The Flemish science, technology and innovation policydivision of competences within the Government of Flanders21
33
Chapter III.5The Sectoral Science Policy87
Contents – 5
Chapter III.6The "actual science policy": new policy funds and new policy emphases. Evolution of the funds since 1995173
Chapter I.2Division of competences at the Flemish, federal and international level
Chapter I.4The administrative structures of the Flemish Science Policy25
Chapter III.2Basic research on the initiative of the researcher49
Chapter III.1General science policy41
Chapter II.1Definitions - aim31
Chapter II.2Drawing up the Horizontal Budget Programme for Science Policy
Part IIHorizontal Budget Programme for Science Policy
Chapter III.3Scientific research with an economic focus55
Chapter III.7Analysis of the Horizontal Budget Programmes for Science Policy 1993 - 2002177
ForewordCONTENTS
Chapter I.1Definitions13
Part IIIHorizontal Budget Programme for Science Policy 200235
Chapter III.4Strategic and policy-oriented research63
PartIntroduction73ITheFlemishScience,TechnologyandInnovationPolicy11
29
Part IVExpenditure of the funds for Science, Technology and Innovation 195 Chapter IV.1Expenditure of the funds for IMEC197 Chapter IV.2Expenditure of the funds for Vito211 Chapter IV.3Expenditure of the funds for VIB219 Appendices227 Appendix 1List of abbreviations229 Appendix 2Flemish Science Policy : addresses, e-mail addresses and websites 235 Appendix 3Index237 Contents – 6
Every year the Information Guide is built up on the same lines in order to ensure continuity and familiarity. Part I and Part II are introductory texts with a general explanation of the Flemish science and technology innovation policy and the Horizontal Budget Programme for Science policy. Subsequently, Part III deals with the Horizontal Budget Programme for Science Policy in 2002: how many funds are available that year for science, technology and innovation, and what are they specifically used for?
INTRODUCTION
Every year, there is also a detailed examination of particular sectors. This year it was decided to focus on the expenditure and achievements of the three Flemish research institutes, IMEC, Vito and VIB, as the subject for the analysis of expenditure. After all, they each receive more than 25 million Euros for their tasks every year. This considerable contribution (paid from community funds!) requires a regular analysis of the results, both as regards research and as regards its valorisation, as well as the positive effects in support of and promoting Flemish industry.
Thus on the one hand, the 2002 STI Guide describes the available funds and the science and technology innovation policy actually carried out with these – specifically focusing on the year 2002. However, the guide also provides a clear insight into the evolution of the policy credits and the emphases in policy over the years, on the basis of the time series built up of the HBPWBs and analyses over the period 1993-2002. This provides a sort of historical summary of all the science basic allocations, reveals the changes which have taken place, what has disappeared and what has been created over the years. In this way it is possible to clearly follow the whole dynamic process involved in the science budget and the related science policy.
Every year, this Science, Technology and Innovation Guide provides a summary of the available funds for this general field, clearly subdivided in the Horizontal Budget Programme for Science Policy (HBPWB). To draw up this guide, the customary international definitions and standards are used (FRASCATI manual and NABS codes), allowing for international comparisons. Obviously these data are also submitted to the federal and international level every year, so that Flanders meets its international obligations. In the tables, explanatory texts provide information about policy lines which are carried out with this broad range of science credits.
The Horizontal Budget Programme for Science Policy and the analysis of expenditure are both essential policy instruments for following up Flemish science policy.
Introduction – 7
Chapters III.1, III.2, III.3 and III.4 describe the funds and policy lines for the programmes of the organisation division 71 (Science and Innovation Administration). They
Chapter III.6 describes the new funds and policy emphases of the actual science policy this year – i.e., the credits of organisation divisions 71 and 33 together. This evolution is described for the period 1995-2002.
Chapter III.5 describes the sectoral science policy: in particular, the credits and policy lines of the other ministers of the Government of Flanders. After all, they also provide substantial funds for the scientific activities supporting their policy – always in relation to their own area of competence.
Greta
Finally, I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the STI 2002 Information Guide, in particular, the competent administrations, public VOIs, scientific institutes and research institutes – as well as the competent cabinets. This made it possible to once again describe the various aspects of Flemish science policy this year as fully as possible.
Introduction – 8
Every year the Information guide is broadly distributed to all the institutions and authorities concerned, such as the Parliament of Flanders, universities, industries, libraries and municipalities. However, the guide is also made available to any interested citizen on request. In this way, the Government of Flanders expresses its accountability to the population for the way in which community money is used for research and other scientific activities on behalf of the whole of Flemish society. An English-language version of the Guide is also published for the distribution and publication of the Flemish science policy at an international level. In fact, like this edition, both the Dutch-language and the English-language version of the previous Information guides for 2000 and 2001, are available on the website of the Ministry of Flanders: www.innovatie.vlaanderen.be/speurgids/.
focus on the actual science policy, together with chapter III.5, the Education Department, organisation division 33 (Higher Education and Scientific Research Administration), which include the credits for universities, and from 2002, also the Special Research Fund.
ScienceDeputyVervlietFirstMandatoryandInnovationAdministration
Chapter III.7 provides a clear summary of the distribution of the funds across the different sectors and parties involved in the Flemish science policy – together with their evolution, on the basis of analyses. As usual, Part IV contains the analysis of expenditure on science policy, divided into particular subjects.
• Vito: Dirk Fransaer
• AZF: Josée Lemaître (Planning and Statistics), Hubert Pierreux, Marc de Kort (ABAFIM);
final responsibility: Greta Vervliet
• State reform: Roger Decourt
• IMEC: Gilbert Declerck
• Environment and Agriculture: Chris Steenwegen
: Contributions were provided by:
• VIB: Jo Bury
• CBGS: Thérèse Jacobs
• Mobility, Public Works and Energy: Claire Van De Velde
• Welfare, Health and Equal Opportunities: Veerle Conings
• IAP: Guy De Boe
• WVC: Jan Casaert (Family and Social Welfare), Patrick Ghelen (Preventive and Social Health Care), Ria Vandenreyt, Dr. Dirk Wildemeersch and Herwin De Kind (Health Care - policy support team), Jos Van Rillaer, Ann Hottat, Bart Van der Herten, Debbie Esmans, Sofie Taghon (Culture);
Administrative collaborator: Hilde Roden
• Education and Training: Luc Jansegers
• COO: Tine Mortelmans and Frank Steenput (Chancellery), Martha Franken and Mariska Huygh (Equal Opportunities), Brigitte Mouligneau and Jos Van Cleynenbreugel (Foreign Policy);
• IN: Eckhart Kuijken
Collaborators from the Ministry of Flanders and Flemish Public Institutions
• Culture, Youth, Brussels Affairs and Development Cooperation: Antoon Boon
• Home Affairs, Civil Service, Foreign Policy: Johan De Graeve
• Finance and Budget, Innovation, the Media and Town and Country Planning: Michele Oleo
• Emancipation officer: San Eyckmans, Fatima Tigra.
Leadership,COLLABORATORScoordinationand
Introduction – 9
• WIM, Media and VRT: Caroline De Pauw;
• EWBL: Johan Troch (Employment), Jan Vereecke (Natural resources and Energy), Gilbert Hulpiau (Local and regional authorities), Linda Boudry (Social Impulse Fund), Jeroen Dejonckheere (Home Affairs), Koen Wellemans (Agriculture and Horticulture), Luc Van Bellegem and Jean De Lescluze (VLAM);
Contact persons in the cabinets of the Minister of Flanders for:
• LIN: Philippe Van Haver and Jeroen Cockx (AMINAL), Marnix de Vrieze (Land management), Sofie Houvenaghel (AROHM-Town and Country Planning), Ronald Van Paassen (AROHM-Housing), Karine Peelman and Louis De Bisschop (Waterways and Marine Affairs), Frank Mostaert (Hydraulic Laboratory and Hydrological Research), Paul Cattrysse (Roads and Traffic), Wilfried Goossens (Mobility Cell, Services of the Secretary-General), Bert De Bondt (Policy, Services of the Secretary-General);
• FWO-Flanders: Benno Hinnekint
• OND: Noël Vercruysse (Higher Education and Scientific Research), Micheline Scheys (Coordination of Higher Education Policy), Isabelle Erauw (Budget and Data Management);
• Economy, Foreign Trade and Housing: Philip Mathuis (Economy), Dirk Lammens (Foreign Trade), Marc Mahieu (Housing)
• WIM, AWI: Rudy Herman (VLIZ and Maritime Research), Sabine Borrey (science policy communication), Geert Van Grootel (IWETO);
• IWT-Flanders: Paul Zeeuwts
• Employment and Tourism: Mieke Van Gramberen
Introduction – 10 • IBW: Jos Van Slycken • KMSKA: Paul Huvenne • AQUAFIN: Chris Thoeye • OVAM: Luc Vanacker • VLM: Dirk Van Gijseghem • VMM: Eddy Muylle, Krista Van Malder
An old coppice of durmast on the Klaverberg in As. The various trunks in the photograph all belong to the same tree. It is probably 1,000 years old or older. (IBW photograph) Road-kill victims belonging to the pine marten family are collected by the Pine Marten network for ecological research: what they eat, how old they grow, etc. (IBW photograph)
PART I THE FLEMISH SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION POLICY POLICYINNOVATIONANDTECHNOLOGYSCIENCE,FLEMISHTHE 11
Intensive monitoring of the effects of atmospheric pollution on the forest ecosystem. (IBW photograph)
Meanwhile, the Flemish Community has defined its mission statement and permanent tasks for the science and technology policy in the context of the strategic planning in the period 1996-1999. The priority in this mission is: “The science and technology policy must create the conditions to make it possible to carry out high quality scientific research, and use the results for technological, social and cultural purposes, to maintain, broaden and expand these as a necessary condition for maintaining and developing the welfare and well-being of the whole community.”
Cooperation agreements between the federal government, the Communities and the Regions contain the following definition: “The policy related to research/development, science and technology, technological innovation, public scientific services, the organisation and stimulation of the use of scientific and technological knowledge, the researchers and other persons involved in research activities.” This definition certainly emphasises the complex and multidimensional aspect.
This chapter is aimed at providing an insight into the content of the science, technology and innovation policy. This is done on the basis of internationally adopted definitions, but also using the definitions and terms as drawn up and used today at the Flemish and federal level. First of all, there has been a striking development of the original term, “science policy”. As the social importance and complexity of knowledge and technological developments have increased, as well as the interest and participation of governments in an international context, the arsenal of terms has also evolved to keep up with the changing cirOriginally,cumstances.the technology policy was conceived as a specific sector that was covered by the term: science policy. Subsequently, there was found to be a need for a separate description of this sort of policy, which was directly related to technological development. However, the emphasis now is also on innovation, which refers to all the activities that promote innovation in industry and society.
Chapter I.1 – 13 Definitions
Chapter – 1.1
SCIENCE POLICY - TECHNOLOGY POLICY - INNOVATION POLICY
The permanent tasks which are indicated are: • to create the conditions to maintain, broaden and extend the basis of scientific knowledge and technological expertise in order to meet the challenges related to the transition to a knowledge-based society in a targeted and effective way;
Chapter I.1 – 14
• to ensure that the results of the research are properly used so that they provide a concrete contribution to the economic, cultural, social and intellectual development of Meanwhile,Flanders. these definitions have been further supplemented with the term ”innovation”. The “Green Paper on Innovation” (1996) describes this term as a synonym for the production of “(strategic) renewal”, and the successful exploitation of these new findings at the economic and social level. But low level technological innovation, the more gradual innovations in product development, production processes and marketing strategies, are also considered to be at least as relevant to the creation of welfare. Innovation means working out new solutions to meet the needs of people and society as a whole.
The term is conceived in a broad sense: not only scientific research is important (and an absolute prerequisite), but also the entire innovation system - including the social, economic and legal aspects related to it. In this respect, education and training also play an essential role, as well as the financial context (the availability of risk-bearing capital is essential), the efficient regulation of intellectual property rights, etc. The innovation of commercial and management capacities, as well as social innovation, are also considered to be important factors in the creation of employment and to meet the obvious social Thereneeds.
The Government of Flanders supports this point of view, and has therefore taken the necessary measures to implement these steps in complete ways, as described in Chapter I.3 and explained in detail in Part III of this Information Guide.
In the “Decree relating to implementing a policy to stimulate technological innovation” (Innovation Decree, Belgian Off. Gaz., dated 16.07.1999), the following definitions are adopted for the application of the decree:
3°the application of scientific-technological knowledge: to use scientific-technological knowledge to improve existing products and services or develop new products and services, or to renew the production process, organisational methods and commercialisation;
is an important role for the government – inter alia, with regard to promoting the maximum valorization of research results. For example, this is done by supporting the transfer of technology from universities and research institutes to industry. The government must also make sure that there is a good infrastructure, both with regard to transport and navigation systems, and with regard to the “information highways”. Furthermore, the exceptional importance of good, clear legislation and the creation of an official climate for innovation in general, should also be emphasised.
4°the support of scientific-technological knowledge: to support any activities which mean that scientific-technological knowledge can be developed, disseminated and used more widely and more effectively and which do not fall under 1°, 2°and 3°.
1°the development of scientific-technological knowledge: to carry out research and feasibility studies to acquire new scientific-technological knowledge;
• to be responsible for the development and utilisation of a sufficiently scientific support of the policy, to create and execute policy decisions and evaluate their effects;
• to encourage other policy levels and bodies in society to define their own scientific and technological policies, and adopt a position vis-à-vis government policy and each other’s policy, in order to achieve the best possible effects;
2°the dissemination of scientific-technological knowledge: to make scientific-technological knowledge available for potential or actual users;
• Scientific and Technological Services (STS): “...activities concerned with research and experimental development and contributing to the generation, dissemination and application of scientific and technical knowledge”. This concerns any form of services, such as performing routine measurements (e.g., routine medical analyses), the provision of scientific-technological information (e.g., by libraries or information centres), and the collection of data of general interest (including the collection of data on social-economic phenomena). Studies related to policy and the activities of administrative units with regard to the analysis, evaluation and monitoring of external phenomena are included in this.
• basic research is “experimental or theoretical work undertaken primarily to acquire new knowledge of the underlying foundation of phenomena and observable facts, without any particular application or use in view”;
• applied research is “also original investigation undertaken in order to acquire new knowledge. It is, however, directed primarily towards a specific practical aim or objecexperimentaltive”; development is “systematic work, drawing on existing knowledge gained from research and/or practical experience, that is directed to producing new materials, products or devices, to installing new processes, systems and services, or to improving substantially those already produced or installed.”
Chapter I.1 – 15
INTERNATIONAL DEFINITIONS: SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES - R&D - STET - STS
The term “scientific activities”, as defined in the FRASCATI Manual, comprises:
• Research and Development (R&D): “... creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase the knowledge base, including knowledge of man, culture and society, and the use of this stock of knowledge to devise new applications.” In other words, it includes any scientific activity which is aimed at developing scientific knowledge (basic research), making it applicable (applied research) and applying it (development).
Within R&D there is a further classification according to the type of research:
NABS CODES
• Education and Training (STET) “...all activities comprising specialised non-university higher education and training, higher education and training leading to a university degree, postgraduate and further training, and organised lifelong training for scientists and engineers.” Therefore it concerns the funding of scientific education, for example, the proportion of the operational subsidies to universities that are used for university education.
The NABS codes indicate the area of application of the research that is carried out, and are therefore only applied to the R&D credits. NABS stands for “Nomenclature for the analysis and comparison of scientific programmes and budgets”. This nomenclature was first drawn up in 1969 and was revised in 1975 and 1992. Because of the rapid evolution of some research areas, the NABS codes are actually already due for another revision. A summary of the codes used can be found below in this Information Guide, in Part III.
GOVERNMENTI.2OF
– 17
The overall policy credits from the Flemish Community, as identified in the Horizontal Budget Programme for Science Policy 2002, and described in detail in the following chapters, amount to 1,214.279 million euro.
Chapter –
In the first place, the major areas of competence concern education and research in universities, where the most important funding mechanisms are the operational subsidies for the universities, the Special Research Fund (BOF) and the FWO Flanders. In addition, the second major aspect is the promotion of industrial and social research, funded, inter alia, by the IWT Flanders, but also supported through a transfer of technology and measures related to this. The research in the Flemish research institutes IMEC, VITO and VIB is also carried out in this context, as well as that in the Flemish scientific institutes, CBGS, IAP, IBW, IN, and KMSKA. In addition, there are subsidies for a whole series of research institutes by the Government of Flanders. In addition, an important aspect is the education and training supported, amongst other things, by the specialisation grants of IWT Flanders and the FWO Flanders mandates.
Division of competences at the Flemish, federal and international level
The first policy level is that of Flanders. Since the Sint- Michiels Agreement of 1993, the primary competence with regard to science policy has been transferred to the Communities and Regions. This means that the Flemish Community is fully competent for the whole range of scientific, technological and innovation policy. This policy is based on the training of researchers and the promotion of basic research to increase our knowledge base, the development of industrial and social applied research. Finally, the policy endeavours to valorize the findings of the scientific research as far as possible. A high quality provision of scientific information and communication also forms part of the science and innovation policy. The international dimension of science and industry is another important aspect. All these aspects cover the whole range of different types of scientific research, in particular, fundamental (basic), non-oriented research, research in the pre-valorization stage, industrial and socially-oriented research, and finally also the industrial and social valorization of the research results.
In execution of the “Lambermont Acts” of 2001 (Off. Gaz., 03.08.2001), the following areas of competence were transferred to the Flemish Region:
• the competence for the agricultural policy and for agricultural production management; • the competence with regard to research and development in agriculture; Chapter I.2
FLANDERS
Chapter I.2 – 18 • the competence with regard to the standardisation of the control of the economic quality of raw materials, plants and vegetable products, animals and animal products, in so far as these do not relate to public health. Therefore the transfer of these areas of competence covers the subsidised scientific agricultural research and a number of scientific institutes.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
2°The Centre for Agricultural Research (CRA) of Gembloux and the legal personality attributed to it, as well as the Centre for Agricultural Research of Ghent (CLO), and the legal personality attributed to this, were completely regionalised and transferred respectively to the Walloon Region and the Flemish Community.
The funding contains a transfer of 75,639,563 EUR to the Regions. These funds are divided as follows (amounts in 1,000 EUR): Total Key Flemish Walloon Region (VL) Region (WL) Scientific institutes 26,507 CLO at cost13,480 13,027 CLE: 56 VL/44 WL Scientific research 14,187 56 VL/44 WL 7,944 6,242 Funds and 34,945 61.96 VL/38.04 WL 21,651 13,392
TOTALprogrammes 75,639 43,075 32,561 Therefore the funds transferred for funding the transfer of agricultural competences to the Flemish Region amount to 43,075,000 EUR. On the basis of a thorough evaluation, the budget control for 2002 will reveal more about the impact of the transfer of the competences on the Flemish budget. In any event, the budgets for agriculture in 2002 will be transitional budgets.
The second policy level concerns the federal government. This still controls scientific research in particular areas which fall under its competence, as well as explicitly formulated competences and the related budgets. The initial policy credits for the total federal interdepartmental budget programme for science policy 2002 amount to 724.742 million
The “Protocol relating to the transitional period from 1 January 2002 to 15 October 2002” between the Federal State and the Regions contains the following provisions with regard to research and development:
1°Subsidised research: the projects which are underway are taken over by the Regions and the federal State in accordance with a division to be agreed upon. During the transitional stage, the projects on subsidised research will be evaluated and managed by the team of the federal Directorate General 6 (DG6) which existed on 31 December 2001. A proposal will be made for the distribution of the projects in accordance with respective competences on the basis of the complete list of research projects sent by DG6 to the Regions, and projects submitted as a result of the 2002 survey which was launched at the beginning of July 2001.
Chapter I.2 – 19 euro. The share of the federal Departments for Scientific, Technical and Cultural Matters (DWTC) amounts to 387.816 million euro.
The CFS comprises specialist organs, including the CFS/STAT for consultation on inventory and Cooperationstatistics.agreement (Belgian Off. Gaz., 17 June 1995) regarding the execution of Art 6 bis § 2, sub 6 of the Special Act for the Reform of Institutions, inserted by the Act of 8 August 1988, and amended by the act of 16 July 1993.
EUROPEAN UNION
other things, this agreement regulates the dialogue on international issues which are of interest to the State, the Communities and the Regions; the preparation of joint positions on issues which are wholly or partly related to matters which fall under the competence of one or more Communities or Regions - with a right of veto for Foreign Affairs.
The cooperation between the Communities and Regions and the federal level with regard to science policy is arranged in a number of cooperation agreements. The most important of these Cooperationare: agreement (Belgian Off. Gaz., 1 February 1991) with regard to the establishment of the “International Cooperation” commissions (CIS), and “Federal Cooperation” (CFS) of the Interministerial Conference for Science Policy”, dated 1 February Amongst1991.
Therefore, this cooperation agreement regulates the collection, publication and transmission of statistics and science and technology, focusing on the international level. The collection and processing of data takes place at the appropriate level. At the Flemish level, this concerns information on Flemish government credits for science policy, including credits for R&D as part of this. The processed information is passed on to the federal level, where all the government credits for the whole of Belgium are integrated, and then the data are passed on to the international level (EU and OECD).
This specifically regulates the cooperation on databanks and statistics, in particular “drawing up a permanent inventory of the scientific potential of the country in accordance with r ules drawn up in a cooperation agreement”, and the collection and processing of statistics which Belgium must submit to the EU and the OECD.
The third level at which the science policy is developed is in the European Union. Article 163 (ex Article 130 F) of the Treaty establishing the European Community states: “The Community shall have the objective of strengthening the scientific and technological bases of Community industry and encouraging it to become more competitive at international level, while promoting all the research activities deemed necessary by virtue of other Chapters of this Treaty.” To this end, there are initiatives to stimulate research programmes, the distribution and exploitation of the research results, and the improvement
For example, the federal government is responsible for the policy on space, as well as having responsibility for the federal scientific and cultural institutes, including their research activities and their public services. The federal government can also start new initiatives and research programmes subject to the agreement of the Communities and Regions, or on the recommendation of the Federal Council for Science Policy. In addition, the federal government acts together with the Communities and Regions with regard to the Belgian cooperation with activities of international research agencies.
Chapter I.1 – 20 of training and mobility in Europe. Furthermore, the aim is to develop a better coordination of research and development in the Community and Member States. The research programmes organised in the “Framework Programme” involve significant additional possibilities for funding research for universities, research institutes and firms.. For Flanders, the return for the Fourth Framework Programme amounted to 273.4 million euro. The Flemish Community is represented in the EU programme committees, which work out the priority lines of the research programmes and are responsible for their management. It is also represented in the CREST (Scientific and Technical Research Committee).
This is the highest European advisory body for science and technology, composed of scientific representatives of the Member States. It is CREST which advises the European Commission and the Council of Ministers. Through these channels, Flanders is also able to contribute to the decision-making and management processes involved in research and development at the level of the EU.
The Organisation Division 33 (Higher Education and Scientific Research Administration) is divided into the budget programmes 33.2 (University education) and 33.3 (Coordination of Higher Education Policy).
The Flemish science, technology and innovation policy - division of competences within the Government of Flanders
In the present Government of Flanders, the competence with regard to the actual science policy is divided between two ministers, viz., the Minister of the Government of Flanders for Education and Training, and the Minister of the Government of Flanders for Finance and Budget, Innovation, the Media and Town and Country Planning. However, they act in close consultation on the basis of mutual discussions, with a view to achieving efficient decision making and a coherent and effective policy.
The objectives of the Flemish science and technology policy are characterised by a fairly high degree of continuity. The most important axiom in this respect is that increasing the capacity for innovation in Flanders should contribute to long-term welfare and prosperiNevertheless,ty. there are a number of new emphases in the policy. Some of these are the result of new challenges, which require an answer now, such as the serious lack of qualified researchers, as well as a need for a sound basic infrastructure and research possibilities at universities and institutes of higher education. Others are related to the policy options of the two competent ministers.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION POLICY
In the first place, there is the “actual science policy”. This concerns the budget programmes of the Organisation Divisions 71 and 33 together. The Organisation Division 71 (Science and Innovation Administration) is divided into four budget programmes: 71.1 – general science policy 71.2 – scientific research on the initiative of the researchers 71.3 – scientific research with an economic focus 71.4 – strategic research and policy-oriented research
– 21
In their joint policy memorandum, “Science and Technology Policy – 2000-2004”, the two ministers set out a number of policy lines and policy priorities, which are briefly described below. A more detailed and concrete summary of the policy initiatives is given in Part III of this Information Guide: Chapter I.3
Chapter – I.3
The necessary measures have been taken for the realisation of these three policy lines, such as increasing the operational subsidies and other subsidies for the universities, as well as a drastic increase in the funds of the Special Research Fund (BOF). This will stimulate basic research at the universities, but also provides a solution for tackling the drastic shortage of qualified researchers (both in industry and in the research world). In addition, investments must be made in the development of a high quality Flemish computer network, with international links and access to electronic documentation centres.
5. Technological basic research: knowledge for industry, the non-profit sector and the government In a policy focusing on sustainable development, it is essential to invest in knowledge and technologies which provide solutions for economic or social problems in the medium term (four or five years), or which provide sustainable alternatives to the current approach. Therefore it is necessary to strengthen the basic research. After all, this produces results of a generic nature: they can be used for more than one application/sector. In addition to the existing research institutes, new Flemish centres of excellence will be supported with a view to establishing Flanders as a leader in the field.
In order to develop and maintain an adequate social foundation, every level of society should be informed about the latest technological developments. The interest of young people in science and technology should also be increased, particularly in the light of the drastic shortage of manpower in highly technological sectors. The three important target groups are the youth, the general public and the business world.
A central aspect concerns government subsidies for technological innovation in industry.
3. strengthening the collective infrastructure of the universities, institutes of higher education and research institutes.
Projects proposed by businesses themselves are evaluated against quality criteria, and are subsidised if they comply with these criteria. Intervening in other innovative areas (such as new management techniques, etc.) is much more difficult. The Government of Flanders is certainly interested in aspects such as promoting risk capital, simplifying the rules and determining the norms for products … But these aspects particularly form part of the general Flemish economic policy. Thus in the policy on technology, the emphasis will mainly be on supporting technological projects proposed by businesses themselves. Grouping businesses on a particular technological basis is another important focus of attention.
4. Research in preparation of policy: a response to the new social challenges As the problems become more complex, the Government of Flanders recognises the greater need for its decisions to be soundly supported. Therefore research that is relevant to policy is of central importance in policy focusing on sustainable development. Research that is relevant to policy identifies and studies problems, and then places them in a time perspective of three to five years - or even longer. This type of research is aimed at generating information which allows the government to act in a proactive way. In addition, there is research in support of policy, aimed at responding to short-term questions regarding policy.
7. Supporting science information
2. strengthening basic groundbreaking scientific research
A thorough examination will be carried out in order to simplify the administrative structures. In this context, a complete range of instruments will be developed for policy indicators.
6. Supporting technological innovation in Flemish industry
Chapter I.3 – 22
1. reorganising and strengthening higher education
8. Rationalisation based on a reorganisation of the administrative structures
The sectoral science policy is described in detail in Chapter III.5 of this Information Guide.
SCIENCE POLICY
It is clear that the policy concerned affects every aspect of our environment and activities. Therefore the policy on the environment, economy, public health etc., is wholly interrelated with the actual science policy, and is supported by a sectoral science policy. This is responsible for the initiatives with regard to scientific research, which lead to knowledge in specific policy fields (including research in support of policy), as well as the other scientific activities closely related to them. Therefore all the ministers of the Government of Flanders are competent with regard to particular basic allocations for which there are credits for science policy for their specific field of competence.
Chapter I.3 – 23
In all this, one important and fundamental policy line is that the initiative of the parties involved has priority – both in universities and research institutes, and in industry. Obviously the importance of the internationalisation of science and technology is not forgotten in all this.
The science, technology and innovation policy is described in detail in Chapters III.1 (general science policy), Chapter III.2 (research on the initiative of the researchers), III.3 (research with an economic focus) and III.4 (strategic research and research in support of policy), as well as in Chapter III.5, Education Department (Organisation Division 33 (Higher Education and Scientific Research Administration), of this Information Guide.
SECTORAL.
The administrative structures of the Flemish science policy
• the preparation, implementation and support of the policy, policy evaluation;
Chapter – I.4
The most important key tasks of the Administration are:
• the coordination and execution of activities related to scientific information;
The FWO Flanders and IWT Flanders Institutes: IWT-Flanders: implements policy related to industry and operates within the guidelines of the competent minister, the Minister of the Government of Flanders for Finance and Budget, Innovation, the Media and Town and Country Planning. It is an intermediary organ which distributes the funds amongst businesses and research institutes, in accordance with set selection criteria and evaluation and decision-making procedures.
This chapter gives a brief outline of the composition of the administrative structure for the management of science policy. It consists of: A central administration: The Science and Innovation Administration. This supports the Minister of the Government of Flanders for Education and Training, and the Minister of the Government of Flanders for Finance and Budget, Innovation, the Media and Town and Country Planning, with the preparation and implementation of policy. The administration is part of the Science, Innovation and Media Department of the Ministry of Flanders. The administration was established when the Decree on Administrative Policy entered into effect on 12 December 1990.
• the defence of the positions of the Government of Flanders and the Flemish Community in federal and international consultation organs, the publication of research activities at these levels and the stimulation and support of Flemish scientists in their participation;
• the horizontal coordination of the science and technology policy, internally in the Ministry of Flanders, and with the relevant Public Institutions and the Flemish Institutions for Public Welfare;
• monitoring the science and technology policy and its effects – as well as developing instruments for the measurement and assessment of quality;
The administrations responsible for the sectoral science policy: Within the AZF, COO, OND, WVC, EWBL, LIN and WIM departments (as regards the media policy), the various administrations are competent for those science policy initiatives which support their own policy and give them form.
Chapter I.4 – 25
• the follow-up of scientific and technological developments at the Flemish, federal and international levels.
FWO Flanders: implements policy with regard to basic research at the universities – and operates within the guidelines provided by the Minister of the Government of Flanders for Education and Training. It is an intermediary organ which distributes the funds amongst universities and research institutes. Again this is in accordance with set selection criteria and evaluation and decision-making procedures.
The Interuniversity Micro-Electronics Centre (IMEC): research activities and services in the field of micro-electronics in general, and the technology of integrated systems in parTheticular.Flemish Institute for Technological Research (Vito): Research and Development, and services in three research fields: non-nuclear energy, the environment, raw materials and new materials; The Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology (VIB): to stimulate research and valorize the results of this research in the field of biotechnology.
The Institute of Nature Conservation (IN):
• gives advice on population and family policy;
The three research institutes:
• carries out applied ecological and eco-hydrological research;
• collects documentation, passes on knowledge and insights on the conservation of nature to the competent authorities;
The Institute for the Archaeological Heritage (IAP):
The Royal Museum of Fine Arts – Antwerp (KMSKA):
• acquires, conserves, restores and exhibits its own art collection;
• provides scientific information and gives advice, on the instructions of the competent minister, to public departments and legal persons.
The five scientific institutes: The Centre for Population and Family Studies (CBGS):
The Institute for Forestry and Game Management (IBW):
• carries out scientific research;
• carries out scientific studies and research related to the conservation of nature;
• publishes catalogues of funds and annual accounts;
• organises exhibitions in the KMSKA and abroad;
• organises educational activities: the training of educational assistants, courses for adults, lessons for teachers and schools, guided tours, lectures and workshops for young people, publications;
• organises documentary activities: specialist library, archives and records of the collection.
• publishes the results of its research.
• studies and researches population and family issues to develop activities for a demographic and family policy;
• passes on the knowledge and experience that is gained to the competent authorities.
Chapter I.4 – 26
• carries out scientific studies and research on forests, the management of game and freshwater fisheries;
• manages and protects the archaeological heritage in Flanders;
• carries out scientific research in this field.
The Royal Academy of Medicine formulates recommendations to the Government of Flanders on medical sciences, medical training and medical practice.
The enclosed table provides a survey of the division of the tasks of the members of the Government of Flanders for science policy, and the parties involved, the different departments and administrations, Flemish Public Institutions, research and scientific institutes.
The Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium for Sciences and Arts formulates recommendations and proposals to the Government of Flanders in the field of sciences, literature and fine arts.
Chapter I.4 – 27
The advisory organs: The Flemish Council for Science Policy formulates recommendations on the science and technology policy to the Government of Flanders and the Parliament of Flanders. The Council does so when it is requested to do so, and also on its own initiative.
A more detailed description of the institutions and advisory organs can be found in the “1996 Science, Technology and Innovation Information Guide”. In addition, the successive Information Guides included analyses of expenditure, with detailed descriptions of the activities of the IWT and FWO (1996, 1999 and 2001), the IMEC and Vito research institutes (1997), the five scientific institutes (1998).
Chapter I.1 – 28 policyscienceforFlandersofGovernmenttheofmemberstheoftasksThe
PART II BUDGETHORIZONTALPROGRAMME FOR SCIENCE POLICY POLICYSCIENCEFORPROGRAMMEBUDGETHORIZONTAL 29 Analyses of heavy metals in environmental samples with ICP-AES. Vito detects heavy metals and other pollutants in environmental samples using specific methods for detection. (Vito photograph)
Chapter – II.1
HORIZONTAL BUDGET PROGRAMME FOR SCIENCE POLICY
The HBPWB gives an insight into the credits which are made available in the various departments and Flemish Public Institutions (VOIs) for activities related to science policy. It indicates where these funds go, and who is involved in their allocation.
The Horizontal Budget Programme For Science Policy (HBPWB) provides an overall budget summary of the competences, activities and programmes related to science, technology and innovation in the budget of a particular year. The administrative budget of expenditure indicates the basic allocations which are wholly or partly allocated to the science policy with the letter “W”.
The summary of the credits for each year reveals the efforts of the Government of Flanders to fund scientific activities in Flanders. For each basic allocation, explanations can be given with the figures, together with the content of the policy for the credits. Therefore the annual HBPWB immediately reveals where the emphasis lies in the overall science policy and the various policy areas. t is possible to explore the evolution in Flemish science policy by means of time series. For the further analysis of these credits, the proportion of different scientific activities which can be distinguished in these sorts of credits can be indicated for every basic allocation: research and development (R&D), education and training (STET), and scientific and technological services (STS). The classification into R&D, STET and STS follows the international definition of the FRASCATI Manual (for these definitions, see Chapter I.1). The resources for R&D are included by the OECD in statistics which are used to compare the efforts of the government and industry in the various countries. For Belgium, there is a federal summary of the credits for science policy, which comprises R&D, STET and STS. The figures for R&D which are made available to the OECD are separate from the two other activities. For the R&D credits, there is also an indication of the classification which is used for the research areas, as classified according to the NABS code (Nomenclature for the analysis and comparison of sciencific programmes and budgets –also see Chapter I.1). A well-structured and correctly composed HBPWB is therefore of crucial importance for passing on the correct figures to the international forum. However, it is also important to draw up a transparent and coherent budget programme for the people responsible for policy and all those involved in Flemish science policy.
Chapter II.1 – 31 Definitions - aim
Chapter – II.2
2°The HBPWB contains only the recorded credits and the authorisations for recording credits. These indicate the policy scope for a particular policy area. Therefore they do not include the ordinance credits.
• In addition, they must always retain their character of a “scientific” basic allocation for several years. This allows for an analysis over a longer period.
• An “explanatory memorandum” must be drawn up on the content of the projects and initiatives for which the credits are used for each basic allocation, to accompany the summaries of the credits for science policy.
• The HBPWB must also provide a summary and explanation of the most important policy lines for important foundations, scientific institutes and research institutes.
• The HBPWB must provide a summary of the various types of funding, activities and programmes, which together constitute the Flemish Science Policy.
The funds for Research and Development are included by the OECD in the statistics to compare the efforts of governments and industry at an international level. That is why current international definitions are used when drawing up the Horizontal Budget Programme for Science Policy (as described in the FRASCATI Manual), as well as the international NABS terminology (definitions, see Chapter I.1).
To draw up the Horizontal Budget Programme for Science Policy (HBPWB), the data of the basic “science” allocations are systematically collected, and there is also an analysis in terms of the content. A large proportion of the data come from the competent administrations and the Flemish Public Institutions.
Drawing up the Horizontal Budget Programme for Science Policy
In drawing up the HBPWB the following principles apply:
Chapter II.2 – 33
3°The HBPWB must be coherent and transparent on the basis of the following princi•ples:All the basic allocations must clearly refer to those scientific activities that are funded by them.
1°The figures must be comparable at the federal level and at the international level, where all the data are collected and published (European Union and OECD).
Therefore the “Horizontal Budget Programme for Science Policy” reflects the policy which the government wishes to implement in terms of science, technology and innovation. This is done by providing a summary of the available credits and the related content.
PART III BUDGETHORIZONTALPROGRAMME FOR SCIENCE POLICY 2002 2002POLICYSCIENCEFORPROGRAMMEBUDGETHORIZONTAL 35 Thin film technology on laminate. (Copyright IMEC)
• R&D: the amount of the BA that is intended for R&D (research and development) in 2002;
• STS: the amount of the BA that is intended for STS (scientific and technological services) in 2002;
• basic allocation (BA)
•comprises:thecredits for the basic allocations (BAs) of the actual budget for the science policy, grouped in the budget programmes of: - organisation division 71 (Science and Innovation Administration, WIM department): 71.1 General science policy; 71.2 Scientific research on the initiative of the researcher; 71.3 Scientific research with an economic focus; 71.4 Strategic research and policy-oriented research; - organisation division 33 (Higher Education and Scientific Research, Education Department); 33.2 (University education); 33.3 (Coordination of Higher Education whichPolicy);fall directly under the competence of the Minister of Education and Training or the Minister of Finance and Budget, Innovation, the Media and Town and Country Planning, or under the shared competence of both ministers.
• MSTS: the multiplier for STS.
The HBPWB groups together form all the basic allocations for the science and technology innovation policy, with an outline of all the policy funds for the various budget programmes within the large organisation divisions. These correspond to the administrations within a department. In fact, the (budget) programmes are the various policy domains which fall under the competence of these administrations. For example, organisation division 42 comes under the Health Care Administration, including programmes 42.1 (Public Health), 42.2 (Medical-social Policy), etc. The budget programmes always summarise the basic allocations as a numbered component of the administrative budget, with the credits allocated to the latter – together with their destination.
• STET: the amount of the BA that is intended for STET (education and training) in 2002;
This outline of the Horizontal Budget Programme for Science Policy (HBPWB) for 2002
• MSTET: the multiplier for STET;
Chapter III.1 – 37
• MR&D: the multiplier for R&D;
• the credits for the sectoral science policy allocated to the BAs, which fall under the competences of the other ministers of the Government of Flanders in the budget.
The first five chapters of Part III provide an outline of the budgets for science and technology for 2002, on the basis of the programmes. Only the policy credits (allocations) are indicated: undivided and divided credits, variable credits and allocation authorisations. After all, it is the credits which indicate the policy area.
• KR2002: the entire credits allocated to a particular BA;
•WB2002: the sum actually allocated for science policy. The remainder is allocated to other non-scientific activities;
• budget programme (prog.)
Each chapter starts with an explanatory text, followed by the table with basic allocations (credits in millions of euro – millions of EUR). The following information is given for each budget programme, for each basic allocation.
The summary of the credits for science and technology follows the usual hierarchical classification of the administrative budget: • department • organisation division (OA)
The reason for stating the initial credits here is obvious: as the Information Guide should provide information for all those involved in Flemish science policy, it should be published as soon as possible. Therefore it is not possible to wait for the adapted budget which has been approved by the Parliament of Flanders. However, the intention is also to ensure a certain degree of consistency with regard to the data and schedules. The tables of analyses in Chapter III.7 are also based on the initial credits, as coherence is also important in this respect.
Chapter III.6 provides a concise survey of the new policy funds and policy emphases for the “actual science policy”. This includes the programmes of organisation division 71 (Science and Innovation Administration) and of organisation division 33 of the Education Department. This combination of the two OAs was introduced because of the transfer of certain basic allocations from OA 71 to OA 33, so that the policy credits for the universities were grouped together more, accompanied by the increasing importance of the operational payments of the universities for the policy on this. The evolution of these funds is outlined for the period 1993-2002.
The multipliers indicate what proportion of the credit is respectively allocated to R&D, STET or STS. The sum of these is obviously equal to the share of the BA which is for science policy.
In addition, the NABS code is indicated for the R&D credits for the BAs. The list of these follows at the end of this introduction, accompanied by the overall sums for the BPs 71.1, 71.2, 71.3 and 71.4. The sectoral science policy indicates totals for every department.
Chapter III.7 regroups the funds for science and technology in accordance with the main categories also used in previous years, which are based on the destination of the funds: free funds for non-focused groundbreaking research, global funds for industrial research, etc. This chapter therefore gives a clear picture of the allocation of the way in which the budget is distributed over the main fields of action, as well as the evolution during the period The1993-2002.figuresin the HBPWB 2002 concern the initial credits for the 2002 budget contained in the “Decree relating to the General Expenditure Budget of the Flemish Community for the budget year 2002, adopted by the Parliament of Flanders on 20 December 2001”. In the course of the year there may be further changes in the credits, depending on the policy initiatives. There could be adaptations in the budget for the existing Science BAs, or new BAs may be created. All these changes are included in the “definitive” adapted science budget. These are the figures which will eventually be submitted to the federal government, which in turn passes them on to the international level (OECD and European Union). In general, the differences are minimal within the science budget as a whole.
Chapter III.1 – 38
List of the NABS codes. Some of the BAs were analysed to the sub-NABS level. 1 EXPLORATION AND EXPLOITATION OF THE EARTH 2 INFRASTRUCTURE AND GENERAL PLANNING OF LAND USE 2.0General research 2.1General planning of land-use 3 CONTROL OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION 3.0General research on the environment 3.1Protection of atmosphere and climate 3.2Protection of ambient air 3.3Solid 3.4Protectionwasteof ambient water (excluding groundwater) 3.5Protection of soil and ground water 3.6Abatement of noise and vibration 3.7Protection of species and habitats 3.8Protection against natural hazards 3.9Protection against radioactive radiation 3.10Other research on the environment 4 PROTECTION AND IMPROVEMENT OF HUMAN HEALTH 5 PRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTION AND RATIONAL UTILISATION OF ENERGY 6 AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION AND TECHNOLOGY 6.0General research 6.1Animal 6.9Other6.6Food6.5Forestry6.4Crops6.3Veterinary6.2Fisheriesproductsandfish-farmingmedicineandtimberproductiontechnologyresearchonagriculturalproduction and technology 7 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION AND TECHNOLOGY 8 SOCIAL STRUCTURES AND RELATIONSHIPS 8.0Research of a general nature 8.1Education, training, lifelong learning and retraining 8.2Cultural 8.3Managementactivitiesofbusinesses and institutions 8.4Improvement of working conditions 8.5Social security system 8.6Political structure of society 8.7Social change, social processes and social conflicts 8.9Other research with regard to society 9 EXPLORATION AND EXPLOITATION OF SPACE 10RESEARCH FINANCED FROM GENERAL UNIVERSITY FUNDS 11NON-ORIENTED RESEARCH 12OTHER CIVIL RESEARCH 13DEFENCE Chapter III.1 – 39
1.Transparent policy structures.
2.Science information: strengthening the social basis of the science and technology pol-
Chapter – III.1
1.The rationalization of the preparation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the science and technology innovation policy;
3.Strengtheningicy; the collective electronic infrastructure of universities, institutes of higher education and research institutes.
7.Developing a highly efficient Flemish network.
6.Informing the general public about scientific and technological developments.
2.Balanced advice on policy.
4.Ensuring that there are more scientifically-trained people available for the employment
BA 12.01 – Expenditure related to the design, preparation and implementation of scientific 0.622activitiesmillion EUR is allocated to this BA. For 2002, a number of additional examinations are planned with regard to this item in the budget, including that of the VITO. The tasks of a number of different institutes and administrations, as well as their individual distribution of tasks, will be reviewed. The aim is that a new “Ministry for Sciences and Technological Innovation” will be operational by the beginning of 2003. In addition, the aim is to develop and collect Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) indicators further, and this in the context of a federal and international level. This will be
The budget programme has the following strategic objectives:
The following operational objectives have priority to achieve these strategic objectives:
Chapter III.2 – 41 General Science Policy
The 71.1 budget programme provides a summary of all the expenditure for the “General Science Policy”. This comprises the required activities for the overall design, elaboration and evaluation of the Flemish science and technology innovation policy. The instruments used to support it, its publication, and its integration in the international forum, also fall under this scope. The expenditure amounts to 13.412 million EUR.
3.Scientific support for the initiatives which have been taken.
5.Encouragingmarket. enterprise amongst Flemish youth and the general public.
The instrument used by the Government of Flanders, in particular, by the Flemish Ministers of Education and Training and of Finance and Budget, Innovation, the Media and Town and Country Planning, in support of this objective is the annual Science Information and Innovation action plan. This is incorporated in the overall science and technology innovation policy.
A total of 4.382 million EUR is allocated to these two BAs together (3.973 million to BA
Chapter III.2 – 42 done in cooperation with the R&D Statistics Support Centre (also see BA 33.04 of Chapter OneIII.4).ofthe important aspects in this body of STI indicators is the government effort with regard to research, technology and innovation at the Flemish level. To monitor this, there has been a Horizontal Budget Programme for Science Policy (HBPWB) every year (since 1996). However, this involves more than just the figures: by monitoring the policy lines and emphases drawn up every year, as well as the related credits, we have a powerful instrument for this whole policy area. In addition, there are also the budget analyses of science policy based on the data of the financial system (supplemented with our own analyses), as well as subject-related analyses of expenditure for particular sectors. These look at whether the whole of the science budget has been spent, and on what. On the other hand, the nature of the expenditure and its evolution is monitored for the main sectors (basic research, scientific institutes, etc.). The activities related to the science budget and the analyses of expenditure can be found in this Information Guide, which is now in its seventh edition in 2002. There is also an English-language version to strengthen the international reputation of the Flemish science policy. Both the Dutch-language and the English-language version are available on the internet (as are the previous editions) on Inwww.innovatie.vlaanderen.be/speurgids/addition,consultationandinteraction at the federal and international level are obviously also ensured for the STI indicators and statistics, as well as cooperation with the Flemish administrative structures, including, for example, the Planning and Statistics administration (APS), henceforth of course also in cooperation with the R&D Statistics Support Centre.
The12.03).policy on Science information and Innovation continues to be an important point for attention in the science and technology innovation policy. The underlying strategic objective is to strengthen the social support for science, technology and technological innovation in a world which is constantly evolving further towards an information society.
B.A. 12.03 – Popularisation of science, technology and technological innovation
BAand 33.01 – A variety of subsidies for the communication of the science policy and scientific research
The importance attached to science information and innovation by the overall science and technological innovation policy is reflected in the above-mentioned annual action plan, which establishes a whole series of initiatives for various target groups. The principal key words for this are:
• Embedded in the learning programmes and teacher training - for those initiatives which are mainly established in the world of education.
• Interactive: the target group on which the project is focused must benefit to some extent from the scientific and technological research by participating actively in the initiative, and possibly obtain a different, less clichéd image of it.
• Founded: i.e., that scientific studies and effect measurements must contribute to the efficiency of the initiatives and their possible follow-up, both beforehand and afterwards.
BA 12.28 – Research under the auspices of the Minister of the Government of Flanders for science policy and technology These credits (0.347 million EUR) fund specific projects in support of policy.
The 2001 action plan was the first to combine science information and the promotion of innovation (also in the budget). After all, there are significant points of contact between the science information and the promotion of innovation actions, and the intention is that the two types of action reinforce and supplement each other. This maximises the approach from the two different perspectives.
The 2002 action plan will take the recommendations of the initial research into account as far as possible, and will also take the elements of the reorganisation of the Ministry of Flanders into consideration where possible. By 2003, the results of the initial research will be implemented further, and where possible, also the results of the study of the monitoring function.
Furthermore, the initial research shows that the existing dialogue between the Education and Science and Technology Innovation policy areas of competence should be expanded further. After all, an important share of the action plan takes place in the education system, so that close cooperation is obviously necessary. In fact, the policy objective, “Increasing input, output and through-out” in the pure and applied sciences was reformulated on the basis of the initial research to “Providing more scientifically and technologically-trained people for the employment market”, which is actually closer to the objective of education for re-evaluating technical and vocational education, as well as the efforts to improve technological training in classroom practice. Concrete actions and a plan in stages have been drawn up for this, in consultation with Education. This dialogue will be extended in the course of 2002 to include all the aspects of the action plan.
• Ensuring continuity and permanence, viz., constantly introducing initiatives so that the attention remains focused on it. This can be done, e.g., by stimulating the field, with both structural and occasional cooperative ventures.
• Comprehensive: all areas of science and innovation are eligible.
BA 33.03 – Subsidy for the Flanders Technology International Foundation (FTI) The subsidy amounts to 2.132 million EUR. The Foundation is active in providing scientific information with the aim of “bringing science and technology closer to the people”. In this way, the FTI is responsible for the exploitation of Technopolis, the interactive Flemish Science and Technology centre, which opened its doors at the beginning of 2000.
Chapter III.2 – 43
BA 12.20 – A variety of communication initiatives related to science, technology and inAnovationcredit of 0.251 million EUR was allocated for communication initiatives (including website, publications, media space, communication campaigns, etc.) of the Science and Innovation Administration.
Meanwhile, as indicated in the policy memorandum on the science and technological innovation policy, both the action plan itself and the implementation of policy were analysed in this context. Recommendations for the future were formulated on the basis of the findings. This research is the “Initial research on Science information”, and only concerns the “Science information” aspect of the action plan. The intention is to extend and reinforce this research as part of the monitoring function which will be established in the course of 2002. This monitoring function will permanently follow up the field in Flanders and also carry out measurements of the effects of the different actions to provide feedback for the policy. In this way, the scientific support for the action plan is further developed.
The Flemish Council for Science Policy consists of the chairman and 16 members: six are nominated by the Flemish Interuniversity Council (VLIR), and six by the Socio-Economic Council of Flanders (SERV). The chairman and four members are appointed by the Flemish Minister for Science and Technology. Five civil servants participate in the meetings with an advisory vote. (If requested, or on its own initiative), the Council gives advice on general or specific points in the science and technology policy and the position of Flanders in this respect. To prepare its advice, the Council has the following four permanent commissions: Science Policy, Technology Policy, Federal & International Cooperation, and Budget & Finance. For research related to particular issues, or for commissions for studies, the Council can appeal to ad hoc working groups or external experts. The grant amounts to 0.248 million EUR.
The new model comprises the following information elements, which can be approached jointly or individually: TEAM: the main lines and achievements of the Flemish research teams; PROJECT: current research projects; EXPERT: consultancy, services and research techniques offered to third parties; COOP: international and transregional cooperative ventures; EQUIP: highly technological equipment available in Flanders, which can also be used by third PERSON:parties;survey of the available data in the databank.
– Grant for the Flemish Council for Science Policy
BA 41.04 – Subsidy related to the inventory of scientific and technological research
The subsidy amounts to 0.742 mln. EUR. The aims of the Royal Academies include the creation of links between the scientists of the communities and those of other countries, as well as providing advice to governments. Research automatically leads to increasing specialisation. However, this means that there is a risk of the field of application and the focus becoming narrower and narrower. The “Sabbatical Centre” initiative was introduced in order to counter this. These centres form an interdisciplinary meeting place where Flemish researchers can cooperate with wellknown researchers from other countries for long periods. This results in a framework for reflection, where the interaction between individuals from the various disciplines can result in an increased scientific potential. The funding of this forum for knowledge and culture is mainly for accommodation expenses for foreign top researchers, temporary supply staff to stand in for Flemish researchers, and the operational costs for twenty Flemish contact groups for particular disBAciplines.41.03
Chapter III.1 – 44
The(IWETO)IWETO provides information about Flemish research activities, with a secondary aim of increasing the visibility and accessibility of Flemish research. In addition, the databank serves to support project and programme management, monitoring, evaluation and policy. The inventory encompasses all the disciplines. In 2002, a new website will become operational, based entirely on the information modelling resulting from the re-engineering movement in 1999-2001. This modelling is a preview of the new CERIF 2000 research information format currently being finalised in the European context, inter alia, with the cooperation of IWETO, in the context of EuroCRIS (www.eurocris.org). The new site provides an original, user-friendly interface which intuitively supervises the user in three different search methods: a simple search, an assisted search with preceding “look up” possibilities (e.g., subject via classification or key word, persons, organisation, units etc.) and a detailed search screen.
BA 41.01 – Subsidy for the Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium for Sciences and Arts
The electronic network is being developed to give all the parties involved in the field access to scientific information. This aim also supports the third operational objective of PR 71.2, in particular the establishment of specific cooperation initiatives with a number of important multilateral organisations. In 2001 this was reflected in concrete terms in an initiative to provide Flemish institutes of higher education with an efficient connection to BELNET. 2.479 million EUR were allocated for this in 2001. The universities had already been connected to BELNET, but the institutes of higher education were not connected, or only had limited access. In response to the growing needs of the research community, the federal government decided to steadily increase the strength of this network. If the cooperation with BELNET does not provide the necessary guarantees, and is not an adequate solution for the growing needs of the Flemish research community, an autonomous, highly efficient Flemish computer network will be set up in a second stage. However, the creation of a highly efficient R&D infrastructure cannot be restricted to a one-off subsidy initiative, but should be part of a policy covering several years, which focuses on the following objectives: -To reinforce the ‘electronic cooperation’ between the Flemish universities, institutes of higher education, scientific institutes and high-tech industry between themselves and with Walloon, federal and foreign institutes. Optimal access to large datafiles and international networks.
BA 41.05 – Subsidy for the Flanders electronic web
The 0.208 million EUR allocated to the BA 41.04 concerns the subsidy budget for the universities, in particular, the government’s contribution to the costs of the local collection of data.
Accompanying measures at the level of research applications, groundbreaking ICT research (experimental networks), educational applications (tele-learning, etc.)
In 2002, the question whether it may be advantageous to use the Flemish Community’s own fibre optic network in the network infrastructure for research will be examined, while BELNET will continue to carry out, for example, the data transport. The subsidy for 2002 amounts to 2.507 million EUR.
41.06 – Subsidy for the Foundation Technology Flanders The subsidy for STV amounts to 1.973 million EUR.
Chapter III.1 – 45
STV Innovation & Employment is incorporated in the structure of the Socio-Economic Council of Flanders (SERV) as a specific research centre of the Flemish social partners. STV employs ten full-time academic employees for research projects on an individual baThesis. project themes correspond to concrete problems or questions of the social partners related to the attempts by businesses to find a balance between technological innovation, organisational innovation, and new forms of employment of labour. The projects always
The Netherlands has developed a comparable system on research information: the Dutch Research Databank (NOD). There is a long running agreement between the IWETO and the NOD with regard to the access of Dutch data to Flemish researchers, and vice versa. This creates an additional channel that enables Dutch and Flemish researchers to find each other in an efficient way. The cooperation was initially limited to the exchange of project data. This will be replaced in 2002 by a hyperlink to the complete provision of data on each other’s website.
High quality digital infrastructure for the whole field of research (universities, institutes of higher education, research institutes, scientific institutes) with a focus on campus networks, access to the internet, access to (international) broadband networks for datamining, tele-teaching, etc.
The results of previous projects, the complete list of publications (more than 150 reports and 50 brochures), a presentation of all the activities & recently planned initiatives, and of contact persons can be found on the website: http://www.serv.be/stv/
Chapter III.1 – 46 concern (sub)sectors or a number of companies across the sectoral boundaries. The social partners are always equally represented.
In addition to carrying out research, STV Innovation & Employment invests a lot of energy in the valorisation of the results, so that all the social partners can make use of them. The four staff collaborators and the collaborator responsible for training coordinate the publication policy (including the STV Brochures and STV Communications) and the training activities. Every year, the STV team is involved in more than 120 training initiatives for management circles, union representatives, equally composed target groups and so Fouron.or five seminars or study days are organised every year to present the research results.
Broadly speaking, STV Innovation & Employment carries out two types of research. The first is qualitative research into a particular innovation or subject, based on case studies or limited surveys. The following projects are being carried out or prepared at the moment: client-oriented management in food distribution; end of career policy in the social profit and private sector; quality control in the graphics sector; continuous shift systems in industry. The second type of project is based on r epresentative surveys, and aims to examine the main trends in organisational innovation and the deployment of labour. At the moment, the following surveys are being carried out or planned: screening of organisational change in the Flemish economy (second, adapted and extended version of the 1998 survey); sectoral screening of organisation & employment in business and intellectual companies providing services; the pressure of work in the clothing industry, the laundry sector and in SMEs; stress amongst lecturers in institutes of higher education.
The information in the STV Documentation Centre can be consulted on appointment.
Chapter III.1 – 47
The following operational objectives apply to realise these strategic objectives:
Programme 71.2 contains credits for the funding and support of basic, groundbreaking research. Basically this concerns the Fund for Scientific Research – Flanders (FWO-Flanders). In addition, there are some smaller items of expenditure, because the budgets are allocated either for basic research or for accompanying measures to strengthen this type of Theresearch.expenditure was estimated at 88.7 million EUR.
The programme has the following strategic objectives:
1.To strengthen basic, groundbreaking research on the initiative of the researcher.
Chapter III.2 – 49 Chapter – III.2
2.To strengthen the collective electronic infrastructure of universities, institutes of higher education and research institutes.
3.To strengthen the scientific cooperation of Flanders with multilateral organisations.
1.To strengthen the funding for basic research via the Fund for Scientific Research –Flanders (on the basis of interuniversity competition).
2.To develop the libraries of the Flemish universities, institutes of higher education and scientific institutes to become electronic documentation centres.
3.To establish specific initiatives for cooperation with a number of important multilateral organisations.
BA 12.24 – Expenditure in the context of international scientific cooperation A credit of 3.093 million EUR was provided for this BA for 2002. The funds for the Bilateral Scientific and Technological Cooperation Programme for 2002 are transferred to the Special Research Fund (PR 33.2 BA 44.92), while retaining their specific objective. This is in line with the reduction in the small funding channels and reducing administrative overheads and regulations. The universities are made more accountable, also with regard to bilateral scientific cooperation. The funds for the United Nations University (UNU) were transferred to PR 71.2 BA 35.40, because this initiative was now given a permanent basis, following the pilot stage in 2001. The remaining funds for this basic allocation are allocated to the UNESCO Trust Fund and international misInsions.the budget control for 2000, the funds for the participation of Flemish researchers in the EU Framework Programme were already integrated in the BOF, while their allocation retained its specific objective. In fact, the government wants to stimulate the participation Basic research on the initiative of the researcher
Chapter III.2 – 50 in multilateral cooperation programmes, giving the universities the autonomy to decide for themselves how the funds are spent.
The Netherlands-Flanders Maritime Research Programme
- To provide training possibilities related to oceanographic data and information management.
- To support the development and dissemination of data and information products which meet the needs of the different user groups, by integrating the national and regional (supranational) networks. As this agreement runs up to 2003, the evaluation of this initiative will start at the beginning of 2002 to assess whether it should be extended or adapted.
Anforum.agreement
The government also wants to strengthen the Flemish contribution to international organisations for higher education and research through the following initiatives. UNESCO By implementing an active policy, Flanders will be heard more clearly in this international between UNESCO and the Government of Flanders was signed at the end of 1999 to establish a Trust Fund for the promotion of scientific activities with UNESCO Thecountries.Flemish UNESCO Trust Fund is funded by an annual contribution from the Flemish budget. The agreement covers a period of five years (1999-2003). The funds will support UNESCO activities involving Flemish expertise.
Flanders will use all the possibilities to promote the incorporation of Flemish expertise in multilateral organisations, inter alia, by seconding Flemish Experts in priority programmes supported by Flanders. In the long term, this should promote the integration of Flemish experts in the UNESCO frameworks, which will inherently ensure a better impact on UNESCO activities. It is important to aim for the coordination of the activities of the Science and Innovation Administration, the Foreign Policy administration, the Education Department, the VVOB and the VLIR.
- To support the development and maintenance of national, regional and pan-African oceanographic meta-data, information and other databanks.
During the course of 2000, the Government of Flanders decided to use this budget for the participation of Flemish researchers in the ONDINAFRICA-II project. With this project, UNESCO aims to realise a number of important objectives of the African countries: - To support the development and operationalisation of national oceanographic data and information centres, and their network in Africa.
In the context of Flemish-Dutch scientific cooperation, a joint research programme has been established between the Organisation for Scientific Research of the Netherlands (NWO) and the Fund for Scientific Research - Flanders (FWO Flanders), focusing specifically on the joint execution of coastal marine research over a period of five years. In addition to the Dutch contribution of 1.82 million EUR, there is also a Flemish contribution of 0.99 million EUR (Programme 71.1 BA 12.24). The Flemish-Dutch Committee for Coastal Marine Research established for this purpose (VLANEZO) has selected four projects, mainly focusing on studies of processes in the Scheldt estuary. This research starts in 2002.
BA 41.03 – Subsidy for the FWO Flanders
In this way Flanders has also been admitted to the select group of countries with a branch of this international university. The subject is also attractive: after all, the nineteenth-century nation state is losing some of its relevance. Regions and urban areas are demanding more and more autonomy, and are becoming increasingly important economic players. In addition, the world is now confronted with problems which transcend individual countries to an important extent: pollution, contagious diseases, terrorism, etc. Therefore transdisciplinary research and regional integration studies are essential for policy.
BA 32.42 – Subsidy for the Born-Bunge Foundation in Antwerp
This subsidy of 0.150 million EUR is used for personnel, operational and equipment costs arising from research within their field of action: the fields of neuropathology and neuroBAchemistry.35.40 – Subsidy for the United Nations University (UNU) in the context of the Regional Integration Studies programme
In 2002, discussions will be held with the Academic Council of the UNU about the results which have been achieved and, following a positive evaluation, about the modalities for extending the agreement and its continued development.
The FWO Flanders is the channel for the redistribution of funds for basic scientific research on the basis of interuniversity competition. The Flemish Community concluded a management agreement with the FWO (1997-2001), which was first adapted in 2000 in connection with the transfer of the “permanent researchers” of the FWO Flanders to the Academic Staff of the universities. The current management agreement is being evaluated and a second agreement (2002-2006) was concluded at the end of 2001.
Following a critical analysis of this pilot study, the UNU and the Government of Flanders decided to establish the international research and training programme on this issue in Bruges. The Europa College is an institute with many opportunities in that field, and the Flemish universities are also carrying out research on these subjects. Furthermore, the fact that Flanders has taken on this initiative is particularly appropriate in view of the administrative experience of defederalisation in Belgium in the context of European integration.
Chapter III.2 – 51
The UNU is an international academic organisation which plays a unique role in the promotion of the aims for peace and progress in the United Nations. It is an autonomous organ of the General Assembly of the United Nations, and is managed by the University Council. Its headquarters and rectorship are located in Tokyo. There are also UNU centres in Maastricht, Helsinki, Macau, Accra and Lusaka, and associated university programmes in Caracas, Ontario and Amman. The funding is based on voluntary contributions from member states, non-governmental organisations and the private sector.
In 2000, a pilot study was carried out on the possibility of establishing an international research and training programme in Flanders, related to the issue of comparative regional integration studies by the UNU.
The subsidy for this new BA amounts to 0.966 million EUR. The funds come from BA 12.24 of the same programme 71.2 (see above).
The UNU (United Nations University) has established a training and research programme for regional integration studies at the Europa College in Bruges. The funds were considerably increased for the operationalisation of this programme. The modalities for the quality control of the expenditure of the funds are incorporated in the “Memorandum of Understanding” and the related agreement (which runs from 2001-2002), concluded between the Government of Flanders, the UNU and the Europa College.
The FWO Flanders aims at funding groundbreaking research in every field of science.
The Interuniversity College for Management Sciences aims to promote and complete the training of professors and researchers in this discipline. One of the aims is to support all the scientific and related activities which can contribute to the development and strengthening of management education, and similarly, university research. In addition, it supports the organisation and coordination of research which can contribute to the development and knowledge of management, and to improvements in management practice in the public and private sector. Finally, it awards and manages grants for doctorates in management Thesciences.0.372 million EUR for this BA serves to fund doctoral grants.
In 2002, the subsidy allocated to the FWO-Flanders amounts to 82.036 million EUR.
BA 41.04 – Subsidy for the Interuniversity College for Management Sciences
All the institutes have discovered the advantages of this initiative. After all, modern communication technology allows every researcher access to the most recent scientific information at his desk. In addition, purchasing the files on the basis of this “consortium formula” by a large number of institutes at the same time leads to significant reductions. This initiative is now at cruising speed. Therefore the Government of Flanders has decided that in principle these funds and the related rights and obligations will be transferred to the universities, institutes of higher education and research institutes from 2003. 2002 will be a transitional year in which the institutes themselves will gradually take responsibility for creating consortia to purchase the bibliographic files and journals required. In consultation with the research institutes, the VLIR and the VLHORA are currently drawing up a proposal to this end.
The FWO Flanders aims to achieve this goal by means of: 1. support for individual researchers; 2. support for eminent research groups, in the form of project funding; 3. the promotion of scientific contacts and cooperation (national and international); 4. awarding scientific prizes.
The selection of the proposals submitted is carried out by the Boards of Referees, composed of Flemish and foreign experts.
Chapter III.2 – 52
In order to gain a better insight into the expenditure of the funds of the FWO-Flanders, it is possible to consult the FWO document, “Analysis of expenditure, 1991-2000” (www.fwo.be) or the 2001 WTI Information guide (available on request, or to be consulted on the internet: (www.innovatie.vlaanderen.be/speurgids/)
BA 74.02 – Purchase of primary and secondary electronic databases and of other electronic equipment for the development of libraries of the institutes of higher education and of the IMEC and the VITO 2.083 million EUR is allocated to this BA.
The Government of Flanders provides funds for the Flemish universities, institutes of higher education and research institutes (the IMEC and the VITO) to enable them to transform libraries into electronic information centres. The funds are used to purchase both scientific journals and bibliographic data in electronic form. The connection of the Flemish players to worldwide electronic networks for the provision of documentation is crucial, inter alia, in the light of the development of a powerful European transmission network for scientific and technological communication.
Chapter III.2 – 53
BA 41.01 – Subsidy for the Special Research Fund for the universities (decree of 12.06.1991, Art. 168) was transferred to Programme 33.2 The funds for the Special Research Funds allocated to this BA were transferred to PR 33.2 BA 44.92. The purpose of their use is retained – viz., the funding of groundbreaking research on the initiative of the researcher on the basis of intrauniversity selection. Together with the operational and investment subsidies, the Special Research Funds form the basic funding of the universities. It is therefore logical to combine these funds in one programme.
The following activities will be eligible for subsidies: Scientific research with an economic focus
For 2002, the expenditure for Programme 71.3 is estimated at 140.244 million EUR.
These interface services stimulate the interaction between research groups and industry. Following the Innovation Decree of 18 May 1999, a funding decision is being prepared to permanently support the subsidies for this decree. The aim is to encourage universities to valorise their scientific and technological knowledge more effectively. Wherever possible, this should be done in Flanders for the benefit of the Flemish economy and socieUpty.
BA 40.05 – Subsidy for university interface services
A credit of 1.307 million EUR is provided for BA 40.05 to support the interface activities of the universities.
to now, the interface services have been funded on the basis of an ad hoc annual decision, allocating slightly more than 1.240 million EUR each time. The structural funding on the basis of the decision on the regulations will be linked to the research potential of the universities. Currently, work is being carried out on a method for quantifying this potential. As soon as this becomes operational, the decision on the execution of the Innovation Decree can also be implemented, which will provide a more powerful basis for this funding. The decision based on the regulations will be operational in 2002 – entering into effect for the 2002-2003 academic year.
In anticipation of this, the Government of Flanders approved an ad hoc subsidy decision in the autumn of 2001. The main lines and the aims remain the same as those in the Innovation Decree: •the maximum valorisation of the knowledge and expertise present in the universities for the benefit of the Flemish economy; • stimulating a university culture in which excellence in education and research is linked, (where it is useful and possible), to innovative enterprise.
Chapter III.3 – 55 Chapter – III.3
In this respect, one of the most important points for attention is to improve the use of the public knowledge infrastructure for the benefit of innovation and new forms of industry.
The budget programme 71.3, “Scientific research with an economic focus”, contains the funds aimed at strengthening the innovative technological capacity of Flemish industry (both in the short and the long term). This objective is pursued by stimulating technological research in industry and grouping companies around a specific technological basis.
• the evaluation of the cooperation between universities and industry, with particular attention for Flemish small and medium-sized enterprises;
The government has already approved the drafts for the subsidy arrangement for projects for research and development in industry (R&D decision). This decision has now entered into effect. The administration for projects for Flemish innovation by cooperative ventures (the VIS decision) has also been virtually completed, and this decision will enter into effect shortly. On the other hand, an important step has already been taken with regard to the simplification of the funding structure. This was achieved by abolishing the Fund for the Promotion of Industrial Scientific Research in Flanders (FIOV Fund), which had been financially managed by the Economics Administration up to that time. This step was also provided for in the Innovation Decree, and was taken after the approval of the adapted budget for 2000. All the outstanding rights and duties of the fund, including its management, were transferred to the IWT. This also restored the one stop concept for dealing with matters related to subsidies for technological innovation. The existing allocation authorisations and ordinance credits, the IWT and FIOV, were converted into two separate budgets, respectively for “Projects on the initiative of businesses and innovation cooperative ventures”, and for “Actions involving technological innovation on the initiative of the Government of Flanders”. The total amounts of subsidy for these credit lines evolved as follows: in millions of 1999 2000 2001 2002 EUR after available available approved budget control credit credit credit Allocation 101.368 107.211115.575 129.450BAauthorizations99.11provides
• the promotion of the economic valorisation of the research;
The IWT, which is responsible for monitoring and supervising this measure, also plays a coordinating role, which will be expressed particularly in the organisation and support of a network of interface services.
Chapter III.3 – 56
The policy memorandum, “Science and Technology Policy, 2000-2004”, announces that work will be carried out on the continued development of technological centres of excel-
of the Innovation Decree of 18 May 1999 has a central place in this. This concerns both the implementation of the three specific decisions on the execution of the funding of innovation, and the organisation of subsidies through the IWT.
In order to continue to achieve the aim of the Innovation Decree and the policy memorandum, “Science and Technology Policy 2000-2004”, an increase for the policy was provided, compared with 2001, amounting to 14.454 million EUR, viz., approximately 10% of the total budget for Programme 71.3. These additional funds serve mainly to strengthen existing initiatives, and for a series of new projects related to Flemish centres of excelThelence.implementation
41.890 million EUR for allocation authorisations for actions involving technological innovation funded on the initiative of the Government of Flanders
• the promotion of the establishment of spin-off businesses.
BAs 99.11 and 99.12 – Allocation authorisation IWT Flanders to subsidise actions related to technological innovation on the initiative of the Government of Flanders (BA Allocation99.11); authorisation IWT Flanders for projects on the initiative of businesses and innovation by cooperative ventures (BA 99.12)
a) a new initiative related to logistics Although the definition of the “logistics” sector is rather complicated, it cannot be denied that this sector represents significant added value for the Flemish economy.
One example of this (already set in motion by the previous government and being concluded by the present Government of Flanders) is Flanders’ Drive for the suppliers in the automobile industry. Strengthening this industry’s own capacity for technological development will also strengthen its competitive position in the world market.
A number of initiatives are described in more detail below.
The policy introduced by the last government and now being defined in greater detail, is based on certain technological issues in which Flemish industry and the research world can play a leading role in providing solutions.
Nevertheless, innovation is just as necessary here as in other economic sectors. The same r ule as that which applies for the whole of the Flemish economy also applies to logistics: it is only as a result of a far-reaching policy of innovation that businesses are successfully surviving on the international market. The various divisions of the sector (harbour companies, transport sector, as well as the research world), have submitted proposals to increase the innovative capacity of the logistics sector.
Chapter III.3 – 57 lence in Flanders. In particular, the conditions will be created for further cooperation between knowledge centres and businesses, and between businesses themselves.
Attempts will be made to align the various initiatives and coordinate them in a coherent Atframework.theendof 2001, the first study commissioned by the Government of Flanders was approved (500,000 EUR). In 2002, a more detailed project will be set up on the basis of this.
The use of data received by satellites constitutes an increasingly important economic sector. Image processing plays a specific role in this. Satellite images, such as the meteorological images, which are the most familiar form, have an increasingly broad scope of application.
This can also concern smaller initiatives, focusing more on a niche market. The government will then decide whether or not to subsidise these initiatives on the basis of a particular technological issue, and obviously on the basis of the available solutions.
The innovative value of the actions lies, amongst other things, in the fact that this no longer concerns the sectoral subsidisation of innovation. In fact, the same policy memorandum states that for the government, the Impulse programmes no longer form a priority form of subsidy for this aspect of policy. This means that belonging to the sector becomes too important a selection criterion.
However, it is apparent that in terms of government subsidies for innovation, the sector was largely ignored. The cluster involving telematics in road traffic was recognised, and this sector submitted a number of projects to the IWT (though not until last year).
b) an initiative to subsidise applications related to teledetection
The second initiative was the start of a more global study into the desirability of supporting the NRCs in the aviation and space travel sector. The IWT was commissioned to carry out this study and concluded its final report in October 2000. This study was very wide ranging, not only because the issue is a complex one, but also because it was modified in comparison with previous programmes. The complexity arises from the search for the most effective form of government intervention. The starting point continued to be the traditional system of reclaimable advances for NRCs, but this was also examined. In addition, an attempt was made to provide a summary of the activities of other European countries with regard to subsidies for NRCs.
In 2000, the Government of Flanders instigated the development of a Flemish policy on aviation and space travel. Two specific actions were taken in this respect.
Belgium has an important tradition in this sector. The Belgian federal government has funded a large research programme on teledetection for more than ten years. This has been carried out at Belgian universities and research centres. In this way, research teams at Flemish universities and in VITO have acquired a large body of expertise related to teledetection. However, it now appears that there are no longer sufficient funds for this research. Therefore it seems appropriate to introduce an initiative to ensure that this expertise is not lost, but is actually developed. Otherwise there is a danger that the research teams at our universities and research institutes who made use of these funds in the past, will break up irretrievably. This would be too great a loss for the scientific basis in FlanTders.echnological
c) initiatives to subsidise the aviation and space travel sectors in Flanders
Although previous governments repeatedly underlined the importance of these sectors as areas for technological innovation, no initiatives had been taken in Flanders to subsidise them. Nevertheless, the Flemish Region has the necessary powers to do so. Aviation is a sector which falls entirely under the regional scope of competence. The federal competence with regard to space travel is limited to the international programmes, though these do account for the large majority of activities.
At the end of 2000, a Flemish subsidy was provided for non-recurring costs (NRC costs) for the participation of Flemish businesses in the Programme A340-500/600. These are the running-in costs which the aviation sector must incur before being able to participate in an international aviation programme.
Chapter III.3 – 58
A distinction should also be made between the aviation and the space travel sector. The two sectors are very different. Although the same companies are often involved (though the situation is rather different in Flanders from the rest of Europe), market forces for aviation are different from those for space travel. This was also reflected in the IWT study.
innovation has not stood still in this field, and new possibilities present themselves all the time. Since the summer of 1999, images with a resolution of one metre have been available on the ordinary commercial market. It is self-evident that the use of these images could play an important role for policy in sectors such as town and country planning, agriculture and environmental management. However, an analysis has shown that the universities are not yet ready to play a role in this commercial market. The initiative was approved by the Government of Flanders in the autumn of 2001 (2,726,829 EUR).
• Expanding the innovation process that can be subsidised: creative innovative applications of existing technology, as well as technological development; subsidies for the integrated non-technological acquisition of expertise, as well as technological acquisition of expertise.
The Programme was operational by the second quarter of 2001. An intensive external communication campaign was drawn up, both by the IWT itself and in active cooperation with the various SME intermediaries. The Programme aims to at least double the number of SMEs to be included in connection with the innovation subsidy.
• The cooperation agreement between the Regions and the Federal government will be signed at the beginning of 2002 with regard to the development subsidy (NRC and R&D) for the Airbus A380. The funding will be completely at the expense of the Federal government.
• At the beginning of 2002, the Government of Flanders will also decide on specific subsidy modalities for the aviation and space travel sector (NRC and R&D) outside the context of the A380. These subsidy modalities will apply in the context of the project subsidies for industrial R&D and will be at the expense of the budget line PR.71.3 –B.A. 99.12.
• Far-reaching administrative simplification
• SME Innovation studies (60% subsidised and in accordance with three types, depending on the promotion of the contribution of external expertise);
The policy memorandum announced that the SME policy would be simplified. The various action programmes for the promotion of innovation in SMEs were the object of an external evaluation. The aim is to once again give the IWT the role of a “one stop centre” for the promotion of innovation in Flanders. Therefore future initiatives for the promotion of innovation in SMEs will be drawn up and carried out by the institute.
The Programme provides for the following types of project:
• Streamlining the modalities for applications and subsidies in a single coherent system at the IWT, in accordance with the “one stop” principle
d) a new SME programme
The last element to be studied was the impact of the new rules imposed by the WTO (World Trade Organisation). Different initiatives are put forward on the basis of these preparatory analyses:
Chapter III.3 – 59
On the basis of these findings, the institute was commissioned by Minister Dirk Van Mechelen to draw up a new streamlined SME Programme. The Government of Flanders approved this programme in December 2000. The programme provides 19.832 million EUR for the period 2001-2002, and has the following main objectives:
In 2000, the evaluation of four current SME programmes was carried out by MERIT on the basis of a thorough survey of SME clients (and non-clients), and of a series of intermediaries. This concerned the SME feasibility studies, the SME innovation projects, the MKB initiative (in the Target areas, partly with ERDF funds) and the SME Innovation Flanders Programme (KIV), each with its own specific modalities. At the same time, the IWT carried out its own analysis of the various SME actions.
• SME Innovation projects (35% subsidised).
f) strategic basic research
This also includes the funds for co-funding projects (technology and innovation), which are also eligible for subsidy from European structural funds (such as, for example, ERDF Theco-funding).operational programmes concerned comprise a body of measures in different fields (economic infrastructure, the supervision of SMEs, the promotion of technology and innovation, the improvement of the environment, etc.).
There has been a strong increase in the subsidies for EUREKA projects for a number of years, particularly via so-called “cluster programmes” and specifically in the field of ICT (MEDEA, ITEA, PIDEA, EURIMUS …). After all, the incorporation of Flemish businesses and research institutes in international networks and consortia is essential. In addition to participating in programmes funded by Europe, including the European R&D Framework Programme, participating in Eureka projects with Flemish subsidy is of decisive importance. The table below reveals the evolutions with regard to Flemish subsidies over the last few years.
In addition to basic research and contract research with industry, the universities play an important role in strategic basic research with an economic and/or social focus.
The Generic Basic research programme at the universities (GBOU) already responds to this (also see Chapter III.4 BA 12.28). The aim is to increase these actions and funds in the course of 2002. For BA 99.12, 87.560 million EUR allocation authorisations are provided for projects carried out on the initiative of businesses and innovation cooperative ventures a) subsidies for technological research carried out on the initiative of businesses
Chapter
– 60
Subsidy in millions of 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 JESSI/MEDEA+/ITEAEUR 9.246 21.294 1.661 31.086 14.353 26.673 Other EUREKA 2.999 6.346 4.016 4.115 5.206 2.677 Total EUREKA 12.245 27.6405.67735.201 19.55929.350 III.3
e) specific subsidy measures
The ERDF subsidies that are granted amount to a maximum of 50% of total programme costs, so that at least the same sum must be provided by Flemish funds (Flemish Region, Provinces, municipalities etc., private sector).
The new proposed R&D subsidy decision creates a framework of regulations for the different subsidy modalities for research projects involving technological innovation in Flemish companies. Particular attention is devoted to SMEs. This also comprises the applications for subsidy by businesses for the programme of research, in particular for the projects in a EUREKA context, with specific subsidy modalities which are broader than those for Flemish R&D projects because of their European dimension.
The correct modalities for these actions are being drawn up in the first half of 2001 (up to and including the costs and specifications for their execution). It is self-evident that more funds must be provided for this sort of expansion.
It should be noted that in 2000, Flanders allocated 4.950 million EUR for collective research and the technological advisory services in the collective centres. The operation of the existing clusters was extended to mid-2001 - an additional 2.387 million EUR was allocated to this, in anticipation of the entry into effect of the new decision.
The new funding decision also provides for a simplification of the administrative procedure and ensures that the subsidy modalities correspond as far as possible to the European regulation on R&D subsidies.
b) Flemish Innovation Cooperative Ventures (VIS)
The decision in the regulations for subsidies to Flemish Innovation Cooperative Ventures creates a framework to replace all sorts of existing initiatives, such as the ad hoc subsidisation of clusters, the funding of projects for collective research, and subsidies for technological advisory services.
This means that it is not only the traditional sectors which receive funds for collective research, but that groups of businesses involved in specific technologies can also make an application. The same applies with regard to the provision of technological advice and the incentives regarding innovation. This approach responds to the fact that the strongest economic growth is expected in relation to technologies which are often of an interdisciplinary nature and across the sectoral boundaries. Networks are developed for technological advice and stimulating innovation. With regard to stimulating innovation, it is possible to fund both the actions which focus on a single technology or sector, and more horizontal and subregional projects.
This new decision has the ambitious goal of achieving greater coordination in the landscape of providers of services to innovative businesses. This involves abandoning the restriction of funding to specific institutes. In future, the funds will be linked to actions and activities, and a broad range of organisations will be able to submit an application, in so far as they represent a representative group of businesses.
A strong expansion of the EUREKA subsidy is expected in 2002, in particular in relation to the MEDEA+ Programme. In 2001, the subsidy modalities were reviewed (10% extra subsidy; 80% subsidy for basic research of a research institute; etc.), in relation to the operationalisation of the new R&D funding decision.
Chapter III.3 – 61
c) The Flemish Innovation Cooperation Decision (the VIS decision)
Apart from the fact that certain projects receive larger subsidies, it is particularly important to work on a simpler structure and system of justification for the project budgets. The criteria on which the project evaluation is based were also specified in greater detail. In accordance with the government manifesto, this will take into consideration, inter alia, the contribution of the project on sustainable development.
The decision of the regulations will be definitively approved at the beginning of 2002, following the advice of the Council of State.
To prepare for the procedures of the new decision, a more explicitly performance-related method of funding was introduced.
Altogether more than 12,394,676 EUR will be spent on the VIS projects per year.
At the end of 2001, the Government of Flanders decided to allocate 19,831,482 EUR in the budget to PR.71.3 – BA 99.11 for the projects on topic-based and sub regional promotion of inThenovation.projects related to technological services and collective research will be at the expense of the budget PR.71.3 – BA 99.12 in 2002.
The grant comprises the necessary funds to ensure the required continuity of policy, on the basis of the current commissions and the mission of the Institute. In the case of the further expansion of tasks by the Innovation Decree, the funds will be modified accordingly, depending on the needs and personnel requirements.
A second appeal for projects related to topicbased promotion of innovation is anticipated in mid-2002 and will be at the expense of the budget PR.71.3 – BA 99.11.
Finally, 9.487 million EUR is allocated for BA 41.03 for the operation of the IWT.
Chapter III.3 – 62
Consequently, this type of research aims to carry out groundbreaking scientific, technological basic research with a long-term economic or social focus. To achieve the maximum transfer of knowledge, this has been linked from the start of the project to an intensive interaction with the broadest possible group of economic/social parties in Flanders. This is achieved through the so-called user commissions.
2.Toinstitutes.continue the development of basic research at the universities.
1.To continue strenghtening the Flemish technological potential in the Flemish research
Credits for strategic basic research or policy-oriented research are allocated in this budget programme. Therefore this concerns budgets for initiatives which support innovative developments in industry or in companies.
The budget programme has the following strategic objectives:
Strategic and policy-oriented research
1.To reinforce technological basic research, which generates knowledge for industry, the non-profit sector and government.
BA 12.28 – Generic Basic Research at the Universities
The basic rationale behind the programme is to serve as a bridging function, and to introduce a positive interaction between the academic research world and the economic/social parties outside the academic environment.
The expenditure for this was estimated at 134.313 million EUR.
Chapter III.4
3.To develop the institutes of higher education as full partners in innovation.
2.To strengthen policy-oriented research. To achieve these, the following operational objectives are put forward:
Chapter III.4 – 63
The reforms of the programme which has now been concluded, “Strategic Technologies for the promotion of Welfare and Well-being” (STWW), in which the modalities were determined by the previous Government of Flanders, resulted in a new programme “Generic Basic Research at the Universities” (GBOU). This reform means that socially and economically-oriented technological projects are dealt with in the same project form. The approach used in the past was abandoned, in which socially-oriented proposals could be submitted only on pre-selected subjects. The ultimate aim was for maximum simplicity, transparency and flexibility with regard to the basic modalities.
4.To develop a new framework for policy-oriented research.
The subsidy for IMEC for 2002 amounts to 29.067 million EUR to support IMEC in its R&D tasks related to future industrial needs in the field of information and communication technology (ICT). In this respect, special attention is devoted to the research requirements of the Flemish industry. For this purpose, IMEC annually organises a “Flemish Business Day”. This event endeavours to be “market-oriented”, and is organised with a twofold aim: to give IMEC’s researchers the opportunity to explore the demands of the market through contacts with companies, and to give companies, for their part, the opportunity to come into contact with possible innovative applications. In addition, the non-profit organisation “KMO IT-Centrum” was established by IMEC, the WTCM and Agoria-Flanders. This initiative, which is subsidised by the Government of Flanders, aims to help Flemish companies (particularly SMEs) to innovate, by implementing information technology in their products and processes. IMEC also plays a pioneering role in the valorisation of research results. This is also reflected in an increasing number of Flemish patent applications and license agreements. In this context, the 19 IMEC spin-off companies which were established should also be mentioned.
In fact, the user commissions play an important role in the GBOU programme. These are composed on the broadest and most representative basis possible, and can always be extended later on. The members receive preferential treatment with regard to the provision of information, as they are closely involved in the research and are already informed of the most recent developments at an early stage.
The following table illustrates the evolution of international incomes for contractual research. In particular, this concerns bilateral contracts with international companies, multilateral cooperation within European framework programmes, and contractual research commissioned by ESA.
Chapter III.4 – 64
BA 33.01 – Subsidy for IMEC
The table below illustrates the evolution of the number of Flemish companies with which IMEC has cooperated in recent years; the related contractual income and total international contractual income is also shown, followed by the evolution of the subsidy of the Government of NumberFlanders.ofFlemish Flemish contractual Other contractual Subsidy Contract partners income (mln. income (mln. (mln. EUR) EUR) EUR)
A budget envelope of 16.840 million EUR of subsidy possibilities was provided from the budget programme, “Strategic and policy-oriented research”, for the execution in 2002. At the end of 2001, the Government of Flanders decided to organise a new call for proposals. The IWT is responsible for the management of this programme.
1996 52 11.23 17.92 24.32 1997 62 12.0223.1327.06 1998 65 12.21 24.6427.59 1999 69 13.70 33.89 27.95 2000 7020.23 49.90 28.25 2001 72 30.2757.44 28.67
Up to now, it is possible to distinguish three cycles in the general evolution of IMEC, as indicated in the figure below:
Economic consolidation in Flanders Industrial worldwide network
The R&D activities of IMEC are organised in five divisions. The first division develops submicron IC process technology. It carries out very advanced research in certain process modules: optical lithography, silicon cleaning methods, new gate materials, interconnection technology, and salicides.
International industry EC ESA (millions of EUR) (millions of EUR) (millions of EUR) 1996 5.54 8.40 2.19 1997 8.09 11.13 2.10 1998 11.24 12.631.64 1999 18.17 8.53 1.09 2000 30.35 16.38 3.47 200140.00 14.51 2.68
– 65
Based on a far-reaching policy with regard to the ownership of the results from contractual research, a technological portfolio is developed in Cycle 1 (IMEC expertise or “Background Information”). In turn, this attracts new cooperation with the world leaders in ICT (cycle 2), which gives IMEC three advantages: (i) a good insight into future industrial needs (ii) a clear view on industrial “roadmaps” and technological “windows of opportunity” (iii) co-financing by the international community, which makes it possible to develop a critical mass for pioneering research. In fact, this expertise guarantees a faster “time-to-market”, which is becoming an increasingly important parameter for commercial success. The incorporation of crucial results in the field of ICT developments in part of IMEC’s IPR mode provides efficient feedback for Flanders (cycle 3). At the end of 2001, IMEC had 1,212 employees. This number comprises both payroll and non-payroll employees (guest researchers). 85% of these are directly employed in research and development (R&D).
The second division combines these exploratory steps into integrated processes for the production of prototype circuits in the pilot line. Various IC processes are being developed at Chapter III.4
Creation of a technological portfolio 1st cycle2nd cycle3rd cycle
Chapter III.4 – 66
(b) New materials and components: Examples are the research into magnetic memories (MRAM), the research into InSbAs material for non-cooled infrared detectors, highly efficient light-emitting diodes etc. In addition, long-term research is being carried out in the field of nanotechnology and molecular electronics.
• at the professional level, at the Microelectronics Training Centre, which provides a broad range of training programmes and refresher courses for operators, technicians and engineers in the ICT industry. In 2000, approximately 900 people had additional training through this channel. Of these, 219 were in industry, 107 were academics and 579 were IMEC employees. One of IMEC’s tasks is to strengthen the research potential of the Flemish universities for microelectronics and related fields. In fact, the cooperation programmes with the Catholic University of Leuven, LUC, University of Antwerp and Ghent University is steadily in-
(c) Packaging and interconnection technology: MCM-D (Multichip Module on the basis of thin film techniques) research focuses particularly on combined RF/digital applications, integrating passive or microwave components.
The fifth division focuses on training and refresher courses for ICT specialists. This activity takes place at different levels: • at the level of higher education (universities and institutes of higher technical education), technical support and support in terms of content are provided for training IC design engineers, covering both the hardware and software aspects;
The third division carries out R&D activities on: (a) Sensors and systems: Sensors are based on CMOS technology, as well as on alternative technologies, such as the increasingly popular biosensors. All sorts of microsystems for applications in ICT, as well as in the medical world and environmental research, are being developed in cooperation with industry. Aspects of reliability are also being taken into account.
the same time: for deep submicron digital ICs, for analogue and combined analogue-digital ICs , for non-volatile memories and for new components in the nano-electronics domain. The available basic technology, as well as the clean-room infrastructure, makes it possible to implement a strong horizontal integration (sensors, microsystems, RF, magnetic memories, etc.), and also to go up to the level of the ‘proof of concept’. In addition, process development is supported by specialised research in the field of physical analysis and reliability.
The fourth division is developing new design methodologies and technologies for ICT systems, and focuses particularly on three research applications: • wireless local networks • ambient multimedia • systematic design methods
The overlap of the different sectors (computers, consumer electronics and communication) has resulted in rapidly growing markets for personal communication, multimedia, and broadband networks. Chips are becoming complete systems: the result of a specialised team, composed of hardware and software designers and application engineers. This department also has a strong tradition of spin-offs.
creasing. In 2001, the Institute for Material Research (IMO) of the LUC, and IMEC, concluded an association agreement. This new scientific division was called IMOMEC (Institute for Material Research in Microelectronics) and is established in the Science Park of the university campus in Diepenbeek.
IMEC carries out an industrialisation strategy in Flanders on the basis of the results of its research. This not only focuses on the microelectronics sector, but also on industry in a diverse range of sectors, and of different sizes. For example, 50% of the Flemish companies with which IMEC has cooperated since it was established are SMEs with fewer than 20 employees. 37 of the Flemish companies with which it has cooperated in the last five years are not in the ICT sector. In order to streamline this type of applied cooperation, IMEC’s structure was recently adapted, with the aim of responding more effectively to the needs of the company – often closer to the market than the current research programmes themselves. In other words, this structure should allow the know-how that has been acquired to be used in a broader sense in product and process innovation. In addition, IMEC provides techno-commercial advice in the form of market surveys and helps companies with valorisation of technology, supported by years of experience.
In 2001, IMEC founded the incubation fund with the aim of supporting the initial stages of new spin-offs. By providing the necessary funding, this will fill the gap between innovative ideas and the successful launch of high-tech spin-offs. The incubation fund was launched with a capital of 5 million EUR.
This is VIB’s main activity and forms the basis for all other activities (industrial valorisation, society and international reputation). VIB’s ambition is to concentrate research on a number of topics of strategic importance. With their high quality and relevant research, the researchers can help to determine the front line of the discipline and in this way push back the boundaries of international knowledge. The research is structured into subjectrelated research departments which are physically located on the campuses and also form part of the four Flemish universities with which VIB has concluded a close joint venture: the University of Ghent, the Catholic University of Leuven, the Free University of Brussels, and the University of Antwerp.This combination of forces provides immediate added value for all the partners and their academic, industrial and social environment.
In 2002, the scientific research programme of these research departments focused above all on the following themes: Cell biology is central in many of VIB’s research fields. The main approach is the study of the way in which cells affect each other and intercommunicate, thus resulting in cellular functions and reactions. Important areas of research include molecular signal transduction, and gene expression in inflammations, the molecular signalling of cell death, the role of cell adhesion in cancer, the regulation of the cell cycle in plant growth, stress and cell death, the signalling paths of heparane sulphate proteoglycanes, actine-based cell motility and the cell biology in Alzheimer’s disease.
BA 33.02 – Subsidy for the Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology (VIB) In the Flemish budget for 2002, a subsidy of 26.034 million EUR was allocated for VIB, to be used to achieve the objectives and tasks imposed in the context of the new management agreement with the Government of Flanders for 2002-2006. VIB is developing three complementary key activities for this purpose: strategic basic research and its international dissemination, the industrial valorisation of the research results, and attention for the social aspects of the biotech sector.
Chapter III.4 – 67
1. Strategic basic research
diseases are the result of a change in genetic cell mechanisms. Great efforts are made to identify and characterise these genetic deviations, with the use of the most advanced technologies, to discover both the general structural reorganization of chromosomes and the mutations of specific individual points. Groundbreaking work has already been carried out by cloning genes which play a role in various diseases, including cancer, inherited conditions, such as mental disability and the HDR syndrome, and neurological deviations such as peripheral neuropathies inherited ataxias and Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers have also acquired an international reputation in plant sciences based on the development and application of genetic changes in plants. The plant transformation with Agrobacterium, which is used all over the world, was developed in Flanders. The current VIB research focuses on plant growth, interactions between plants and microbes, signal transduction, plant transformation and wood formation. Significant investments are promoting research efforts at the level of functional genomics and bio-information technology in plant sciences.
VIB scientists also focus on cardiovascular diseases such as thrombosis, arteriosclerosis and heart attacks. Recombinant t-PA was developed by VIB scientists and is now used all over the world to treat acute myocardial attacks. At the moment, a new medicine is being developed to dissolve blood clots, based on staphylokinase. For a better insight into the formation of arteries and the various causes of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and inflammations, transgenetic and gene-targeting technologies are applied for the development of animal models. These allow for in vivo studies of the genes concerned as well as the testing and evaluation of new (gene) therapeutic Determiningtreatments.the
Transcriptome and proteome analyses can qualitatively and quantitatively determine which genes and proteins are expressed in a particular tissue, physiological condition or stage of a disease. These new techniques will have a far-reaching effect on the characterization of gene functions, the classification of genes in biological pathways, the identification of diagnostic markers and therapeutic medication targets.
Chapter III.4 – 68
function of the protein structure is crucially important for a full understanding of the molecular foundations of life. VIB scientists use a range of different molecular technologies in combination with modern techniques including x-rays, crystallography and NMR spectroscopy to determine the structure and function of important proteins which play a role in biological processes.
In developmental biology, the aim is to discover how a fertilized egg transforms into a complex organism. Various genetic, biochemical and cellular approaches are combined to solve this question and related questions on the basis of embryos of mice and amphibManyians.
The immune system is an important field of research. A great deal of attention is devoted to the study of the interaction between the parasite and the host in Trypanosome infections. Another basic field of research is the molecular mechanism of cell death and its functional consequences on the reactivity of T-lymphocytes.
The DNA micro-array (or gene chip) is a new revolutionary technique which allows for the study of gene expression on a miniature scale and with a very high throughput. The VIB has a micro-array facility which allows for profiling the expression in humans, mice and Arabidopsis. VIB’s facility for “proteomics” uses MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry to identify hundreds or even thousands of proteins.
VIB conducts a proactive technology transfer policy to translate new technologies and inventions issuing from the strategic basic research into industrial applications. This is mainly done by concluding R&D agreements and licence agreements with high-tech bio industry and the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industry.
This programme will be extended in the course of 2002 with the research of a new VIB department still to be selected. The Minister concerned, Dirk Van Mechelen, appealed for the submission of proposals for this purpose in the last quarter of 2001. The selection of the new department is expected by mid-2002.
If the degree of innovation of a (combination of) invention/inventions is sufficiently high, and provides a platform for a large number of applications, intensive efforts are made to establish a new Flemish company. Apart from knowledge and technology, this also requires a strong position with regard to property law, a team of people with the right competences, including management and (starting) capital, and a strong framework of agreements. In its fairly short existence, the inventions of VIB researchers and the plans drawn up on the basis of these by the VIB, have already resulted in three new starter companies: DevGen, CropDesign and Ablynx.
2. Industrial valorisation of the research results
In addition to the search for the required capital, VIB also saw the need for a suitable infrastructure for these starter companies and other new high-tech bio-companies. VIB established a so-called bio-incubator for this purpose. The VIB bio-incubator, which opened its doors at the beginning of 2000, makes a specially designed workplace available to new companies in biotechnology with an intensive R&D programme and a clear potential for growth. The bio-incubator is already providing facilities to seven companies. In 2001, the incubator was extended with an extra floor (1,200 m2).
Chapter III.4 – 69
In addition, the institutional programme will also be reinforced with a new project-based research programme, which will be drawn up in the course of 2002.
This institutional research programme will be carried out by the 660.2 FTE (full time equivalent) researchers and technicians in the research departments. Department for Molecular Biomedical Research, Professor F. Van Roy Department of Plant Systems Biology, Professor M. Zabeau Department of Transgene Technology and Gene Therapy, Professor D. Collen Department of Human Genetics, Professor G. David Department of Immunology, Parasitology and Ultrastructure, Professor L. Wyns Department of Developmental Biology, Professor D. Huylebroeck Department of Molecular Genetics, Professor C. Van Broeckhoven Department of Medical Protein Research, Professor J. Vandekerckhove
Obviously, the research performed by VIB has great potential for the transfer of technology. The Technology Transfer Department is responsible for all steps involved in the translation of basic research results achieved in the laboratory into marketable products or processes. For this reason, VIB devotes special attention to protecting the property rights of new inventions, stimulating enterprise, and the professional cooperation with industry.
This focus must be in balance with the high degree of freedom needed for scientific creativity to flourish. For example, it is important to streamline the submission of patent applications with the publication of the results in scientific journals.
Chapter III.4 – 70
by VIB scientists also serve as a source of public information. A fierce debate is raging in Europe on certain (particularly agricultural) applications of biotechnology. Usually the debate polarizes between rabid opponents and unconditional advocates of gene technology. Therefore there is a need for objectivity supported by scientific facts and data. VIB is attempting to meet this need with specific factual information. Recent examples include the lesson packs for schools, the exhibition on agricultural and food biotechnology ‘Eet es genetisch’ and the book ‘Genen en Gezondheid’.
In order to be able to implement its proactive policy, the Government of Flanders requires scientific research that is relevant to policy with a long-term perspective. Short-term research projects are certainly needed. However, in addition, there is also a need for a framework in which researchers have time for thorough reflection on the policy problems which will confront them in the future.
Therefore the Government of Flanders decided to redirect the funds from the former Programme for Policy-oriented Research (PBO) to a more structural funding of research relevant to policy. The new approach focuses on the development of a limited number of support centres for subjects which the competent ministers consider to be critical for their policy and to support policy preparation and evaluation in the long term. The current projects in the context of the existing programme of policy-oriented research will be comApleted.support centre is a unit in a Flemish university, or a consortium of several of such units in different Flemish universities which provide integrated scientific support to the authorities and to the relevant parties on subjects determined by the Government of FlanTheders. Government of Flanders determined 12 priority policy areas for which an open appeal was launched on 5 May 2001.
3. Social programme In the context of the new management agreement (2002-2006), the social task of VIB focuses on stimulating the social discussion on biotechnology, particularly by means of an active and objective communication about science, by providing up to date information on safety aspects and regulations, and other socially relevant questions about biotechnolInnovationsogy.
The VIB communication programme focuses on providing the citizens with objective facts and data which enable them to prepare thoroughly for a social debate. In fact, this debate will never come to an end. After all, scientific research focuses on innovation and is constantly pushing back the boundaries. New knowledge that is obtained leads to new possibilities, but also at the same time to new questions. Citizens must be able to obtain information about what medicine and what agriculture will serve our society best in the future. The government should ensure that the society’s choices are supported by an appropriate, fair and transparent regulatory framework. VIB can help this process and wishes to do so.
The TA research programme established following the previous management agreement, in which these projects were selected and funded by VIB (cf. the 2001 Information Guide), will be concluded and financed with funds allocated in the previous management Forperiod.further information you can consult the VIB website: www.vib.be BA 33.03 – Subsidy for Support Centres for policy-oriented research
6.Environment
The subjects selected for 12 support centres are:
11.Sport, Exercise and Health
• the execution of problem-oriented scientific research (short term)
The management agreements incorporated ‘performance drives’ for the support centres related to the following objectives:
7.619 million EUR are allocated to this BA. BA 33.04 – Subsidy for co-funding the R&D Statistics Support Centre
3.Equal
Chapter III.4 – 71
1.Administrative organisation in Flanders agriculture opportunities policy of pupils and students in education and the transition from education to the employment sciences and health mobility
• the provision of scientific services
12.Tourism and recreation
4.Careers
• the execution of basic scientific research
• the collection, analysis and provision of data (including longitudinal data)
10.Recreational Flanders
9.Enterprise, industry and innovation
Following an evaluation by independent experts, both as regards the relevance to policy and as regards the intrinsic scientific value, eight support centres were selected for research relevant to policy (the first eight in the list shown above). A new call for proposals, which closed on 17 October 2001, applied for the four remaining subjects. Management agreements which terminate at the end of 2006 were concluded with the selected support centres. Depending on the agreement, each support centre is responsible for a cluster of data collection, a collection of indicators, and long-term and short-term research projects. The management agreement is the instrument for monitoring the support centre and for permanent evaluation.
• making the available scientific know-how available and transmitting this knowledge to the Government of Flanders
The existing support centre, ‘Employment, Labour and Training’ which was established on an ad hoc basis and is already operating, will be included in this initiative. In addition the Government of Flanders will examine whether support centres for research centres relevant to policy will have to be funded for other subjects in the course of 2002.
5.Environmentalmarketpolicy
The aim of the R&D Statistics Support Centre is to provide the Government of Flanders with a system of indicators which can be used repeatedly, for the quantification of the results of R&D efforts at Flemish research centres and in industry. These indicators are collected both by bibliometric means and by means of surveys. In addition, a Flemish Book of Indicators on Science, Technology and Innovation is being compiled on the basis of these indicators in 2003 and 2005. Apart from providing and developing these indicators, the Support Centre will also carry out research into new improved indicators. A subsidy of 0.372 million EUR was allocated.
7.R&D 8.Trafficstatisticssafetywith increasing
2.Sustainable
The VLIZ functions as a forum for discussion, as well as an information and coordination platform for maritime research, and will also integrate scientific developments in policy. Conversely, the policy agencies involved can improve their activities through this centre, both in a national and an international context. For this purpose, the VLIZ organises targeted activities to support the organisation of study days and the promotion of the dialogue between the research community and the policy agencies involved in maritime research and policy issues.
BA 33.43 Subsidy for the Flemish Institute for the Sea In 2001, the Flemish Maritime Institute (VLIZ) was able to fully develop its whole range of activities, both as regards its functional and as regards it operational tasks.
BA 41.02 – IWT grant related to the allocation of specialisation grants
BA 33.41 – Subsidy for the Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp (KMDA) and
Another 0.126 million EUR is allocated to BA 52.01 for investment expenditure, in particular to renew the laboratory infrastructure.
The Flemish Maritime Data Centre is also located in the VLIZ. This operational data centre encourages a higher level of data exchange. It ensures optimal access to these huge information flows. As an information centre, the VLIZ can provide the authorities with appropriate information. It actively participates in the development of standards and exchange procedures for oceanographic data in the international context. In this way, the scientific community has access to all the large databanks worldwide.
Through the oceanographic platform, the VLIZ also gives access to the multifunctional ship, ‘de Zeeleeuw’ and contributes to the coordination of operational cooperation at sea.
The subsidy amounts to 0.755 million EUR. These credits serve to support the maritime science community in Flanders and the related policy. The VLIZ also carries out activities in support of scientific research. These include the management and development of a multimedia centre, and the organisation of a day for young people. A lot of attention is also devoted to awareness raising and the popularisation of this type of research.
The VLIZ should increase the visibility of maritime research in an international context as a clearly identifiable contact centre. In 2001, the VLIZ was involved in the organisation and acted as the secretariat for the first intergovernmental workshop on the international exchange of oceanographic data for scientific research.
In the context of the postgraduate education of young researchers in Flanders, the IWT has granted approximately 150 grants for doctorates since 1994. These grants are given with the sponsorship of a Flemish company. The evaluation criteria take into account the applicability of the research results, with a view to building bridges between academic research and industry.
A budget of 17.292 million EUR is made available for the IWT specialisation grants for the year 2002.
Chapter III.4 – 72
BA 52.01 – Subsidy for investment expenditure for the Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp (KMDA) The subsidy of 0.5 million EUR on BA 33.41 is used for the personnel, operating and equipment costs arising from scientific research in the KMDA’s field of action. This research relates to endangered animal species, and is focused on problem-oriented, management-related questions. It is carried out in close collaboration with universities and scientific institutes. A scientific advisory committee (also with representatives from the universities) monitors the quality of the research. The budget for this BA was increased to 0.5 million EUR in 2001, in order to enable the KMDA to extend the research with medical veterinarian research in the context of international exchange programmes.
BA 41.03 – Grant for the Flemish Institute for Technological Research (Vito) BA 61.02 – Grant for investments in the Flemish Institute for Technological Research In(Vito)2002, the budget programme 71.4 of the Government of Flanders, “Strategic and Policy-oriented Research”, provides a (maximum) subsidy of 29.759 EUR for Vito – the Flemish Institute for Technological Research. This concerns a subsidy of 25.122 million EUR for operating expenses (personnel and other expenditure) for basic allocation 41.03, as well as a subsidy up to a maximum of 4.637 million EUR for investments for the basic allocation 61.02. Vito is entitled to these for investments actually made in 2002. Both subsidies are in the form of non-divided credits. The operating subsidy provides 3.905 million EUR to fund commissions of the Flemish Region: so-called reference missions. The operating subsidy is recorded in the Vito budget under section 46.1, “Transfer of income from the institutional government”, and the investment subsidy comes under 66.1, “Capital transfers from the institutional government”.
Chapter III.4 – 73
In addition, Vito receives a maximum of 19.011 million EUR from numerous contractual assignments for industry, governments, or scientific programmes. Together with the subsidy of 3.904 million EUR for the direct commissions of the Region, this means a maximum of 22.918 million EUR of its own receipts. The present budget for 2002 implies far-reaching accountability and a higher level of efficiency, and it will be a challenge to actually achieve the estimated contractual income.
In 2001, the Flemish Community concluded a new management agreement with Vito for 2001-2005. This guarantees an annual basic subsidy, but on the other hand, obliges Vito to make significant efforts both as regards its own “strategic research”, and as regards contractual research. The research related to industry should particularly increase in importance during the next few years; this is also expressed in the focus on strategic research with an industrial or economic purpose.
This aspect comprises research projects which are agreed upon in advance with the competent ministers of the Government of Flanders. This is done in a programme of research for several years revised every year to ensure the best possible coordination with the government’s strategic policy objectives in the fields of energy, the environment and health. However, Vito has the final responsibility for the execution and content of the research programme. SPR focuses on increasing the institute’s own knowledge with the potential of medium-term valorisation, and is not concentrated on the immediate and concrete information needs of the government.
TF2: Powder processing methods
Therefore from 2002, strategic research is subdivided as follows:
• Strategic research with an industrial or economic purpose: Strategic Technological Research (STR). This focuses on a limited number of fields of technology (7 in 2002), but to which more personnel and more funds are allocated. In 2002, strategic research will concentrate on 7 fields of technology (TF): TF1: Innovative decentralized energy systems
TF5: Water management
Overall, Vito should have an available budget of 49.023 million EUR in 2002 to carry out its research. The largest and best equipped multidisciplinary research centre for energy, the environment and materials aims to stimulate sustainable technological developments for the government, industry and SMEs.
TF3: Surface treatment
TF4: Remediation technologies for soil pollution
TF7: Micro array technology
• Strategic Policy Supporting Research (SPR)
TF6: Reactor technology
Chapter III.4 – 74
A small proportion of the strategic research comprises (exploratory) technological research: this concerns completely new fields of technology or techniques in which Vito does not yet have any experience but which could become interesting in the long term and might replace current fields of technology or techniques.
Strategic research within the I & R division
“Powder processing methods” focuses on the development of innovative, economic and environmentally-friendly ceramic and powder metallurgical products, which can be valorised with patents or industrial contract research. The design of dense and porous (membranous and foam structures) ceramic components, produced by wet processing methods (biogel casting, slurry coating and solid free forming) is the core activity. The development of chemical and thermally stable nano-filtration and pervaporation membranes with high flux and high selectivity is another important activity. Internally, this supports the technological field ‘Water management’, but externally there is also a clear demand for the treatment of difficult process flows. The development of a new proton conductor for a methanol fuel cell (cf. “Innovative Decentralized Energy Systems”) is the third objective in this technological field.
In support of this, further, more thorough technological and scientific research must be carried out for a number of crucial components which are still being developed. Fuel cells, in general and PEM fuel cells in particular for stationary or mobile applications, were selected for this purpose. The aim is for Vito to develop a reference centre in Flanders for fuel cells. In addition, this decision creates the possibility of cooperation between energy specialists (ETE) and material specialists (MAT, PRO).
The field of technology “Surface treatment” is the logical continuation of earlier successful developments in the field of plasma treatments in vacuum. Strategic research of this type is transferred from tribological coatings on components (which has now become almost entirely contractual research) to the development of coatings with a broad range of functionalities, including those for micro and nano-applications. This corresponds with the worldwide interest in nano-technology and nano-structures. Surface treatments under atmospheric pressure are the new core activity in this field of technology. Specifically, it concerns the development, testing and optimalising of a prototype line for the treatment of foils, textiles or fibres with atmospheric plasmas, the development or aerosol-assisted plasma polymerization, the laser-assisted cladding with hybrid techniques and laser hardening with diode lasers. Obviously the result of a surface treatment must also be evaluated against the required specifications. The development or completion of specific testing methods, usually in a European context, is therefore also included. There are two Vito grants for doctorates in this field of technology.
• it can be exported by the Flemish industrial players;
• it is accepted in Flanders (by OVAM) and can be implemented;
The technological field “Innovative Decentralized Energy Systems” focuses on system integration of components in combined decentralized energy systems (electricity or heat) in which energy efficient (renewable or new) sources play an important role. This is reflected in the development of simulation packages and control and monitoring systems.
• Strategic supportive tasks (SST) are needed to maintain or acquire knowledge in support of the above-mentioned tasks. In principle, this is research which attracts no or very few external financial resources for the additional support of these supportive tasks.
The aim of the technological field “Remediation technologies for soil pollution” for the next four years is to expand the experience and knowledge of cleaning technology in situ, both for the government, and for research agencies and the cleaners themselves, and transfer this knowledge so that:
• Exploratory strategic research (ESR)
For the conceptual aspect, the main activities are the closed cycle – the ultimate method of saving water – and the evaluation of the potential for saving water in every industrial sector. The latter was initiated in 2001 in the EU project TOWEFO with a case study for the textile sector. The technological aspect continues the developmental work in the field of membrane filtration processes (focusing particularly on recycling water), with the Eureka project B-Ware, amongst others. On the other hand, this aspect initiates two important new projects, the Membrane bioreactors and Concentrate treatment via hybrid processes. Both are divided into a feasibility stage which may or may not be followed by tests on a pilot scale.
The sixth field of technology, “Reactor technology” will concentrate in the next few years on:
• the development of knowledge to carry our feasibility studies and technical/economic evaluations in connection with the optimalisation of processes for a maximum useful output and a minimum environmental pollution. In the first instance, this implies simulations with commercially available software packages (ASPEN) or software packages
• the development of specific alternative reaction and separation techniques for the chemical sector. The first current example of this (Vito doctorate grant) is the development of a catalytic membrane reactor for enantio-selective homogenous catalysis, linked to nano-filtration. It is hoped that a decision can be taken in mid 2003 regarding a possible second specific project, on the basis of a round of inventories and surveys to start in 2002;
In addition, the research will focus on new technologies or on the improvement of existing technologies. Specifically the various working packages (of which a significant number are already partly contained in EU contracts of the 5th framework programme) relate to gas factories and creosote sites, BTEX-polluted soil, VOCL cleaning operations with zero valent iron in reactive walls, sites polluted by petroleum with a special focus on MTBE, the practical realisation and monitoring of the precipitation of heavy metals in ground water and the development of a multibarrier concept, in which different wall materials and physical and chemical or biological processes are combined to purify ground water with mixed pollution downstream. In view of the fact that soil cleaning technologies are evolving very rapidly at an international level, the participation in European information networks such as Nicole, Caracas, Ancore, Nato-CCMS, EURB link and Schermennet is a conditio sine qua non for this field of technology. For the more fundamental aspects of the research, there is support from six Vito employees doing their doctorate.
• it contributes to the sustainable development of brownfields in urban areas (priority of the Government of Flanders and OVAM). This will be achieved by means of feasibility studies (at least twenty will be carried out every year as industrial contracts), and above all, by means of the development of pilot tests (minimum three per year) as carried out a few years ago with ex situ techniques.
“Water management” aims to present Vito with a more distinct and stronger profile in the immense and still growing water market. On the one hand, this will be achieved by strengthening the technological aspects, and on the other hand, by means of the complementary knowledge on the peripheral conditions and possibilities regarding the implementation of water management. The concrete activities consist of two working packages, the first focusing on the development and implementation of concepts and methodologies which contribute to sustainable water management, while the second, partly supported by the first aspect, is aimed at the development of innovative technologies in addition to the intelligent combination of existing technologies for innovative applications.
Chapter III.4 – 75
• the development of new industrial applications of supercritical fluids (started in 2000) with special attention for reaction and separation processes such as gas/liquid reactions, enzyme reactions (Vito doctorate grant), supercritical water reactions and extraction, fractioning, precipitation, crystallization;
The Measurement and Evaluation department groups various expertises related to the execution of scientific and technical measurements, in addition to the evaluation and interpretation of measurement results. Although the available expertise on environmental problems – and in general related to sustainable development – is also available for the provision of highly specialized services to industry (on a contractual basis and on condition that it is ethically justified), the Centre of Excellence primarily wishes to become a point of reference for the Government of Flanders. In other words, it wants the Government of Flanders to contact it to provide specialist services, as well as for the scientific support and basis of various policy measures.
The six technological fields (FT) of I&R are supplemented in terms of strategic research with:
• one Strategic Support Task (SST), viz., the Centre for Material Analysis,
under development (UMIST), which may or may not be combined with laboratory or semi pilot tests for the validation of the (partial) results.
Chapter III.4 – 76
In the technological field Environmental Toxicology (TOX), Vito is planning a substantial package of strategic technological research on the use of the existing micro array technology for the study of the effects of different forms of environmental pollution. With this technology a very large number of tests can be carried out simultaneously and virtually fully automatically, which is an important step forwards to arrive at reliable and statistically justified conclusions more quickly in biological research and services. Apart from the fact that this technology must be competitive at the level of research, there is also a very real chance that this development can be patented.
Strategic research in the M&E department
• one Strategic Task in Support of Policy (SPR) in connection with determining vehicle emissions, and •3 projects for Exploratory Strategic Research (ESR): – CO2 storage in the subsoil – Laser welding of synthetic materials and – Vito Nano-technology.
One essential condition for continuing to achieve this objective in a meaningful and efficient way is to regularly optimalise and renew the available range of technical and methodological possibilities by means of an adapted programme of strategic research. In view of the many different problems and the rate at which measurement techniques and evaluation methodologies are evolving, clear choices have to be made in this respect with regard to which developments Vito carries out itself, and which can be taken over from other places after being adapted to their own specific needs.
It is well known that there is a lively debate at a high level all over the world about the possible negative influences of non-ionizing radiation. For years, TOX has been the main contact in Flanders for advice for the various levels of government concerned. It is therefore obvious for TOX to focus at least part of its strategic research in support of policy on this subject. In particular, attention is devoted to the combined effects of non-ionizing radiation and chemical agents. A second project aims to develop a decision-making system for the government, which bases its technological choices on the ecological risks involved. The importance of these projects is sufficiently underlined by the fact that they will both be carried out in a very broad European cooperative venture. Finally it is expected that TOX will make important contributions to various risk evaluations and support the Government of Flanders in estimating the impact of environmental pollution on health. This can only be done successfully if the capacity for effect-oriented measurements on environmental samples and the knowledge of the relationship between pollution and the occurrence of various disorders are constantly extended and adapted to the most modern techniques and insights.
In terms of evaluation methodologies, attention is focused in the first place on the development of a methodology which makes it possible to evaluate the sustainability of products, processes and technologies on the basis of a scientifically supported ‘multi criteria approach’ which takes into account both the ecological and the economic and social aspects. It is clear that this is quite a challenge which must be carried out with the necessary scope: after all, this is still fairly virgin territory and it is necessary to take into account the growing interest of the government. It is only normal that in addition, the existing evaluation tools are also constantly optimalised, refined and adapted to the latest insights and that everything should be validated with test cases if necessary. This applies for life cycle analysis, ecodesign, dynamic analysis of substance flows, emission reduction strategies, the transportation of pollutants in ground water and risk assessment. This last aspect in particular, which is steadily becoming more important both in industry and for the government, demands great efforts because of its extreme complexity. In this respect the development of a methodology making it possible to determine the reliability of these risk evaluations is absolutely essential.
One special project concerns the research in support of policy on fine dust particles. It is special in the sense that it has attracted the explicit interest of the Government of Flanders. This is not surprising in view of the worldwide growing awareness that fine dust particles entail an important risk for public health, though this risk is still insufficiently defined and therefore the control still leaves a lot to be desired. It is also special because it exceeds the boundaries of a centre of expertise. MIM, TOX, TAP, and IMS each make essential contributions on the basis of their own expertise and this should ultimately lead to an integrated and scientifically based approach. MIM is responsible for preparing, testing and validating sampling and measurement equipment, TOX for toxicological characteri-
Chapter III.4 – 77
The rapid developments in teledetection and products derived from this, and the enormous attention and efforts devoted in national, European and international programmes to this subject are probably the best indicators of the growing interest in this centre of expertise. If Vito is to be the centre of reference in Flanders and Belgium for the processing and archiving of teledetection data, as indicated above, the institute will have to ensure that it has all the current resources, knowledge and techniques as well as those required in the future. With this goal in mind, M&E is planning a detailed set of strategic research projects, from the participation in the development of new types of sensors, to the development of high resolution imaging methodologies and efficient archiving techniques. The future market value of all these efforts is revealed by the unusually high level of external financial participation. For the environmental measurements, a boom is expected in the near future, as well as an intense interest on the part of the government to trace and monitor polybromide biphenyls and polybromide biphenyl ethers. Both of these groups of substances (like dioxins, each group is a complex collection of a very large number of isomers with strongly varying degrees of toxicity) were often used in the past as fire inhibitors in the casing of electronic equipment which is spread out over a large area. Although the toxicological research on this is still in its infancy, there are already clear and disturbing indications. They are persistent, lead to bioaccumulation and have different toxic effects on both vertebrates and invertebrates. The current trend to recycle this sort of equipment as far as possible, so that the plastic is ground up and reprocessed undoubtedly leads to environmental problems – both in the workplace and in the environment. Vito plans research at the analytical level to be able to answer questions in this context. The rest of the analytical research efforts are more concerned with short-term projects related to the preparation and/or optimalisation of various sampling and analysis procedures for emission, immission and workplace measurements, or in connection with the evaluation of new measurement techniques for their applicability for environmental measurements. It is self evident that where possible these new developments will be validated by participating in ring tests or certification exercises at the European level.
•Project group: electrical techniques After the development of electronic ballasts for exterior lighting (ELGADI in 2000), attention is now focused on protecting the acquired know-how (e.g., with patents and targeted contractual research) and the start of new projects to develop electronic ballasts for the new capacities or types of lamps (other systems for using daylight).
Therefore the strategic research of M&E comprises: 1 technology field (FT) 17 strategic support tasks (SST) 7 strategic tasks in support of policy (SPR) Contract research
The Thermo-technical Laboratory (TL) has a central place in this project, with strategic research into the monitoring of thermal systems (ISOC), and a start on strategic research into fuel cells. As a service provider for industry, this project group also carries out Energy Potential Scan (EPS) studies. The project group also plays an important role in the Government of Flanders’ programme to support demonstration projects for new energy technology, viz., the conversion of energy (especially combined heat and power) and renewable energy (solar collectors, photovoltaic energy, wind energy, biomass, the storage of cold/heat).
In addition to their own strategic research, the research departments also carry out contract research, usually at the expertise centre level. Every research department consists of 4 expertise centres: Measurement and evaluation Innovation and renovation
The centre of expertise for Energy Technology (ETE) supports the producers of energy, the builders of equipment, the final consumers and the government in their attempts to achieve a rational use of energy and the best possible use of the available or renewable energy sources, focusing on sustainable technological development and a reduction of the environmental impact. The most important tasks of this centre of expertise are carried out in four project groups.
•Project group: thermal techniques
zation, and for the research into the relationship between internal doses or effects and external exposure, TAP and IMS for the modelling of emissions and transport, the design of a dynamic exposure model and as an assessment, the link with traffic models for the evaluation of local mobility plans for their environmental impact. The aims of this project are broad and ambitious and there are great expectations.
Environmental measurements (MIM) Energy technology (ETE) Remote sensing and atmospheric processes (TAP) Environmental technology (MIT) Integral environmental studies (IMS) Process technology (PRO) Environmental toxicology (TOX)Materials technology (MAT)
Chapter III.4 – 78
•Project group: surface technology
III.4 – 79
For the Material Technology (MAT) centre of expertise, the basic task consists of the introduction and implementation of innovative materials and related processes in industry. These activities always focus on the sustainable use of materials. In this centre of expertise, there are a number of technological project groups and one supporting group.
In future, the project will focus even more on industry, with regard to the factors which influence actual energy consumption and emissions. For this, it will cooperate with “Flanders Drive”, while at the European level, the EUCAR organisation will be an important partner. VOEM and E2trac continue to be essential partners for the execution of these projects.
The core of this project group is the “Centre of Expertise for Underground Energy Sources”, which was established in 1966. The main task of the centre of expertise was initially to draw up and update the geological and mining archives of Mijnen NV, and their use as the basis for new projects. This task has now been extended with research into alternative possibilities for using the Flemish underground resources: extracting gas from coal beds, the underground storage of greenhouse gases such as CO2, and recycling underground areas for the storage of natural gas or problem materials. This project group also deals with activities related to the storage of energy in shallow ground. The storage of cold/heat in aquifers was reduced and transferred to the spin-off IF Flanders.
•Project group: ceramic materials and powder metallurgy
This project group has a unique infrastructure and expertise in the field of conventional powder processing methods (powder conditioning, pressing, sintering and processing) of Chapter
This centre of expertise cooperates closely with the Flanders Laser Centre, which has been fully operational since June 2001. Flanders now has a highly efficient laser demonstration centre (at the European level), located at Vito. Businesses can go there to evaluate laser technologies for their applicability in the production process. Close partnerships with the other parties concerned in Flanders (BIL, WTCM, CRM, and OCAS/CLUSTA) will further strengthen these opportunities for valorisation.
•Project group: vehicle technology
•Project group: Underground energy sources
In recent years this group has valorised in industry, knowledge acquired with regard to surface treatments with the use of vacuum-supported and atmospheric plasma processes (PACVD processes, DLC technology), wet chemical “sol-gel” methods and sputtering and evaporation techniques. The applications focus on deposits of coatings, and etching and activating surfaces. This expertise is maintained and developed in the context of the strategic research that is planned.
•Project group: laser applications
This centre of expertise is also a world leader in the field of in situ soil cleaning. It is also active with regard to the problems of waste, air and water pollution.
The activities of this supportive project group comprise advice and supervision, expertise, microstructure research and mechanical and tribological tests. There is advice and supervision for other project groups within Vito, as well as for the Flemish industry. This project group started with a virtual tribological network which unites the main European research groups in this field. It is still active in this respect.
•Project group: waste and air The waste and air project group focuses on the needs of industry and SMEs with regard to the problems of odour emissions and processing waste. This group focuses exclusively on providing services, and will cooperate closely with the MIM centre of expertise for emission measurements and the description of waste in terms of environmental hygiene, and with TAP for modelling the dispersion of pollutants in the air.
• Supporting project group: Centre for advice and analysis of materials (CMA2)
• objective technological, ecological and economic supervision of industry and the government for the solution of environmental problems;
•Project group: soil In recent years, test systems have been developed (in laboratories and for pilot studies) to clean up soil ex situ. These are now being extended with newly developed tests for in situ cleaning-up operations (such as an evaluation test for reactive walls).
•the promotion, demonstration and advice on the logistic, and above all, technological support of companies and SMEs, for the introduction of environmentally-friendly and economically justified production and management techniques;
Instrengthened.addition,the centre of expertise cooperates with industry on industrial processes in the aluminium industry, to improve the processes and develop innovative systems to monitor the smelting processes. The technology developed will be valorised: with measurements in industrial smelting (continuing the PROCIAS project) by in situ Na generation, the so-called COSMA system is fully operational by valorising the know-how in the field of sensors for liquid Al.
The mission of the “Process technology” (PRO) centre of expertise is to support industrial product and process innovation in the fields of membrane processes and supercritical fluid reactors, and is active in process optimalisation - in particular with regard to sustainable water and energy consumption.
Chapter III.4 – 80
ceramic materials. A number of large Flemish companies have an interest in this. The cooperation with other parties involved in this field (WTCM, TNO Industry) will also be
The Environmental Technology (MIT) centre of expertise aims to serve as a centre of reference in Flanders for:
• the development and valorisation of new industrial technologies for the purification of (waste) water, and cleaning polluted soil and sediment (silt).
Chapter III.4 – 81
To achieve this aim, the activities are organised into six project groups. Three groups study the total environmental impact of products and of the technological developments, processes and systems. The other three respectively examine in detail the impact on the environmental aspects, air, water and soil, and the impact of waste.
The task of the product group is to test the concept of total chain management in practice (the management of product chains and materials on the basis of the sustainable use of raw materials and energy), and introduce them in industry and government policy. In connection with this, research is carried out and recommendations are formulated on questions in the field of “technology and society” in the context of sustainable technological development (STD). In this respect, the emphasis is on life cycle analysis, analyses of material flows and “technology assessment”.
•Project group: process optimalisation
• Project group: BAT centre of expertise/EEIS
The project group on reactor technology is building up specific know-how on the use and application of supercritical fluids (SCF).
This group identifies the optimal technical-economic-ecological management of water and/or energy in industrial processes and presents the “best practices” for their technical execution. Two aspects have been selected for the implementation of the research projects: pinch analysis (focusing on water and energy) and process simulation (separation techniques).
The project group focuses on the promotion and demonstration of membranes and membrane processes in industry, in Flanders and in Europe. The strategic research concentrates, above all, on ceramic nano-filtration, in particular on the development of a ceramic nano-filtration membrane. A chemically stable top and medium layer, at first on an in house developed support material, later on commercially available tubular membranes.
The Integral Environmental Studies (IMS) centre of expertise develops and implements integrated evaluation methods and management concepts with a view to the sustainable use of raw materials, energy and the environment. It aims to serve as a centre of reference in Flanders for environmentally-friendly product development and integrated chain management, Best Available Technologies and Cleaner Production, for supporting the energy and environment policy with regard to air, water, soil and waste, and as the Flemish platform for disseminating electronic information on energy and the environment to the relevant parties in society.
•Project group: reactor technology
•Project group: product and technology studies
This is the appropriate centre for advice and reference in Flanders in the field of clean technology, and serves as a catalyst for a modern industrial environmental policy. In ad-
•Project group: membrane technology
dition, the group supports the Energy and Environment Information System (EEIS), which collects and processes key data related to energy and the environment, and makes them available to industry, the government, research institutes, and the general public.
With the help of various models (including Markal), this project group provides services for government and industry on environmental and energy planning and analyses in support of policy, with an emphasis on the reduction of emissions.
• Project group: risk evaluation and the cost of environmental damage
• Project group: soil and water pollution
The project group serves as an important link between industry and government, as an independent advisory body for setting standards, description of environmental hygiene and the evaluation of a growing number of “prospective secondary raw materiInals”.the short term, activities will focus on policy-oriented tasks related to the regulations on secondary raw materials.
Chapter III.4 – 82
• Project group: strategies for the reduction of emissions
This project group collects together the activities related to soil and water pollution. The group has extensive expertise in this field, inter alia, in the field of: – cleaning polluted soil and soil examination, carried out in accordance with the current legislation (Flemish decree on cleaning the soil and Vlarebo); – advice and studies in the context of the application of Vlarem and Vlarea; – hydrogeological model studies; – cooperating with MER studies in the disciplines, water and soil; – carrying out hydrological studies; – determining the risks of the spread of pollution by ground water.
Permanent quality control and updating the information provided is of strategic importance for the EEIS.
This project group develops methods to evaluate the consequences of environmental pollution on man and nature, and applies them in a client-oriented way. Spearhead fields include soil, water and air pollution, as well as the costs of environmental damage related to energy and air pollution. The focus of the activities lies on determining levels of exposure, risk assessment and quantification/assessment of the effects. In the short term, the project group aims to consolidate its current expertise and position in the two spearhead fields: soil pollution and the costs of environmental damage related to energy. In the medium term, the aim is for a selective increase in the fields of application of risk evaluation (more pollutants and effects), and an increase in expertise (modelling, effects, evaluation).
The centre of expertise for Best Available Techniques (BAT centre of expertise) is responsible for collecting and evaluating information on “clean techniques” and passing it to the Government of Flanders and industry.
The Energy and Environment Information System (EEIS) actively collects and processes information on energy for environmentally related subjects. It then disseminates this information to a broad range of interested parties mainly via the Internet (http://www.emis.vito.be).
• Project group: Waste materials and Secondary Raw Materials
In conjunction with its tasks as a reference laboratory, Vito also established the Certification and Inspection Service Certipro ®. This was done on the basis of the need for the recognition of qualitatively and technologically valuable products for the environment.
The main tasks of the Environmental Measurements (MIM) centre of expertise are to “measure and analyse environmental pollution”. In the Flemish context, this is done in concrete terms in its task as a reference laboratory, especially for the inventory of environmental problems, advice and the quality control for the recognition of private laboratories. To consolidate its role as a reference laboratory, it is necessary to continue and expand the current Beltest accreditation. In the European context, the centre of expertise aims to serve as a preferred contact point for the European programmes on environmental analysis. This centre of expertise has four project groups.
• Project group: gas analysis
The focus of Certipro ® is to draw up a suitable certification schedule for every product to be certified, so that the requirements respond to existing or expected standards, as well at the European as the national and regional levels. Certipro ® aims for a good inspection and certification of technological environmental products. This started with the inspection and certification of small scale water purification facilities (KWZI’s) up to 50 IE as the first product type. The inspection procedure for these systems has a place in the European directive on building directives, and the recognition is reflected in the BENOR trademark. For this, Certipro® depends on its cooperation with WTCB, PROBETON and BCCA, amongst other things, to carry out its tasks as the BENOR certification institute for KWZI’s. It is clear that in the future, Certipro ® will continue to expand its range of product types, for example, with the inspection of fertiliser processing plants, but also with assistance in establishing energy benchmarking, leaching tests on roofing, reprocessing car tyres, etc.
In the medium term, this project group will provide expertise for the characterization of residual materials and for establishing product assessment systems.
The strategy of this project group is also to remain at the top as a reference laboratory, in the Flemish and European context. This also requires a constant improvement in the existing methods or in the development of new methods of analysis accompanied by an extremely alert approach to the quality and reliability of the results produced.
The strategy of the “gas analysis” project group will mainly continue the line of research of the last few years. An important emphasis lies on the development of its own research with regard to sampling by diffusion and indoor air pollution. With regard to guaranteeing quality, the group will assess the feasibility of an accredited quality label for the organisation of ring tests.
• Project group: organic analyses
The strategy of the “Anorganic analyses” project group is to remain at the top as an environmental laboratory in the Flemish and European context. This aim assumes a constant improvement in the existing methods or in the development of new methods of analysis, and an extremely alert approach to the quality and reliability of the results that are produced. External services are provided only in so far as they are of a specialist nature, or are directly linked to the group’s own analytical research.
Chapter III.4 – 83
• Project group: anorganic analyses
Chapter III.4 – 84
The Remote Sensing and Atmospheric Processes (TAP) centre of expertise aims to make a sustainable and internationally recognised contribution to the modelling of terrestrial and atmospheric processes and the use of teledetection to monitor the environment. Increasingly, the emphasis is on the added value of earth observations with the maximum distribution and integration of these products in research, environmental monitoring and policy-oriented studies. The centre of expertise comprises three project groups.
• Project group: imaging
• Project group: air analysis
• Project group: teledetection
The Teledetection project group develops, demonstrates and implements applications for the observation of the earth for environmental monitoring in projects for the government and industry, in Belgium and abroad. The project group mainly conducts research into the use of teledetection for identifying land cover, estimating the productivity of crops, evaluating changes in land use, and the impact of environmental disruption or human intervention on vegetation.
The strategy of this project group primarily consists of carrying out research into new problems related to air pollution confronting the Government of Flanders and providing a scientific basis for policy. The most important research lines are the research into dioxins in industrial emissions and the environment, odour research and research into ammonia and fine dust. In addition, there is an important task with regard to the acquisition of industrial (and government) commissions to carry out measurements on emissions. For several years, the nuisance caused by odours has been an important focus of attention.
The “Environmental toxicology” centre of expertise aims at becoming a recognised information centre for monitoring public health in Flanders in relation to environ-
The Atmospheric Processes project group models and evaluates the quality of the air at a local, urban and regional level in projects for government and industry and also valorises the technology at an international level. The focus of attention in the environmental policy is increasingly moving towards ozone and the emission of particles and for Flanders, it is especially on the dioxin problem. The continued development of the urban model AURORA is a strategically important project in this respect.
• Project group: atmospheric processes
This project group is developing and exploiting facilities for the processing and archiving of teledetection data in image form, with technical and scientific added value, with a quality guarantee, a client-friendly service and an international reputation. The main activity is the exploitation of the ground sector for imaging and archiving of SPOTVGT, and the coordination of the whole image production. In addition, improvements are made to the production chain, and to the image products for second generation sensors (SPOT-VGT2 - launch in 2002). In the short and medium term the aim is to extend the services to other sensors, both aeroplane sensors and sensors for satellites. There is an important role for Vito, with the GMES (Global Monitoring of the Environment and Security), a European initiative, and with Earth Watch.
Since 1997, this subsidy has served to promote and support technological research at institutes of higher education in Flanders (HOBU fund). This had a twofold aim. Firstly, to promote and valorizationvalorise research at Flemish institutes of higher education. Secondly, the project aims to give (mainly small) businesses an opportunity to remain informed about developments in their sector through these institutes of higher education.
Chapter III.4 – 85
mental pollution, and conducts research into the effects and risks of environmentally dangerous materials for ecosystems and public health. The centre’s research is mainly focused on the technological innovation of effect-oriented measurements in man and the environment.
• Project group: eco-toxicology
The activities of this centre of expertise are divided into two project groups.
BA 41.04 IWT grant for research at Institutes of higher education
The management of this HOBU fund was assigned to the IWT, which also worked out the modalities. Through this Fund the Flemish institutes of higher education receive support for technological research projects with a clear economic and/or social valorisation potential. A project should be relevant for a group of at least three companies (mainly SMEs) which are actively involved in the project. The institute of higher education will look for technological opportunities and translate them for application in the companies concerned. A project runs for at most two years, with a budget of a maximum of 309,867 EUR. Since the establishment of this fund, six calls for proposals have already been launchedin January 1997, February and November 1998, December 1999 and November 2000. For the first three years, the Government of Flanders made 4.214 million EUR available for this programme every year. The budget was raised to 5.925 million EUR in 2000. In these years, 86, 46, 48 and 61 files were submitted respectively, of which 20 were finally selected for funding by the IWT in 1997 and in 1998, 18 in 1999, 26 in 2000, and 24 in The2001.credits allocated for 2002 remain unchanged compared to the previous year, viz., 5.949 million EUR.
This project group aims to be the reference centre for the Flemish authorities to provide scientific and technical supervision for a preventive environmental health policy in Flanders. The current research into the causal mechanisms in the relationship between pollution and health is directed towards: – the relationship between the increase of asthma and allergies and the exposure to pollutants; – the effects of non-ionising radiation; – harmful hormonal elements and their influence on reproduction.
The key task of this project group is to trace and evaluate the effects of substances on organisms in the environment. In addition, these eco-toxicity tests are also used (under GLP conditions) to assess the environmental safety of products.
• Project group: health
Chapter III.4 – 86
During the course of 2001, an analysis of the HOBU fund was carried out. This examined whether the initiative should be made available for other topics.
This chapter describes the most important initiatives taking place in policy fields other than organisation division 71. This serves to support and outline the policy.
5. Economics, Employment, Home Affairs and Agriculture
OA 11 Chancellery and Information Administration Programme 11.3 Chancellery BA 12.04 – Research, study and expertise costs related to state reform
The seven departments are: 1. Coordination 2. General Affairs and Finance
The government manifesto of the Government of Flanders states that at the institutional level, steps must be taken to make changes in the administration in Flanders. In particular, the Government of Flanders aims to modify the distribution of powers between the federal and Flemish levels of government. This should increase the administrative strength of the institutions. The starting points for this should be: responsibility, subsidiarity and solidarity.
3. Education 4. Welfare, Public Health and Culture
Chapter III.5 – 87 Chapter – III.5
However, it should be pointed out that organisation division 33 of the Education Department is also part of the “actual science policy” from 2002, together with organisation division 71. This is explained in detail in Chapter III.6. The usual order of departments was followed here because of the distribution of the administrative budget.
The
The discussion follows the structure of the administrative budget for each department.
6. Environment and Infrastructure
7. Science, Innovation and Media
1. COORDINATION DEPARTMENT
The Special acts of 13 July 2002 are the legal reflection of the Lambermont Agreement and introduce important changes for the powers and funds of the Communities and Regions. Sectoral Science Policy
In the Flemish context, equal opportunities is a relatively new policy area (1995). Supporting research and the collection of data is therefore a priority for the continued expansion of this policy area, which is also becoming more important at the international level. There is a need for a permanent input for the preparation and support of policy, as well as building up clear expertise and creating an identifiable contact point.
BA 12.02 – Expenditure with regard to research 0.496 million EUR is allocated to this BA for research.
• The presentation of data and information to support the operation of the ‘Equal Opportunities in Flanders’ unit
Equal opportunities are a new basic condition of democracy. The equal opportunities policy is aimed at revealing the actual inequalities in society, and discussing, and above all, removing them. It is important to prevent new inequalities from being created, and therefore implicit and explicit thresholds are identified on the basis of research, the tracing and the establishment of reporting centres, and the collection and processing of (measurement) data on actual inequality.
On 8 June 2000, the Government of Flanders in principle gave its approval (VR/2000/ 0806/DOC0503) to the main lines for the reform of the programme on policy-oriented research. It was decided to fund these in a structural way in fields or subjects which are considered to have priority by the Government of Flanders. This structural funding is organised in 12 support centres, including the Support Centre for the Equal Opportunities Policy. Management agreements running for five years are concluded with the Support Centres, the first running for the period 2001 – 2006. From 2002, the Support Centre receives 0.248 million EUR per year from Equal Opportunities (up to 2006).
Currently the Flemish equal opportunities policy is working with six groups: women, homosexuals, lesbians and bisexuals, the handicapped, the elderly and children.
• Structuring research relevant to policy in order to create continuity in the collection of data and information related to relevant topics
Research focusing on problems which are relevant to policy is the most important task of a support centre. In addition, it collects data and provides scientific services for the govTheernment.following objectives were specifically drawn up for the Support Centre for the Equal Opportunities Policy:
Chapter III.5 – 88
This new step in state reform helps to achieve some of the important aims of the government manifesto, though other points concerning state reform remain on the agenda for this legislative period, such as the big differences in expenditure between Flanders and Wallonia with regard to health care. Consequently, there is a need for permanent reflection on the desirable development of Flemish autonomy and for permanent studies and research to put the legal rules into practice. Studies and research are commissioned on the basis of agreements. The main beneficiaries are universities and scientific institutes which are concerned with the political structure of the federal state of Belgium and its federated states.
Programme 11.4 The Equal Opportunities Policy
The interests which apply to Flanders comprise the creation of prosperity, acquiring a certain impact on the international decision- making process, and making a contribution to international stability. Furthermore, Flanders would like to present itself with its own cultural identity and reveal a high degree of openness to cultural diversity.
•To put an end to the fragmentation of this aspect of policy by drawing up an inclusive policy
The research programme must devote attention to the various target groups, though emphasising the target group of women. The researchers were given the following indication as regards the distribution of the programme amongst the various target groups:
Chapter III.5 – 89
The Flemish Foreign Policy is therefore based on the following mission statement: “To give Flanders a face in the world by promoting its interests and defending basic human values as far as possible. Within the scope of its competence, Flanders aims to achieve a better Europe and help to draw up an international policy focusing on sustainable, ecological and economic prosperity and social justice in the North and South.”
In the Support Centre for Equal Opportunities the five following target groups will be promoted: women, homosexuals, lesbians and bisexuals, immigrants, the elderly and children.
• homosexuals, lesbians and bisexuals: 20%
• women: 40% • immigrants: 20%
BA 12.40 Research and studies with regard to Flemish foreign policy Research projects related to Flemish foreign policy are funded at the expense of this basic allocation. In recent years this has concerned both the funding of specific scientific projects and the co-funding of projects in the context of the Programme for Policy-oriented Research.
•To create added value on the basis of an interdisciplinary approach and the interuniversity character of research
• The continued institutionalisation of existing “embryos”, such as women’s studies, to increase the efficiency of research and its PR value in relation to society
•To create continuity in the scientific attention devoted to equal opportunities and to expand the existing expertise in this field
• the elderly and children: 20% Research into the target group of the handicapped is funded by the Flemish Fund for the Social Integration of the Handicapped. In addition to the 0.248 million EUR for the Support Centre for the Equal Opportunities Policy, the other 0.248 million will be invested in separate commissions for Scientific Research. Subjects which do not fit in the proposed topics of the Support Centre, but which are important for policy, will be met by Equal Opportunities in Flanders.
OA 12 Foreign Policy Administration Programme 12.1 General Foreign Policy
A policy which wishes to be successful must respond flexibly to the changing international situation, and must adopt an increasingly proactive approach in the creation of international coalitions and also have a strongly coordinating character. Flanders will only be able to function to its full potential in an international environment when the region is known and recognised.
Following the Nice Declaration, the European heads of state and government leaders indicated that they would like to start the broadest possible debate on the future of Europe, to prepare for the institutional reforms of the European Union. These institutional reforms are necessary to prepare the European Union for its expansion internally as well, and to improve its operation in the future. The Laken Declaration at the end of the Belgian Presidency should pave the way for the next intergovernmental conference which will draft these institutional reforms. This conference was planned for 2004, but will probably be held in the second half of 2003.
Chapter III.5 – 90
In 2002, research will mainly be funded for the preparation of the Flemish viewpoints for the Intergovernmental Conference of the EU in 2004. This research will take place during the period December 2001 – March 2003.
Flanders wishes to play an active role in the debate on the future of Europe and would like to present concrete proposals during the preparation of the intergovernmental conference. Therefore Flanders is appealing to the academic world to examine the different options for strengthening the role of the constitutional regions in the EU, to indicate the advantages and disadvantages of every option, and to take a broader look at the impact which possible changes in powers or institutional reforms could have for the competences of the constitutional regions. This research is carried out by researchers of the faculties of Law and Political Sciences of the Catholic University of Leuven and the University of Ghent.
This leads to two strategic objectives:
• the integration of policy preparation and monitoring in the global policy and management cycle;
Research will be carried out in the following areas: – Study and perspectives In order to adopt a future-oriented approach, it is very important that the Flemish authorities are informed in good time of future developments and the consequences they may have on the policy to be implemented.
OA 21 Planning and Statistics Administration
Chapter III.5 – 91
The mission for the policy domain “planning and statistics” is to provide the policy of the Government of Flanders with a strategic dimension and reliable and relevant information.
BA 12.02 – A variety of expenditure related to the activities and products for planning and Thestatisticscredit allocated to BA 12.02 amounts to 1,106,000 EUR in 2002. Approximately 500,000 EUR or 44% of the policy credit is intended for policy-oriented research and the organisation of surveys.
This requires the permanent monitoring of developments related to demographics (ageing population, reduction in family sizes, etc.), macro-economic developments (internationalisation, globalisation, etc.), changes in society (individualism, attention to sustainability, social networks, etc.), in the budgetary domain (growth perspectives, funding, etc.), and in the technological domain (telematics, innovation, etc.). The position of Flanders in an international context should also be monitored. These exploratory studies of the future must be translated into a number of alternative scenarios for a policy approach aimed at the future.
2. To provide the Flemish authorities promptly with high quality and relevant regional statistics to support their policy.
• the increasing use by the Flemish authorities of (validated) objective data in the best possible and justified way. Programme 21.1 comprises only one basic allocation.
2. GENERAL AFFAIRS AND FINANCE DEPARTMENT
1. To support the Government of Flanders in its strategic management, by carrying out the strategic planning process at the level of the policy domains and by means of the systematic and integrated monitoring of the intended policy effects.
Programme 21.1 Planning and Statistics
• stopping the Flemish authorities from implementing an ad hoc policy so that it incorporates a long-term perspective in its decisions and adopts an inclusive approach;
These strategic objectives are aimed at:
The first strategic objective is specifically intended for the Government of Flanders and its departments. The second objective also supports lower authorities.
This task first requires the collection of data, making it accessible, and subsequently the translation of the results into information which is relevant for policy. This requires longitudinal research, research into the causal links and the development of models. Scientific institutes are commissioned to carry out part of the research: this concerns specific topics in the context of exploratory studies of the future and the conceptual development of complex models to prepare and follow up policy. The research results can be used by government and its departments. – Methodology for strategic management Studies will be commissioned to explore the methodology for strategic planning and monitoring policy in greater detail. This is done on the basis of the evaluation of new techniques and the examination of examples abroad.
Up to now, detailed analyses of the source files (comparable to other scientific research and surveys in other countries) have been contracted out to universities (Programme for Policy-oriented Research – PBO). This continues to be necessary partly to optimise the cooperation between policy and scientific research, but in future the analyses will be focused more directly on the information needs of the government for its tasks to prepare and evaluate policy. In order to complete a number of missing parameters in the regional input/output model, information must be requested from companies regarding their intraregional trade, and about the importance of the branches in Flanders in the turnover as a whole, the added value and investments of the company. To do this, the approach adopted is based on random surveys. In order to counter the risk of over-surveying companies, a study that was planned earlier is being followed up (panel study on the demand of the employment market) in 10,000 Flemish branches. There is co-funding available for the additional questions and to extend the random survey plan (99,157 EUR).
– Survey Since 1996, the Government of Flanders has organized a survey every year (with 1,500 “face to face” interviews), surveying the attitudes, behaviour and expectations of the Flemish people. This longitudinal research is important for following up cultural changes and is an essential part of the social context in which the Government of Flanders has to develop initiatives. The questions should be presented using a justified methodology. In addition to quality control by a scientific committee of experts in scientific social research, limited tasks can be assigned to research centres to draw to validated measurement instruments (49,000 EUR). The fieldwork itself is completely contracted out and requires a budget of 185,920 EUR.
In 2002, there is also a possibility of an omnibus survey, which can cover various topics that are relevant to policy. 124,000 EUR are reserved for this to co-fund the policy areas concerned (contribution to a better and optimal use of statistics).
In this context, the recently recognised Support Centre for Administrative Organisation (Catholic University of Leuven, Ghent University and University of Antwerp) was recently offered co-funding of 0.248 million EUR, in particular, to provide a scientific framework for monitoring policy on the basis of indicators and for the further professionalisation and socialisation of policy.
Chapter III.5 – 92
The quality of the fieldwork should obviously be strictly controlled to ensure that the policy makers can base their decisions on data which are as reliable as possible.
OA Budgeting, Accounting and Financial Management Administration Programme 24.4 Direct debt
Indirect debts are the capital repayments and interest which the Flemish Community takes on for loans taken out by other legal persons in public law, or by lower authorities. Active debt management based on negotiation and early repayments led to a significant return of premiums and reallocation of credit in both debt sectors, creating space in the budget for new iniBAtiatives.40.03 – Interest repayments of loans taken out by the universities and the University Hospital of Ghent to finance real estate investments In the 2002 budget, 2.2 million EUR was allocated for this item.
Direct debts are the loans, either taken out by the Flemish Community in the past to finance its own budget deficits, or contractually taken over by the Flemish Community from other legal persons in public law. The refinancing of these loans is also direct debt. In 1998, a significant proportion of the university loans (academic sector) were transferred to the direct debt of the Flemish Community in a single overall loan amounting to 215 million EUR. At the beginning of 2002, there is still an outstanding debt of 134.4 million EUR of this university loan transferred in 1998.
24
Chapter III.5 – 93
BA 21.05 – Interest on the universities’ loan (Academic sector) BA 91.05 – Repayment of capital on the universities’ loan (Academic sector) The fall in the debt also immediately resulted in a fall of the burden of interest. In the budget for 2002, 6.7 million EUR (payment of interest) and 28 million EUR (capital repayment) are allocated for these items. Programme 24.8 Indirect debt
Quite separately, there are a number of other measures aimed at the same optimalisation, such as the addition of the funds allocated to the Special Research Fund to this programme and the financial incentives for the special university institutes and the institutes for postgraduate education.
Chapter III.5 – 94
Sources: The Decree of 12 June 1991 related to the universities of the Flemish Community; the Decree of 18 May 1999 related to some public utilities institutes for postgraduate educa-
As indicated earlier, organisation department OA 33 and OA 71 determines the actual science policy – also see the following Chapter III.6. Programme 33.2 University Education Programme 33.2 concerns university students in Flanders, the Flemish universities, university researchers and some other institutes of academic education and research.
OA 33 Higher Education and Scientific Research Administration
the various methods of funding (operational subsidies, supplements to the legal employers’ contributions, investment subsidies, grants for social provisions), the government tries to achieve the best possible balance between the performance that is expected and the funds made available by the government. The Flemish government manifesto clearly states that the deficits in operational subsidies for the universities will have to be made up in the short term. In this context, these budgets have been structurally increased since the budget year 2000.
The Flemish authorities will maintain free access to university education, and continue to adopt the principle that the costs are largely covered by community funds.
The universities must therefore be provided with funds to respond adequately to the many changes in the scientific, technological, social and scientific fields: the “responsive univerThroughsity”.
In 2002, the university operational subsidies were no longer determined either on the basis of the number of students, and the subsidies continued to steadily increase. The existing funding arrangement for Flemish universities has changed, inter alia, with a view to optimising higher education, removing a number of financial anomalies and strengthening the basis of research. The budget in the next few years will also continue to freeze the funding arrangement to achieve a comprehensive review of the funding of higher education.
3. EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
In the interests of society, universities work both in the fields of academic education and scientific research and scientific services. They have to achieve the best possible standards of excellence and interaction between these three dimensions of their task, which is imposed by decree. There is also a fourth dimension of their task, which has been insufficiently emphasised up to now: permanent education and lifelong learning.
Together with the universities, the government therefore works out a policy to provide affordable and high quality university provisions, which meet the present and future needs of mainly young Flemish people as far as possible, from an international perspective. The policy must continue to support an improvement in the quality of university education.
The budget for 2002 will continue to develop the policy options which formed the basis for the budget in 2001:
• operational funds for the transnational University of Limburg.
Chapter III.5 – 95
• the structural increase in the budget for the operational subsidies of the universities (the so-called basic funding);
tion, scientific research and scientific services; the draft decree on the revision of university funding in the Flemish Community and accompanying provisions approved by the Government of Flanders on 22 June 2001; the Flemish government manifesto; the September declaration of 25 September 2000.
The total credits for these BAs amount to 521.202 million EUR. The ordinary operational subsidies for the universities increased in 2002 by 14.569 million EUR, including the normal indexation.
BA 41.20, 41.27, 44.79, 44.81, 44.82, 44.85 and 44.86 – Operational subsidies for Flemish universities
In addition, this restructuring should serve as an impetus for improving the provision of academic education and the revision of the funding of Flemish universities.
• the improvement of the quality of academic education and the promotion of innovation, including the development of educational materials suitable for self-study and digital education;
•rnovation;estructuring funds in exchange for reoriented operational funds;
• additional funds are provided to strengthen academic research and for educational in-
The 8.198 EUR of additional operational subsidies for the reorganisation of academic education and scientific research, allocated to BA 44.91 (see below) must be added to this
• introducing the development of lifelong learning, retraining and in-service training and the creation of suitable learning environments for this (study and teaching materials, supervision and examinations);
Thecredit.operational subsidies contribute to covering the ordinary expenses for academic education, scientific research, scientific services, and the administration of Flemish universities.
The structural reform of higher education in Flanders should lead to more cooperation between the institutes of higher education and universities and to transparency and easily recognisable qualifications – with the emphasis on quality.
This transitional settlement contains its own emphases:
Improving university education is inextricably linked to the structural reform of higher education in accordance with the Bologna agreements, and with the revision of the funding arrangements for Flemish universities.
• optimalising the provision of academic education.
• the funding of the courses in biomedical sciences and communication sciences at the UIA;
On 22 June 2001, the Government of Flanders in principle approved the draft decree relating to the revision of the funding of the universities in the Flemish Community and accompanying provisions. This created a transitional arrangement from 2001 aimed at the overall revision of the funding arrangement for higher education.
• the structural increase in the budget for basic research at the universities (Special Research Fund);
• the various envelopes are determined independently of the students;
• existing anomalies in the funding arrangement continue to be removed;
The convention of 18 January 2001 between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Flemish Community of Belgium regarding the transnational University of Limburg (tUL) was ratified in a decree of 13 July 2001. On the basis of this convention, the tUL has access to its own operational subsidies, investment and social subsidies. A separate basic allocation is included for this in the budget for 2002.
To contribute to the creation of the University of Antwerp (UA), only the UA is funded for the time being. In the budget the basic allocations for the three universities of Antwerp are replaced by a single BA for the UA.
BA 44.92 – Subsidy for the Special Research Fund for the Universities Every university has a Special Research Fund (BOF) to fund groundbreaking research. This means that universities can implement an autonomous research policy and subsidise projects and mandates selected on the basis of intra-university competition. In every university the Research Council is responsible for the policy of the BOF.
BA 44.91 – Additional operational funds for the reorientation of academic education and scientific research – covenants This new basic allocation includes the funds which can be made available to the universities in covenants on the basis of the new funding arrangement to optimise education, educational innovation, and life long learning. This technique should make it possible to link the subsidies directly to the qualitative and quantative output, so that the institute receives only those funds which it deserves on the basis of its performance. This sum is the proportion of operational funds which remains after the distribution of the fixed funds and the money for correcting anomalies. Depending on the number and scope of the projects that are submitted, the universities receive their share. As this is linked to the submission of projects for several years, which must be evaluated, it was decided to opt for a split credit. The credit for 2002 amounts to 8.198 million EUR.
The subsidy amounts to 89.914 million EUR. In order to strengthen groundbreaking research carried out on the initiative of the researcher, the funds for the BOF are increased by with an additional 4.958 million EUR, not including indexation, in the budget for 2002.
Chapter III.5 – 96
BA 40.73 – Subsidy for social provisions for students (Decree of 12 June 1991, Art. 140 bis) These social subsidies (13.781 million EUR) contribute to covering the costs of staff, operating costs, equipment, and the financial costs of the social provisions of students. This BA also covers the acquisition, establishment or expansion, rebuilding, maintenance and repairs of real estate used for social facilities.
The increase in this subsidy is a reflection of the government manifesto. Apart from one moment of reflection in 2000, the intention is to increase the BOF funds in the course of the following years. This is done to raise the total government expenditure on science, technology and innovation policy to a comparable level with, e.g., the Netherlands and Finland, i.e., government expenditure expressed as a percentage of the Gross Regional Product.
The funds for the Special Research Fund which were allocated to programme 71.2 are transferred to this basic allocation, retaining their destination. Together with the operational and investment subsidies, these funds form the basic funding of the universities. Therefore it is logical to combine these funds together in one programme.
The structural funding of the transnational University of Limburg is new.
In order to achieve this, part of the operational funds provided were separated and made available as an additional budget. This must be used to optimise the provision and innovation of education and lifelong learning. This is done with covenants, and the universities or university consortiums conclude result-related agreements with the government (also see BA 44.91 below).
BA 41.22, BA 41.26, BA 44.87 and BA 44.89
Chapter III.5 – 97
The Flemish government manifesto emphasises the importance of a decent working environment and infrastructure for the quality of education. Therefore the gap between the existing investment funds and requirements must be progressively closed.
BA 41.26 – Subsidies for the Free University of Brussels for the Institute for European Studies (IES) The increase in the basic subsidy for the IES is also based on the increase in the one-off subsidy for this special university institute, contained in the new funding decree. With a view to promoting higher academic education (e.g., in the context of lifelong learning), the original basic funding was increased on the other hand by 0.248 million EUR. The subsidy amounts to 1.003 million EUR.
These four BAs are briefly discussed below. They concern the two special university institutes IES and IOB and the two public utilities institute for postgraduate education, scientific research and scientific services VMS and ITG. The government used a new instrument for these four institutes: the management agreement. The idea behind this is that the government does not interfere with the day-to-day management, but does supervise the quality and effectiveness. In the course of the next few years the results of this method of monitoring should become clear. Meanwhile, at first sight it appears that both the ITG and the Vlerick Leuven Ghent Management School are successful in terms of student intake. For this reason, they are being given extra operational subsidies.
BA 41.22 – Subsidy for the Institute for Development Policy and Management (I.O.B.) and the college for developing countries. The subsidy for the IOB was increased, on the one hand by the one-off subsidy contained in the Decree of 12 June 1991 on the universities. This will increase every year. On the other hand, it is the result of the structural increase in the basic funding of the IOB contained in the new funding decree. The subsidy amounts to 1.579 million EUR.
The Vlerick Leuven Ghent Management School also receives an additional subsidy of 0.248 million EUR because of the success of its training and to provide incentives to offer postgraduate education and research. The subsidy amounts to 1.665 million EUR.
The ITG also receives an additional subsidy of 0.248 million EUR because of the success of the training and as an additional incentive to provide postgraduate education and research. The global subsidy amounts to 8.028 million EUR.
BA 60.12 – Capital transfers for real estate investments for university education
An investment credit of 22.024 million EUR is provided for the Flemish universities. This must be used for the expenses arising directly from the acquisition, establishment or expansion, rebuilding, maintenance and major repairs to real estate used for education, research, scientific services and administration. This includes the real estate used for heavy scientific equipment. The financial costs arising from loans for investments can also be paid with this.
BA 44.87 – Subsidy granted to the “Prins Leopold” Institute for Tropical Medicine, in Antwerp (Art. 169, Decree of 21 June 1991)
BA 44.89 – Subsidy for the Vlerick Leuven Ghent Management School (Decree of 18 May 1999)
BA 44.90 – Legal and conventional employers’ contributions for free universities (Decree of 12 June 1991, Art. 136) The legal and conventional employers’ contributions are increased by more than 1.4 million EUR, compared with 2001. This is also an effect of the structural one-off increase in the contribution in the new funding arrangement, to contribute to the increasing expenditure on group insurances by the free universities.
Chapter III.5 – 98
In order to enable this institute to continue to expand its educational programme in the context of permanent education and lifelong learning, and in order to stimulate basic scientific research, it was decided to increase the subsidy for this institute as well. The subsidy amounts to 0.124 million EUR.
BA 12.03 and 41.46
BA 64.17 – Capital transfers for real estate investments I.T.G.
On the basis of an agreement regarding the cooperation between, on the one hand, the Open University (Netherlands) and on the other hand, the Flemish universities and the Minister competent for education, Flemish students can enrol for courses of the Open University in the Netherlands under the same conditions as Dutch students. The Flemish universities have established six study centres in Flanders for the supervision and examination of Flemish students.
– Subsidy for the Martin Buber University Institute for the study of Judaism
BA 44.80 – Subsidies for the Faculty of Protestant Theology in Brussels
The increase in the investment credit of the ITG by 124,000 EUR is aimed at bringing the inadequate level of investments up to standard. The Institute is located in extremely old-fashioned and unsuitable buildings. In addition, the laboratories are in urgent need of modernisation to comply with the latest standards and safety requirements.
Subsidies are also given to the Faculty of Protestant Theology in Brussels (0.292 million BAEUR).44.88
The main tasks of these study centres are to supervise Flemish students, the organisation of examinations and the development of electronic study and learning materials. The costing mechanism is based on a one-off sum (12,394.7 EUR per study centre), and a variable component calculated on the basis of the number of enrolments with examinations rights. By restricting the fixed component to the advantage of the variable component, those centres which implement a dynamic policy to develop open higher education in the Flemish Community without leading to additional expenditure, are actively supported.
The Open University (OU) Netherlands is faced with a period of substantial changes. It will be a digital university, which will provide services to other (Dutch) universities. The OU is being transformed into a consortium for the creation of these services. The Flemish policy on higher distance education will be determined on the one hand by the path taken by this consortium and also by the concrete implementation of the main lines for the revision of university funding. After all, one of the aims of this revision is to stimulate educational innovation. In this it is important to take into account the new developments in higher education. For example, it is clear that distance education is no longer the exclusive domain of the traditional open universities, such as the Open University Netherlands. Almost all universities are now going into digital higher education (web-based applications), entering into strategic alliances (often with new providers) to position their courses in a new market of mainly “postgraduate lifelong learners”.
These BAs are intended for expenses incurred in the context of international cooperation. BA 12.02 provides 0.110 million EUR for staffing and operational costs for Belgium’s participation in international activities aimed at science policy. There is also 0.206 million EUR allocated to BA 41.46 for research into Dutch language and culture.
Programme 33.3 Coordination of Higher Education Policy
BA 40.10 – Subsidies for Open Higher Education
Chapter III.5 – 99
The credit for BA 41.01 (subsidies for international cooperation – still provided for cooperation with institutes of higher education abroad in 2001) is added to the subsidy of the Special Research Fund from 2002, with the proviso that these funds retain their purpose. Therefore these subsidies can still be used for research in a bilateral context related to educational innovation. The fact that they were added to the Special Research Fund means that it is possible to combine these funds with those for international scientific cooperation. This should above all promote transparency with regard to subsidies.
The credits for the BAs 40.01 and 40.11 in the HBPWB 2001 were reallocated. The funds to stimulate innovation in higher education (BA 40.11) were added respectively to the operational funds for institutes of higher education and for universities. They were added to the sum provided for the innovation of education, its optimalisation and lifelong learning. It is these funds which are available for projects submitted by institutes of higher education and universities on the basis of covenants aimed, inter alia, at educational Thereforeinnovation.thesefunds no longer form part of this programme. Nevertheless, there are still funds available for the stimulation of higher education: because of the addition to the operational funds, the range of available funds has increased significantly so that this objective can be retained.
The credits allocated in this programme for international cooperation projects at the level of higher education can serve to cover the development costs together with the institutes concerned on a contractual basis.
In addition, there is more and more cooperation between universities and institutes of higher education within particular countries or regions, with or without the cooperation of the private sector.
BA 12.01 – A variety of expenditure related to statistics, data management and education Inindicators2002,the total credits amount to 0.803 million EUR. Approximately 60% of the budget or 0.485 million EUR is spent on current educational agreements.
• Research is carried out in the context of INES (International Indicators of Education Systems), an OECD project on education indicators. This includes the PISA study (Programme for International Student Assessment) and a school survey (Network C).
The (future) education system with its greater flexibility, can only work well if the supervision of students is taken seriously. Therefore in the future there will have to be learning centres for this supervision – which will transcend the operation of the current Study Centres at the Flemish Universities. The development and expansion of these centres will be an important task for future associations.
Examples in other countries show that universities and institutes of higher education are increasingly cooperating to produce digital learning materials. They join international networks and consortiums to develop targeted course materials for the international market.
Taking these factors into account, the distinction between contact education and open education made in the Decree of 12 June 1991 is abolished. The future of open higher education cannot be seen separately from this global context (draft decree on the revision of the funding of the universities in the Flemish Community and accompanying provisions).
0A 39 Services of the Secretary-General Programme 39.2 Coordination of policy and data management
• The TIMSS study has been carried out for some years as part of the IEA project. The TIMSS Trend study will be carried out in 2003. This will survey two populations: the second year of the first grade of secondary education, and the fourth year of primary education. The latter was not surveyed in the past, which explains the increase in costs.
Preparations for this study will start in 2002 (the development of research instruments, pilot study).
The credits for this BA amount to 1.1 million EUR, of which 0.55 million is for science BApolicy.33.04 – Subsidy for new educational media
BA 12.06 – A variety of expenditure in the context of bilateral cooperation
The PISA study examined the competences of 15-year-old pupils in Flemish education in the areas of language, mathematics and cross-curricular competencies in the spring of 2000. The last analyses of the results were carried out in 2002 and feedback was provided to the participating schools. In addition, the PISA study first carried out in 2000, will be repeated in 2003. The necessary funds are required in 2002 to start work on this, e.g., for the collection of pilot data. The data collected in 2001 will be analysed in 2002 in Network C.
Good, adequate hardware and software are a necessary condition for the successful integration of ICT. In fact, clear objectives were formulated in this respect on the basis of the conclusions of the Lisbon Summit. Therefore the infrastructure programme will continue in 2002 and the necessary funds are provided for the purchase of infrastructure for schools and teachers, and for the training of lecturers themselves. The aim is to provide one multimedia PC per 10 pupils in 2002 – at least in secondary education and the three highest years of primary education. However, equipment will also be provided for nursery and the rest of primary education. The specific needs with regard to different subsidies are being examined (e.g., relatively more subsidies for schools with high concentrations of users, for special education, for BSO and TSO). In addition, the target group will be extended into adult education and centres for basic education.
In addition, part of the credits are for the annual publication on the education indicators. This tries to find a balance between what is considered relevant for policy at the Flemish level and the points of interest at the international level. As the two OECD publications, “Education at a Glance” and “Education Policy Analysis”, are the most important sources of comparison for education and training, they are purchased and distributed in large numbers amongst policy makers and academics.
The total credit for this BA amounts to 27.021 million EUR. In 2001 the available credits amounted to 25.781 million EUR. The increase in the credits for infrastructure programmes by 1.24 EUR serves to integrate education in the information society at an accelerated rate.
In order to achieve the objectives of international education policy, the Government of Flanders makes funds available for the mobility of individuals (mobility grants). These cover the travelling expenses of Flemish researchers who go abroad for short periods for education or research. The accommodation expenses of foreign researchers in Flanders are also Bursariespaid. in the context of bilateral agreements are awarded in accordance with the working programmes for their execution. They determine the number of bursaries to be awarded, and the general and financial conditions. These conditions are the same for every country and are determined in a decision of the Government of Flanders of 27 March 1991. The number of bursaries to be awarded varies from country to country.
Chapter III.5 – 100
Experience in other countries shows that merely making the equipment available to the schools must be accompanied by an active policy of support for teachers. They must have the necessary basic knowledge to integrate ICT in their teaching. In permanent education ICT will gradually be introduced to organise distance education.
41.43 – Subsidy for educational policy and practice-oriented scientific research (OBPWO) Every year there is a call for proposals. This is done on the basis of priority topics regulated in accordance with the “Decision of the Government of Flanders to arrange the procedure for the projects of educational policy and practice-oriented scientific research” of 7 September 1994. Educational policy and practice-oriented scientific research (OBPWO) is specifically intended for the preparation, execution, evaluation and monitoring of educational policy and practice. The priority topics and the way in which they are carried out reflect the policy questions for which the government wants an answer in concrete form. The aim is for the subsidised research to provide information and data which will both have significant scientific value and be relevant to policy. The strategic objectives of the Education Policy Memorandum 2000-2004 form the frame of reference for the formulation of the priority research themes. They are formulated on the basis of the operational objectives of the Chapter III.5 – 101
Research carried out by the Catholic University of Leuven commissioned by the Education Department reveals that in September 2000, primary schools had access to on average 1 PC per 9.4 pupils and in secondary education to 1 PC per 7.6 pupils. This does include all the available PCs for educational use, without any distinction in terms of type or the age of the hardware. There was also a survey of the connection to the internet, the presence of a local network and the availability of an own website. In primary education, 58.8% were connected to the internet, 40.6% had a local network and 24.2% of schools had their own website. In secondary education 89.4% were connected to the internet, 90.7% had a local network and 68.1% had their own website.
The central objective of the Support Centre, “Pupil and student careers in education and the transition to the employment market”, is the construction of data files which make it possible to examine which paths young people follow from the start of primary education up to their entry into the employment market. To do this use is made of two sorts of sources: the existing administrative data files must be explored (and advice must be given with regard to optimalising the administrative files), and existing survey data must be used for secondary analyses for the whole career of young people. In the first stage, the support centre will mainly carry out specialized surveys relating to the two extremes of the path from school to work, in particular, “the primary school” and “the transition from school to work”. The most important result expected from these new data files is a better insight into the extent to which, and in which ways the paths through education and in the transition from school to work are different, and a better understanding of the possible causes (and consequences) of these differences.
BA 33.06 – Subsidy for co-funding the Support Centre, “Pupil and student careers in education and the transition to the employment market” This support centres is one of the eight support centres for research that is relevant to policy which were selected following an evaluation by independent experts – both in terms of the relevance for policy and in terms of their intrinsic scientific value (also see chapter III.4 BA 33.03). The subsidy amounts of 0.372 million EUR.
It is important to gain an insight into the peripheral conditions of implementing an ICT policy and into its use in the real situation. For the use of the new media, it is also necessary to have an insight into the specific competences of teachers and of pupils. The necessary scientific research will have to be commissioned for this purpose.
• Solutions to truancy problems in schools. Solution-oriented group discussion in the form of a case study.
OBPWO is closely monitored by a steering group of experts, those responsible for policy and education experts who have experience and expertise in the research topic they are monitoring. The feedback of results (both to policy and educational practice) is stimulated on a permanent basis in the form of publications, study days and contacts. The results form a knowledge base to support the preparation of policy and evaluate the policy that has been implemented.
• The construction of an instrument to measure standards in biology, in the A stream of the first grade of secondary education.
A credit of 1.539 million EUR is provided for this BA for the OBPWO 2002.
The following studies were selected for the OBPWO 2001:
• The school career of pupils in art-oriented courses in secondary education.
The project proposals that have been submitted are individually evaluated by those responsible for policy and by scientists (experts in the field of education) for their relevance to policy and scientific qualities respectively.
• An exploratory examination into regional differences in study performances in Flanders and the underlying causes.
• The construction of a measurement instrument for World orientation (in the field of natural sciences) for primary education.
policy memorandum. In addition, it is always possible to formulate a number of specific topics, responding to the needs of the policy preparation in the short term. Following up and evaluating the current initiatives and those which have been concluded helps to determine the selection of new points for attention or decide whether to retain earlier topTheics.
Chapter III.5 – 102
• Requirements and perspectives in the employment market for graduates from teacher training. The teaching vocation. A study into the attractions of the teaching profession in Flanders in 2002.
• Comenius 1 in Flanders.
• The importance of staffing policies for the culture and educational vision of schools.
• The development of an instrument for a regular study of standards of writing.
Chapter III.5 – 103
Chapter III.5 – 104
• Relationship mediation: the revision of the decree on marriage and relate bureaus not only requires a knowledge of the way in which the agencies work, but also of the experiences of users. Test-Aankoop will carry out a detailed study of this, which should form the basis for a Flemish policy on marriage and relationship mediation.
Chapter III.5 – 105
• Inter-country adoption: following a detailed study into the quality of services and a survey of the clients, Ghent University was commissioned to carry out a study, looking at the development of a family evaluation instrument to screen prospective adoptive par•Yents.outh care: the innovations in youth care, (including the coordination with justice) required significant investments at the level of research: a) The Catholic University of Leuven was commissioned to draw up a new approach to bringing young people before youth courts: the Family Group Conference, b) an interuniversity cooperative venture between the Catholic University of Leuven, Ghent University and the Free University of Brussels was established for an effective and efficient Flemish policy with regard to rehabilitation, community service and learning projects for young people who have committed acts defined as a crime, c) in the context of the development of an electronic file which should allow for the exchange of data between referring parties themselves and the referring parties and social workers, the Catholic University of Leuven was commissioned to carry out a study in order to compare the principles of this file with existing Belgian and European legislation on privacy. The results are not only scientifically important, but also have repercussions for the development of the file itself.
BA 12.23 – Studies, research and preparation of scientific conferences Studies and scientific research is commissioned in order to support priority fields in the welfare policy, either at the level of preparation, or at the level of evaluation (the effects Inachieved).2001,research was carried out in the fields of:
4. WELFARE, PUBLIC HEALTH AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT (WVC)
• Home care: USFIA was commissioned to develop indicators for a programme, while the HIVA was responsible for studying effective and efficient forms of client contributions for this service.
OA 41 Family and Social Welfare Administration Programme 41.1 General welfare policy
BA 12.02 – A variety of expenditure related to the support of the advisory councils
The recommendations of the Family and Welfare Council are prepared with files of reflections and documentation on a number of different topics. For example, in 2001, studies were commissioned and carried out on support for bringing up children, inter country adoption and demand-based care. This formed the basis for drawing up and providing advice. The advice is published in brochure form and is available to policy makers and interested target groups.
For 2002, studies are commissioned for the preparation of the advice to be drawn up on the Flemish policy on poverty, the policy on voluntary work, the local social policy and the preparation of the scientific conference "monitoring demand in welfare work".
• Care of the elderly: the Social High School of Genk was commissioned to carry out a study to discover the necessary steps which would allow immigrant elderly people to use the provisions for the elderly in Flanders in a quality way, taking into account the cultural diversity and training needs of personnel.
•To implement expertise in an international context
The intended effects are:
•To contribute to an appropriate family and care policy
The research and studies are always supervised by a steering group. The results are valorised both by study days and conferences and by brochures which summarise the provisions and organisations of the target groups concerned.
The first line of research comprises the description and explanation of the dynamics of population and family, with special attention focused on the elaboration of time series. In addition to monitoring trends regarding fertility (timing and number of children, childlessness) and family composition (extra attention for the domestic situation of children, young people and the elderly and for the composition of the family after divorce). The programme also covers the collection of indicators on the history of immigration and on Chapter III.5
• General care in Flanders: in order to monitor welfare in Flanders and the level of care of the Flemish population in general, USFIA was commissioned to carry out a study to develop a welfare barometer.
• General welfare information: Katho Kortrijk was commissioned to carry out a preparatory study in order to update Flemish information. The aim is to compile an easy-touse comprehensive information guide and make it available to the handicapped and their families, as well as training institutes.
Thequiums.research programme
For 2002, the tasks for the Family Group Conference and the rehabilitation of young people who have committed acts identified as a crime are to be continued (in addition to new tasks related to the strategic plan for providing assistance to prisoners and the image surrounding delinquency amongst ethnic and cultural minorities).
The programme is carried out in accordance with the annual policy plan of this scientific institute. The credit for 2002 (for both allocations together, it is 0.342 million EUR) is once again reduced by 7%, compared with 2001. The working programme of the CBGS comprises scientific research and external services.
BA 12.21 – General operational costs of the Centre for Population and Family Studies
TheFamily".external services are carried out by its own library and documentation centre and by bringing in expertise and providing scientific advice to the administration, policy and international institutes. This service also includes the organisation of study days and collo-
• Monitoring the dynamics of the population and family
•Topic-based research
The research programme for 2002 comprises the following lines of research:
– 106
BA 12.90 – Expenditure for the Centre for Population and Family Studies
•To provide more thorough scientific support for policy in the long and short term
• Policy research
The research concerns a broad range of population and family issues and their social and policy implications. The results are published by means of a number of instruments: the CBGS website, CBGS working documents and its own publications. In addition, the researchers also publish in national and international journals and collected works. For example, the CBGS is closely involved in the editorial work of the journal, "Population and
•To improve the knowledge on population and family dynamics in Flanders
the history of relationships. The distribution of the population across different employment categories are also followed up over time.
External Publicationsservices
Finally, policy research comprises the drawing up of policy files on the basis of the research of the elderly and the continued auditing of ‘family life and professional life’.
The analysis of the data of the survey of young people, in cooperation with the commissariat for children’s rights) will be continued with extra attention on the impact of communication styles in the family – which helps to determine the well being of young people. The research into support for bringing up children will also be continued.
At the international level, the CBGS cooperates with similar institutions in other European countries via the NIEPS network (Network for Integrated European Population
Chapter III.5 – 107
In addition, specific research results are also provided on the website under the heading The"monitoring".CBGSalso continues to be involved in a series of publications, as a member of the editorial team of: • Population and Family • EURpean Studies of population Advice and expertise
The source of these studies are the National Register and the CBGS data bases. The most up-to-date data bases, collected on the basis of surveys, concern the population of the elderly (55+) – this is the LOVO data base – and the population of young people (aged 12T18).opic-based
The CBGS fulfils numerous advisory tasks with regard to policy and administration. In the first instance, this concerns the participation in groups developing a vision in the cabinet of Welfare, Public health and Culture and advice for the Family and Social Welfare Administration and for the WVC upper levels (MIS). Expertise is also made available to other administrative organs in the Flemish Community (AEB; AROHM, MIRA, APS). In addition, it participates in steering and working groups initiated by the Belgian government (NIS, Policy on the elderly; Developmental policy).
research focuses on the following topics: the quality of life – with special attention for the combination of work and family and for the conditions in which the elderly live. The analysis of the LOVO-1 data base also comprises a study of the transition to retirement, the way in which the elderly spend time and a study of the use of amenities.
The CBGS publishes a wide-ranging series of publications aimed at the publication of population and family research. A summary of this can be found on the website, together with the possibility of ordering them. These are: • CBGS Working documents • CBGS Publications • CBGS/NIDI Publications
TheStudies).activities of the population committee of the Council of Europe (CAHP) are closely followed, as well as those of the population departments of the United Nations (UN Commission on Population and Development, insofar as this concerns the development of population; Population Activities unit of the EEC). There are also close contacts with the UN population fund (UNFPA).
• Family Impact Monitor
As in previous years, there was funding for the research of UIA-Oases on the development of policy in Flanders (yearbook) in 2001. Up to now, this credit has been part of the general subsidies. From 2002, this activity will be specifically allocated to basic allocation 12.01. In addition to this yearbook, limited studies will also be commissioned to prepare and monitor both the conference on the progress and the exploratory "Poverty" conference, and more specifically, the Flemish "Poverty" action plan.
The CBGS library, which is open to the public, has a broad collection of books (approximately 18,000) and about a hundred specialised journals on population and family. In addition, the public has access to documentation files of conferences, publications of the United Nations and the Council of Europe, the reports of the World Fertility Survey, a number of data bases on CD-ROM and the CBGS’s own publications. The collection grows with approximately an additional 500 books and 300 issues of journals every year. Together with some other libraries in the Flemish Community, the library is computerized in accordance with the Dobis-Libis system and can be consulted on the internet or on the website (http://www.cbgs.be).
• Parental leave arrangements in Europe
Programme 41.8 The integration of the underprivileged BA 12.01 – A variety of expenditure in the context of the policy on poverty
Chapter III.5 – 108
An interuniversity cooperative venture (Ghent University/Catholic University of Leuven) was commissioned to carry out an important study to prepare the Flemish prevention policy. This mainly concerned elements such as the development of ideas and the creation of an effective framework for a total youth prevention policy.
Programme 41.9 Total youth assistance BA 01.01 – A variety of expenditure related to total youth assistance
Library and Documentation
Programme 41.7 Social welfare BA 12.01 – A variety of expenditure for promoting, organizing and developing activities for the integration of ethnic/cultural minorities
CBGS researchers are also active in international topic-based networks:
In 2001 four studies were contracted out to specialized faculties for the preparation of policy related to citizenship and specifically the establishment of agencies responsible for the development and provision of citizenship courses, as well as concerning the operationalisation of interpreting services. As this policy on citizenship is to reach a cruising speed in 2002 as a priority of the Government of Flanders, there will be further investments in research with regard to organisation, training, and above all, the effects of this policy.
• European Observatory for Population Education and Information
The Advisory Committee for Bio-ethics must give advice on the ethical, legal and social problems which are raised by scientific research and its applications in biology, medicine and health care. This is done at the request of the government, including the Government of Flanders or members of the government. One of the specific tasks is to collect infor-
OA 42 Health care administration Programme 42.1 Public health
The Flemish Health Council provides advice at the request of the minister or the Flemish Parliament or on its own initiative. The council is composed of experts in health matters.
BA 12.02 – Expenditure of the Flemish Health Council and of the Flemish Advisory Council, including commissions for studies
There are four Commissions in the Royal Academy of Medicine: the commissions for Medical Practice, Medical Training, Biomedical Scientific Research and Medical Ethics. They draw up reports on the administrative and medical problems which arise in connection with the practice of medicine or public health. They advise on the promotion of medicine in a broad sense. The aim is to provide a modern advisory organisation for scientific medical problems. 0.154 million EUR is allocated to this basic allocation.
BA 33.35 – Subsidies for recognised centres for human heredity
The composition is diverse with experienced experts and scientists from the preventive and medical sector. In support of its advisory tasks, studies are commissioned every year (studies of the literature). In 2001, limited studies were commissioned related to the coordination of the care of patients in Flanders requiring a high level of care and on the increase and monitoring of Flemish health care objectives.
BA 12.32 – A variety of expenditure related to the Royal Academy of Medicine
BA 34.41 – Subsidies for the academic prizes of the Royal Academy
From 2002, all the expenses related to the academic prizes of the Royal Academy will be included under this new basic allocation. The funds (0.005 million EUR) for this new BA were transferred from BA 12.32-a variety of expenses related to the Royal Academy for the operational costs of the academy. At the express request of the auditor’s office, the proportion allocated for academic prizes was separated from the operational costs, because "prizes" should be seen as subsidies.
The centres for human heredity study the hereditary character of disorders and look for alternatives to prevent these diseases or handicaps. They also advise, support and supervise parents with the interpretation and processing of research results. The centres also provide scientific support for the Flemish Community and cooperate with a one-off registration of genetic data. Scientific knowledge on anthropogenetics is made more accessible for policy. The tasks and mission of these centres are developed in more detail on the basis of the data on the population that is covered and the issues put forward. Both the acquisition of insights into health issues and research are stimulated. Four of these centres have been recognised and are subsidised. As in previous years, 35% (0.662 million EUR) of the total budget (1.892 million EUR) is provided for innovative research, such as the study of genetic disorders and the search for preventive mechanisms. The remainder of the budget (1.230 million EUR) is used for routine analyses in the context of tasks carried out by the centres. Predictive health care is a new priority point of attention for policy and has received the necessary support. A brochure will be published on this in 2002.
BA 41.05 – Subsidy for the advisory committee on Bio-ethics
Chapter III.5 – 109
This structure is based on the development of a Flemish medical environmental network which consists of three levels: the Logos, the Health Inspectorate, and a third level, the Health and Environment support centre. As a local/regional structure with a low threshold, the Logos are responsible for the first intake of questions and concern on the part of the population, on the basis of thorough training. The Logo serves as a buffer for the second level, viz., the Health Inspectorate, which can then focus more specifically, in terms of the execution of policy, on actual problem cases, and can also create room for the preparation and evaluation of policy. The third level is responsible for the scientific support of the Health and Environment policy and for the execution of a cross-Flanders bio-monitoring study. This detects the environmental influences on the human organism for different age groups by determining biomarkers for pollution in the blood and/or urine or other tissue. The actual scientific research carried out by the support centre has an aspect related to the natural sciences, as well as one more closely linked with the social sciences, working particularly on risk communication and perception. 0.372 million EUR is reserved for the support centre in BA 12.25. In addition, 0.868 million EUR of operational funds come from the Science and Innovation administration. BA 12.29 and 12.31 – Expenditure related to the health databank, epidemiology and the collection of indicators BA 33.29 – Subsidies related to epidemiological research and the collection of indicators In execution of the government manifesto, priority is given to the creation of a databank with relevant policy information on health. In 2002, investments are made into the funds
A credit of 0.032 million EUR is provided for the support.
Programme 42.2Medical-social policy
Chapter III.5 – 110
In addition to studies and projects funded by the Science and Innovation administration, the Health Care administration also increased the credit so that it could offer the population a good service supported by research (in response to questions relating to health and the environment), and to make the "Health and environment" policy more efficient, improve the structure and provide more scientific support.
Research is carried out into the pharmacokinetics and excretion of substances which are on the list of prohibited products. This responds to current problems.
For example, in 2001, there was a study to trace the possible effects of the food supplement Tribulus terristris in a doping test. In 2001, the programme also included the evaluation of quantitative methods for the different ephedrines. In anticipation of a broader study of morphine and doping, and because of the changes in the regulations, a quantitative method was worked out and validated for morphine. Two doctorate students were involved in this research.
BA 12.25 – Research related to health and the environment
mation about future developments in the field of genetics and organise a dialogue on this.
BA 12.24 – Expenditure related to medically responsible sports, medical controls in sport and the control of doping in sport
Of the total credit of 1,134,000 EUR in 2002, 10% is provided for research into improving the techniques to trace the use of drugs in sport. This concerns the development of laboratory tests which can lead to the identification of prohibited substances or their metabolites.
A third doctorate student is carrying out research into tracing drugs with LC-MS (additional project started in October, viz., 61,973.38 EUR).
The results are published in an annual report and in publications in international scientific journals. The programme also involves participation in scientific contacts in an international context.
These institutes are responsible for collecting, arranging and inventorising the archive and documentation material on historical as well as current events related to their ideologicalphilosophical movement, so that they are accessible for research. These centres also provide services for their curators, the government, the media and the public.
In 2002, the joint initiatives developed last year with regard to registration and computerisation will be continued.
Programme 45.3 Visual Arts and Museums BA 41.01 – Grant for the separately managed service of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, TheAntwerpRoyal Museum of Fine Arts, Antwerp is a scientific institute managed by the Flemish Community. The museum is located in a stately nineteenth-century building which was commissioned by the City of Antwerp in 1883.
The credit for the science policy amounts to 1.367 million EUR. This is used to subsidise four institutes: the Archive, Documentation and Research Centre for the Liberal Movement; the Archive, Documentation and Research Centre for Flemish Nationalism, the Archive and Museum of the Socialist Labour Movement and the Catholic Documentation and Research Centre.
The KMSKA has a collection of internationally famous works of art. The collection of early works comprises a significant number by the Flemish Primitives and a valuable collection of sixteenth and seventeenth-century paintings, in which Rubens and his school have a central place. The museum also has a substantial collection of nineteenth-century and modern art, including important works by Ensor and Wouters.
OA 45 Culture Administration Programme 45.2 Cultural development and libraries BA 33.09 – Subsidy for the Private Law Dutch Language Archive and Documentation Centres (Decree of 27 June 1983)
Chapter III.5 – 111
A subsidy of 1.020 million EUR is made available to the scientific institute for public health – Louis Pasteur for the execution of a number of activities. The Louis Pasteur Institute keeps records of a number of disorders with a network of assessment practices and laboratories and this provides extremely relevant information for the communities. The specialised laboratories for microbiology and the support for epidemiological research based on their expertise are valuable for the public health policy. Their operation contributes to a greater insight into certain aspects of public health. 0.138 million EUR was compensated in this basic allocation for the extra expenditure for basic allocation 12.25, and 0.074 million EUR was transferred to programme 40.10 basic allocation 33.01 for the establishment of the Flemish Institute for Quality Control. This reorientation has the result that the cooperation agreement with the Institute will have to be revised. This means that a number of tasks currently being carried by the Institute for the Government of Flanders will be scrapped.
to support new registration systems and the transfer of data to the health databank. The collection of data for the implementation of a planning instrument for health care receives special attention. A framework will be completed, by decree, to facilitate the monitoring in health care and for the exchange of information in the health care system.
BA 45.03 – Grant for the Louis Pasteur Scientific Institute for Public Health
1.1. A network for the documentation of art history
As the cultural hub of the Flemish museum world, the KMSKA has a special responsibility. Its exceptional collection and, by national standards, its well-developed infrastructure, means that it has the necessary qualities to play an important role in the international for
Another of the bureau’s activities concerns the production of scientific publications about Flemish art in collections at home and abroad.
1.um.NETWORKING
1.2. CODART Obviously this documentation centre will work in conjunction with international networks such as CODART. This is an international association of museums with collections of Flemish and Dutch art aimed at promoting cooperation in the field of the study and exhibition of the art of the Low Countries.
1.3. Management of the collection In the department for the maintenance and management of the collection, the division for the management of the collection took the initiative in 2001 to bring the registrars of a number of Flemish museums together with the intention of examining the problems re-
Chapter III.5 – 112
In 2001, the KMSKA started work on establishing a network for the documentation of art history, with links with a number of leading Flemish museums and research institutes.
Based on the National Dutch Office for Documentation on Art History (Nederlandse Rijksbureau voor Kunsthistorische Documentatie), this network collects and provides access to visual and written documentation on Flemish art from the Middle Ages to the present day. This will eventually be done in cooperation with other museums and centres, such as the Rubenianum in Antwerp. It collects material data on works of art and biographical data about artists, as well as information about the provenance of works of art, the collecting world, the art market, etc. The systematic publication of excerpts from specialist literature will help to keep to the scientific research into Flemish art up to date, and contribute to an active collection policy in Flanders.
The museum’s remit covers the collection, management, documentation, research and exhibition of the collection and providing information on it. For this it has a budget of 2.311 million EUR, which is used for the study of the collection, organising exhibitions and producing publications. In addition, the funds are used for the purchase, conservation and restoration of works of art, and for public relations and communication.
One of the specific objectives of CODART is to provide an insight into the distribution of works of art from the Netherlands and Flanders all over the world. Since it was established, the website www.codart.nl has contained a list of museums which have Dutch and Flemish art in their collections. In this system, CODART aims to expand and devote more attention to the catalogues. In addition to completing these data for all museums, the centre also hopes to provide more information about the content of each catalogue – even at the level of individual works of art. To prepare for this comprehensive plan, a pilot project will be set up in 2002 in cooperation with the KMSKA.
2.2. Research related to art history
2.3. Research into technical materials
The infrared examination of the paintings by Peter Paul Rubens and his contemporaries, which started in 2000 in the context of a university research project (FWO-Flanders-UFSIA), will continue in 2002.
A gender-related research and presentation programme is being carried out in cooperation with the Interuniversity course for Women’s studies, University of Antwerp, with lectures by Professor Katelijne Van der Stighelen (Catholic University of Leuven) and the non-profit making organisation, Gynaika, in Antwerp, on this topic (also see exhibitions 4.2).
Chapter III.5 – 113
2. RESEARCH PROJECTS
The departments for the Research, Maintenance and Management of the Collections, and for Public Relations are carrying out several research projects in 2002.
lated to the management of collections. In 2002, this initiative will be explored in further Thedetail.collection management division will also cooperate with the initiative related to insurances and museums put forward by the Ministry of the Flemish Community, Department of Visual Arts and Museums.
The museum is examining the work of Hans Vredeman de Vries (also see exhibitions 4.2) in cooperation with the scientific institute of the Weser Renaissance Museum in Lemgo.
2.1. Catalogue of the museum’s paintings. In the short term, the museum aims to completely revise the basic descriptions of the paintings in the collection with a view to reissuing the catalogue. The description of the 3,200 paintings will be supplemented, and where necessary corrected. Iconographic identification, dates, information on provenance, observations based on stylistic analysis (i.e., attributions), exhibitions, specific bibliographies and relevant archive information will be checked and updated. The department for the maintenance and management of the collection provides precise information on dimensions, materials and any data relating to restoration. In order to complete the project as well as possible and within the agreed period, several employees will devote themselves to this research full time from 2002. The museum will call upon internal and external specialists, agreements have been made with the National Department for the Documentation of Art History in the Netherlands, and contacts with other institutes are being developed in more detail. The close cooperation with the Central Museum in Utrecht is also important as this museum carried out a similar research project on its own collection at an earlier date. There are plans to transfer to a new system of recordings to the collection in the course of 2002, and the first results of the research will be available online at the end of this year. The completely updated catalogue of the collection of all the paintings will be available from the end of 2004.
Chapter III.5 – 114
The KMSKA is actively cooperating with the seventh edition of the "International Conference on Non-Destructive Methods and Micro-analysis for the Diagnostics and Conservation of the Cultural and Environmental Heritage" which will take place in Antwerp from 2-6 June 2002. This is at the request of the chairman, Professor René van Grieken of the Chemistry Faculty of the University of Antwerp.
2.4. Public survey
The results of the public survey of 2001 were processed in detail, analysed and examined in relation to longer term results of internal and external origin, with a view to the evaluation of policy effects and the optimalisation of the educational and recreational services for visitors to the museum and so-called museum stakeholders. This report will form the basis for examining public relations in the department and to find out how this sort of public survey can be continued and improved in the future.
3.1. Annual
For 2002, two dossiers will be compiled on the restoration of Jan Van Eyck’s Madonna by the Fountain and Titian’s Pesaro altarpiece. See conservation and restoration (5).
X-rays were made of several paintings in the collection to provide an insight into the condition of the works of art concerned.
3. PUBLICATIONS
The Jaarboek (Annual) of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts is the longest running and most important publication on art history in Flanders and Belgium. The editorial office took a fresh look at the form and content of the publication, following the Van Dyck exhibition, and this has proved very successful. The new formula was adopted again in the Annual for 2000; this contains contributions by specialists on the topic of gender issues, following on from the exhibition "Elck zijn waarom" (As you will). The editorial office also thought that it was important for the Annual to incorporate research results in various different fields, independently of a specific topic, at regular intervals. The Annual for 2001 being edited at the moment is therefore viewed as an anthology. Because of the new formula and the new approach in terms of form and content, the Annual is an important instrument which encourages innovative research in art history and also promotes the international profile of the KMSKA.
A start will be made on the technical material examination of a number of diptyches in the KMSKA collection in relation to the exhibition, Early Netherlandish Diptychs. Form, function and production X-rays, infrared reflectography, dendrochronological research, the studies of the works themselves, and where necessary, analyses and transverse sections of the paint, will provide an insight into the form, function and painting techniques of the diptychs.
The Numbering at Bethlehem by Pieter Breughel (II) was restored in collaboration with the Bonnefanten Museum in Maastricht, the Netherlands, and technical material research was also carried out in the context of the exhibition project, "The Breughel firm".
3.2. Dossiers
3.3. ‘Insure the collection’
The exhibition office is integrated in the public relations department. The coordination of the exhibition programmes and the exhibition projects, permanent presentations and changing presentations, the development of a diverse educational provision and public relations and communication activities are better organised as a result.
An invitation to the Groeninge Museum in Bruges. 27.01 to 27.10
4. EXHIBITIONS
4.1. The exhibition office
Chapter III.5 – 115
Exhibition on the dossier of the restoration of Jan Van Eyck’s Madonna by the Fountain, 18.12.01 to 03.03.02. Van Eyck’s Madonna by the Fountain was restored in the KIK. A virtually identical copy made by the artist’s immediate circle of contempories was used for the restoration. The original and the copy will be exhibited side by side for the first time. At the same time, extra attention is focused on the three other works by Van Eyck in the museum’s collection.
In the context of the publication ‘Insure the collection’ by the Ministry of the Flemish Community, Department of Visual Arts and Museums, the KSMKA will be responsible for the aspect of ‘Paintings’ and the aspect of ‘Preparation of transport’.
Part of the collection of the Groeninge Museum is being temporarily exhibited in the KMSKA, in cooperation with the Groeninge Museum in Bruges and the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent. This mainly concerns works by artists from Bruges dating from the sixteenth to the eighteenth century, focusing on a geographical confrontation (e.g., Ambrosius Benson-Quinten Metsys) and the validity of the usual assumptions of cultural history with regard to periods of artistic growth and decline. In fact, there was a curious revival of artistic production in Bruges with neoclassical art in the eighteenth century.
Rik Wouters – the donation by Bogaert-Sheid 23.02 to Following28.5the retrospective exhibition in the Palace of Fine Arts in Brussels (the KMSKA made an important contribution in terms of scientific support and content), attention is focused on the rich collection of paintings, statues and drawings by Rik Wouters. In the exhibition round the highlights from the museum’s collection, the so-called permanent collection, one hall is being completely cleared for his works from the Van Bogaert-Sheid donation. In an adjacent hall the works of Wouters are confronted with those of his contemporaries (Rodin, Schmalzigaug, Brusselmans, etc.). A cabinet of prints and documentation room will also be organised on the lower floor on the occasion of the Wouters retrospective exhibition.
4.2. Exhibitions in 2002
Chapter III.5 – 116
Since the groundbreaking exhibition, Elck zijn waaroom. Vrouwelijkse Kunstenaars in de Nederlanden van de 15de tot de 20ste eeuw" (As you will. Female artists in the Netherlands from the 15th to the 20th century) in the exhibition programme of the KSMKA, extra room has been devoted to gender-related research and presentation projects. This is done in cooperation with Gyniaka and the Interuniversity Course for Women’s Studies, with the guest lecturer Professor Katelijne van der Stighelen (Catholic University of Leuven). The role of the Belgian artists, Rachael Baes and Jane Graverol, in the development of Surrealism in Belgium has not been recognised up to now. This exhibition presents the highly personal iconography of the two artists in the specific context of Belgian surrealFromism. Van Eyck to Memling in the Royal Museum 14.06 to Following18.08theexhibition on the influence of Jan Van Eyck in the Groeninge Museum in Bruges, three Antwerp museums organised a "Summer of the Flemish Primitives". The KMSKA is participating in the organisation of the exhibition "Wonderful Primitives. Drawings by the Flemish Primitives" in the Rubens House. In addition, the presentation of the exceptional collection of fourteenth and fifteenth-century paintings is being completely revised and supplemented with an important long-term loan from a private collecMemlingtion.
project of the three monumental panels depicting Christ surrounded by Angels singing and making music is organised as an open restoration, which can be closely followed by the public on a daily basis. Every six months there are changing presentations on different topics related to problems of restoration, Memling, iconography, etc. Also see conservation and restoration (5). Hans Vredeman de Vries 15.09 to 08.12
The work of Hans Vredeman de Vries is being thoroughly explored in cooperation with the Weser Renaissance Museum in Lemgo and the Rubens House in Antwerp. In the sixteenth century, De Vries played an extremely important role in spreading the Renaissance style in architecture, design, printing and painting in the Southern Netherlands. Furthermore, his work also served as a source of inspiration in the nineteenth century for the development of a typical Flemish Neo-Renaissance.
TheDecemberrestoration2001to2005long-termrestoration
Foreign exhibition project "The great Masters of Flemish Painting in the Century of Rubens. Works from the Collection of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp". 28.02 to 15.04 Caja Duero, Salamanca, Spain
Rachel Baes and Jane Graverol 06.04 to 23.06
The exhibition reveals the diversity which characterizes painting in Antwerp in the seventeenth century. Altarpieces are displayed alongside profane paintings and military allegories depicting the often hard character of daily life. Ample attention is also devoted to the Arcadian presentation of landscapes, which look deceptively real, but are usually simply products of the artist’s imagination. At the same time, the art of still lifes flourished and realistic portraits of the animal kingdom reached a high point.
Following a detailed preliminary examination which started in 2001, the restoration of the three large panels started in 2002. The first step in 2002 will be to fix the layers of paint, deblock the three panels and start the cleaning process. On the one hand, the examination will focus on the materials and painting techniques used on the panels, which will also help with the restoration. The content of the scientific research, as well as the time when it was carried out, will depend on the progress of the restoration and the questions which arise. During the restoration – which will take several years – the following scientific activities will be carried out:
• examination of the construction of the frames of the three panels
• Portrait of Countess Louis de Baillet, Jacques de Lalaing (inv. no. 2492) Chapter
• Portrait of Mrs. Mols by N. de Keyser (inv. no. 1772)
• Portrait of a Man, Hans Memling (inv. no. 5)
• further examination of the underlying drawing using infrared reflectography
• dendrochronological examination of the wood
• Jacopo Pesaro, Bishop of Paphos, presented to St. Peter by Pope Alexander VI Borgia, attributed to Titian (inv. no. 357)
Other restorations which will be carried out or started in 2002 include:
proportion of the scientific research to be carried out in 2002, and the following years will focus on the restoration of the three large panels, Christ surrounded by Angels singing and making music, by Hans Memling (inv. nos. 778-780).
• further examination of the X-rays
5.1 Paintings Since it was established in April 1999, the restoration workshop has devoted a lot of its time to tackling the backlog in the field of conservation and restoration. A number of very different activities are carried out in the field of conservation, usually related to preparing paintings for transport or exhibitions. In addition, a number of paintings are being reAstored.large
• analysis of the materials, if necessary
5. CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION
• the Feast of the Archers attributed to the Master of Frankfurt (inv. no. 529). This restoration will certainly be linked to the study of X-rays and infrared examination. Additional scientific research including dedrochronological examinations, analyses and an examination of the transverse sections of the paint will be carried out if the restoration requires this
• an examination of transverse sections of the paint, if necessary
• Suzanne by Oscar Jespers (inv. no. 2731) Examination of the construction of this statue, probably with the use of X-rays, will be necessary for this. The restoration of the following paintings will be concluded in 2002
III.5 – 117
5.2. Drawings In the context of the Rik Wouters exhibition, the drawings in the Bogaert-Scheid will be the subject of expert conservation. In 2001, the KMSKA started a cooperative venture with the Antwerp Institute for Conservation and Restoration. In 2002, the students of the Institute will again draw up reports on the basic condition of work of art on paper.
The following activities are planned for 2002: Chapter III.5
The following CD-ROMs are available for consultation in the library: Allgemeines Künstlerlexikon, Art Index, Art Sales Index, Belgische Bibliografie, Bibliography of the History of Art, Getty Provenance Index, International Repertory of Art Literature, Mayer International Auction Records, Répertoire d'Art et d'Archéologie. The following are available on microfilm: Art Sales Catalogues 1600-1825 and Marburger Index. Part of the KMSKA’s own archives are also on microfiche (collection of books on the inventory and reports of the sessions of the board of directors). There is a book scanner, colour photocopying machine and an Internet connection. The library has an online subscription to consult IMPALA (the databanks ZEBRA, ANTILOPE, CCB, BRONCO), with the possibility of requesting literature by means of an interlibrary lending service. A selection of 280 journals from its own collection of journals is included in ANTILOPE. The library also has a subscription to the online data bank ARTBibliographies Modern
6. LIBRARY, ARCHIVES AND DOCUMENTATION
The series of Annuals of the KMSKA for the period 1921-1999 has been converted into a digital version on several CD-ROMs. Eventually these files will be included in a full text databank, with related search possibilities. In terms of subject matter, the library concentrates on the history of western art and culture, with a focus on the period 1200 to 1950 (artists born before 1950). For the purposes of scientific research, it also collects information published about the KMSKA’s own collection. Furthermore, it contains a broad range of literature on museum-related matters. In terms of the public, it serves academics, doctorate students, students and other interested parties.
• Caesar Alexander Scaglia, Abbot of Staffarda, attributed to Anthony van Dijck (inv. no.
– 118
6.1. Library The KMSKA museum library is a special scientific library. It has 50,000 hardback books and 800 journals, 300 of which are current subscriptions. It includes monographs, reference works, exhibition catalogues, catalogues of museum collections, commercial catalogues etc. The library also has an important collection of auction catalogues dating from the mid-eighteenth century to the present day (part of this is included in The Getty Provenance Index).
The405)restoration of Titain’s Jacopo Pesaro will lead to an international symposium on restoration techniques in collaboration with the SRAL, the Limburg Restoration Workshop Foundation, as well as the publication of a dossier.
119
• transferring to the software system BROCADE of the UIA for the computerized library catalogue; • the presentation of older, nineteenth-century materials in the computerised library catalogue in digital form as full text;
• developing a proactive policy of acquisition with regard to publications on the Old Masters of Flanders and the Netherlands.
6.3. Scientific services
Programme 45.4 Music, Literature and Dramatic arts
• outsourcing the retrospective catalography;
BA 33.04 – Subsidies for scientific research and initiatives with regard to conserving the Flemish literary and musical heritage
The various departments of the KMSKA give internal advice with regard to purchases, donations and loans. They also provide information to museums, scientific institutes and researchers in relation to exhibitions or studies. There are also many questions from external researchers about a particular painting or about artists who may or may not be represented in the collection of the Royal Museum.
The documentation centre currently being built complements the management of the archives and archive materials related to art history and their presentation, and is closely related to the research on the updated catalogue of the collection (cf. supra). A large part of the documentation which exists in different places has already been centralised and inventorised. Files have also been drawn up under the names of artists and inventory numbers, as well as an inventory of the scientific archives in the Royal Museum. The aim is to collect the existing documentation on each piece in the collection within a strict timetable, and to make it available and supplement it with the most recent research data.
In the short term, a lot of work will be done to make the sources more accessible, with publications and the internet. The use of international standards for text encoding (SGML, XML, TEI) for the execution of the projects is a self-evident next step for the Chapter III.5 –
The information on art history that is required is looked up, and these questions are answered. Providing information which is tailor-made for the client is one of the tasks of the research department.
A start was made on the archives of the literary heritage in 1999, and this continued in 2000 and was extended to include the musical and literary heritage. The Centre for Text Edition and the Study of Sources was established in mid-2000 in the Royal Academy for Dutch Language and Literature (KANTL). This is managed by a commission which decides on the way in which the funds are allocated the projects selected.
The following organisations are represented in the centre: the KANTL (Ghent), the Archive and Museum for Flemish Cultural Life (AMVC - Antwerp), the Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium for Sciences and Arts (KVAB - Brussels), the Interuniversity working group Genese (Antwerp), The Music Centre of the Flemish Community (Brussels), the Flemish Fund for Literature (Antwerp) and the publishing world. In principle, the tasks are carried out in the location where the source material is located. Initially this mainly concerns materials in the Archive and Museum for Flemish Cultural Life in Antwerp.
• a start on providing access to the content of library materials based on the Dutch translation of the Art & Architecture Thesaurus (AAT);
6.2. Documentation on the collection
The overall credit for this BA for 2002 amounts to 0.456 million EUR, of which 0.205 million is for science policy.
CTB. In an international context the centre is an active partner for the development of these standards. This initiative will contribute to making the Flemish archives more easily accessible. In 2001, 0.320 million EUR was allocated to the Centre for the Text Edition and the Study of Sources. Programme 45.5 General policy on culture BA 12.24 Surveys, studies and audits
The credit for the science policy concerned amounts to 1.668 million EUR, of which approximately 0.506 million is for research.
Chapter III.5 – 120
The credit for 2002 amounts to 0.248 million EUR. This is wholly intended for studies and surveys by third parties which are aimed at gaining a better insight into problems in the cultural sector. These are carried out with a view to the preparation of policy.
BA 41.01 – Grant for Tourism Flanders In 2001, the majority of the budget for research was spent on collecting marketing data for the promotion of leisure tourism and for the data in support and for the evaluation of policy. Following a study on the accessibility of accommodation in Flanders, there was a benchmark study into the criteria and labels of accessibility in Europe. Together with other studies, this should result in improving the accessibility of the Flemish tourist infraInstructure.thecourse of 2002, a study will start to explore the business market. In addition, the marketing policy will be evaluated on the basis of efficiency measurements. The sustainable and quality development of the tourist provision will be the subject of applied reInsearch.2002, approximately 0.247 million EUR is available for R&D.
In the course of 2001, the credit of 0.248 million EUR was used to start and carry out the following seven studies: "An inventory of alternative art courses", "An analysis of costs and returns in the operation of music ensembles", "The significance of the regulations for socio-cultural work in the sense of methodologies and processes", "A study and the implementation of a knowledge web for the popular culture sector", "An inventory of the moveable cultural heritage in the context of the decree on top works of art", "Management agreements in the cultural sector", "Expert advice on the symphony orchestras in OAFlanders".49Services of the Secretary-General Programme 49.2 – Tourism BA 33.01 – Subsidy for the Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp (Decree of 30 May The1985)Royal Zoological Society (KMDA) has the following mission statement for the next century: "To make a contribution to the conservation of nature, and in particular, the conservation of the diversity of life on earth." One of its key tasks is scientific research. Therefore the component of scientific research is incorporated in all the work carried out by the KMDA. This involves cooperation with universities and specialist institutes in many fields. The emphasis is, above all, on research in situ (particularly in the specialist fields of ethnology and veterinary medicine).
Chapter III.5 – 121
Chapter III.5 – 122
BA 44.01 – Subsidies for initiatives which support the acquisition of data on the Flemish Samplessubsoil and drilling exercises are often carried out in Flanders in relation to a number of public works. This material is frequently exclusively used for the information immediately required – and is then stored without being used any further. However, this is a potential source of much more additional geological information. It is necessary to discourage the damage or loss of this research material. Therefore the administration grants subsidies to geologists at Flemish universities who wish to use this study material for their research in higher degrees and dissertations.
The credit for science policy is 25,000 EUR.
The credit for science policy amounts to 555,000 EUR.
5. ECONOMICS, EMPLOYMENT, HOME AFFAIRS AND AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT
In the context of the policy on minerals and geological research, there is a need for external scientific and technological services. One of the priorities is the centralisation of information in the Databank on the Flemish Subsoil (DOV). In addition, reference can be made to the geological mapping of Flanders (in digital form) and random exploratory drilling exercises, samples and analyses to determine the potential of mining areas. Research is also necessary in the context of the policy on licensing and the decree on gravel and for future regional plans in relation to town and country planning with regard to mining activities. In addition, strategic and geological structural research is also carried out, for example, into the existence of economically important metallic mineralisations. There are also supporting projects to promote the use of alternative raw materials.
BA 12.03 – Expenditure for research into the underground geological structure, the possible presence of minerals, and with regard to the Databank on the Flemish Subsoil
Chapter III.5 – 123
OA 51 Economics Administration Programme 51.5 Natural resources and energy BA 12.02 – A variety of expenditure for research into issues related to subterranean geographical structure and with regard to automatic data processing
This credit is used mainly for short-term applied research on mining activities. This concerns the statistics drawn up on the consumption and production of primary and secondary raw materials and the space used for this. Routine measurements and the collection of data of general interest are also covered. The development of the Databank on the Flemish Subsoil as a user-friendly instrument requires a number of interventions in the field of information technology.
The credit for the science policy amounts to 96,000 EUR.
BA 12.25 – Agreements related to the energy policy
In the context of the liberalization of the energy markets and in order to achieve the Kyoto objectives for the reduction of CO2 emissions, the energy policy needs to be continuously monitored. To support and stimulate this policy, study agreements are to support the objectives: to arrive at justified and socially acceptable energy prices for all social groups, and with regard to the possibilities and impact of environmentally-friendly energy production, such as renewable energy sources and combined heat and power), the rational use of energy and the actions to be implemented in the different sectors.
Credit for science policy: 597,000 EUR.
As in previous years, Flemish efforts related to employment-oriented research were again strengthened in 2002 with the co-funding of the European Social Fund (point 6 of objective 3 ESF). The "Panel on the demand of the Flemish employment market" was set up with the funds from the Programme for Policy-oriented Research (PBO) and ESF at the end of 2000. This is a longitudinal survey which aims to reduce the number of ad hoc surveys of businesses and allow for the monitoring of the developments on the demand side (companies).
The first results will be generated in 2002. Together with the SONAR project (which is part of policy-oriented research) which examines the transition between education and the employment market, this accounts for significant added value to employment market research in Flanders. In addition to this demand-based panel study, twelve other research projects were carried out in 2001. These concern topics such as the early detection of problem areas as regards vacancies, the increase in the level of employment in Flanders (comparative analysis with neighbouring countries), the transition from education to the employment market, the costs and returns of an employment market-oriented personnel policy, the recognition of knowledge and skills and building stones for a dynamic and efficient subregional policy in Flanders, etc.
The Government of Flanders and the social partners have had a model of strategic studies of the employment market in support of policy since 1994, as a result of the work of the Flemish Interuniversity Research Network for Reports on the Employment Market (abbreviated as VIONA). This makes it possible to gain an insight into the evolution of supply and demand in the employment market, and to try to achieve an effective coordination between scientific research and the employment policy. Furthermore, the parties involved ensure that new emphases are introduced promptly to respond to recent social Thedevelopments.VIONAmodel is based on three supporting groups. The Steering Group for Strategic Research into the Employment Market determines the general approach to employment market research and analyses the results in order to formulate policy recommendations. The scientific support and execution is carried out by the Interuniversity Advisory Board (the former Interuniversity Supervision Group), with the coordination of the Flemish Support Centre for Employment, Labour and Training (WAV).
In the context of the 2001 VIONA call for proposals, the Government of Flanders approved eight new research projects on 13 July 2001, including projects on open and distance learning in industry, the quality of work placements as a way of learning in the workplace, the evaluation of current screening practices, the response to the level of emChapter
In addition, ten research reports were issued in 2001, providing an input for policy proposals and measures. These final reports relate inter alia to the search behaviour of jobseekers, the impact of government on the training policy in companies, ethical enterprise, the characteristics of an effective SME personnel policy and the policy of flexibility in industrial and service companies.
This basic allocation is intended for studies of the employment market aimed at supporting monitoring and/or evaluating the Flemish employment policy. This mainly concerns research projects and reports on trends selected on the basis of an annual call for proposals for topic-based research.
OA 52 Employment Administration Programme 52.4 Employment BA 12.22 – Studies and research
III.5 – 124
The significant added value of the VIONA model is that it has a broad basis resulting from the involvement of administrations, cabinets, the social partners and experts. A bridge is being built between science and policy, and the "products" are very popular. The Employment administration and the research teams aim at increasing this success by organizing study days and a VIONA dialogue day, the publication of articles in journals, the VIONA brochure "Employment market research in Flanders" and publication on the internet (www.viona.be).
OA 53 Home Affairs Administration Programme 53.1 Local and regional authorities BA 12.20 Study costs related to regional and local public authorities A sound policy preparation requires thorough scientific external support. The most important research projects for 2002 include an analysis of the support for the preparation of a Flemish municipal decree, the municipal and provincial electoral legislation, and the study on drawing up a mathematical model to monitor the income and expenditure of municipalities in Flanders. In addition, the study costs of the Supreme Council for Internal Government are at the expense of the Home Affairs Administration. The Supreme Council must contribute to the development of a vision on internal administrative organisation in Flanders, the monitoring of scientific research, and finally, the interpretation of social and administrative developments from the perspective of local and provincial ad0.483ministrations.million
Finally, following the appointment of a new VIONA coordinator (in May 2001), the VIONA programme was thoroughly evaluated in September 2001, and the objectives and operation with regard to monitoring the research were developed in more detail. In this context, one of the studies in the research programme for 2002 is based on the concept of a transitional employment market.
Chapter III.5 – 125
EUR is available for research with this BA.
Programme 53.2 Urban policy and the Social Impulse Fund BA 12.03 – Study costs and research tasks in the context of the SIF
In 2002 the emphasis of studies and research that is commissioned will be on the preparation of a "white paper" for the Flemish Urban policy composed in consultation with a think tank (Taskforce) which will provide support for a vision on urban development. The tasks will be drawn up on a number of topics which are critical success factors for our cities: economy, social policy, the public domain and culture, urban space, administrative development, etc. An estimated credit of 0.571 million EUR is allocated for all these studies in 2002.
ployment, the approach to getting people with a low level of literacy into employment, and shortages in the employment market. A limited second appeal was launched in the autumn of 2001, related to trend reports on the internationalisation of the employment market. All these projects started in the autumn (between October-December 2001).
• The definition, development and application of indicators to measure and stimulate sustainability in agriculture;
• Integrated agricultural models;
• Inventory of knowledge related to sustainable agriculture;
• Support for the development of an agricultural databank;
The Flemish research unit for the Agricultural and Horticultural Economy (VOLT) is responsible for acting as an information centre in support of policy for sustainable Flemish agriculture and horticulture. It examines agriculture from both an economic and ecological and from a social point of view. In addition, VOLT provides support for the development of the Flemish Agricultural Databank and a representative network of economic, agricultural and horticultural accountancy in Flanders. VOLT was set up at the end of 2001. The operating funds amount to 0.3 million EUR, of which approximately half are to be spent on scientific research.
BA 12.07 – A variety of expenditure related to the development and support of a databank and accounting network for the Flemish Research unit for an agricultural and horticultural economy
BA 31.05 – Subsidies in the context of the support for policy-oriented and practice-oriented research related to agriculture In order to stimulate the demand for sustainable agricultural systems and channel the knowledge on sustainable agriculture, a decision of the Government of Flanders of 30 November 2001 concerned the establishment of a Scientific Support Centre for Sustainable Agriculture. This support centre is based on cooperation between the universities of Ghent and Leuven. In the first year, the support centre will develop and initiate the following basic tasks:
Chapter III.5 – 126
• Integrated macro models;
• The design of a blueprint for the development of a sustainable information and communication bureau for agriculture and horticulture;
The demands of consumers and society for a more sustainable agriculture and horticulture require the continued development towards agricultural systems which take more account of new demands with regard to hygiene, the environment and animal welfare. The inherent additional costs will have to be compensated by greater attention to the economic profitability and social implications of these developments. Examples include alternative techniques for crop protection, improving storage techniques for fruit and vegetables, the selection of varieties and the improvement of resistant varieties, etc. 0.752 EUR is available for this in 2002.
OA 54 Agriculture and Horticulture Administration Programme 54.1 Agriculture, horticulture and rural policy
BA 33.02 – Subsidy for the Flemish Promotion Centre for Agro and Fishery Marketing Good, up-to-date market information is absolutely essential for a coherent and integrated communication and marketing policy for VLAM. The most important source of this is the GfK Consumer panel. This panel provides an insight into the purchasing and consumer pattern of the products of the Flemish agricultural, horticultural and fisheries sector. 3,000 families participate in the GfK Panel and pass on data, using a scanning system
BA 12.05 – Expenditure in the context of supporting policy-oriented and practice-oriented research related to agriculture
• The evaluation of policy implementation and monitoring;
• Advice on policy and services. 0.744 million EUR is available to support this centre for sustainable agriculture.
Chapter III.5 – 127
about the products they buy, how much they spend and where they buy these products. This results in the constant monitoring of the domestic consumption of agricultural products in Flanders. This information enables VLAM to discover trends in consumption, distinguish different sorts of consumers and measure the effects of the communication and marketing policy. The total budget for this study in 2002 amounts to 0.510 million EUR.
Chapter III.5 – 128
Within the policy area related to the Environment, research is funded both from the general budget (Programme 61.1 – 61.5), and by the MINA Fund. In order to coordinate the many different subject areas, credits and clients, a physical programme, Applied Scientific Research into the Environment (TWOL), is drawn up every year. This aims to achieve the coordination between the research projects carried out by the various departments of AMINAL, the Institute of Nature Conservation, the Institute for Forestry and Game Management and the Flemish Public Institutions, VLM, VMM, OVAM and VMW.
The 2002 TWOL programme continues in the same direction. In addition to the research in support of policy which has been implemented for some time, a great deal of attention is focused in particular on developing new concepts and supporting the planned policy, as presented in the Flemish Environmental Policy Plan (1997-2001) – the MINA plan 2. For various reasons, this plan was extended by a year, in expectation of the next “Environmental Policy Plan 2003-2007”. For the current policy, attention is divided over the various budget items described in detail below. Currently the 2002 TWOL programme is still at the planning stage – projects may still be rejected and others included, depending on the requirements of the policy. Important topics include nature, waste, air and water pollution. For the first time, substantial budgets are also provided for research related to “Environment and Health”. To implement the 1997-2001 Environment Policy Plan, a large number of additional re-
The decree containing the general provisions relating to environmental policy lays down the three objectives of the Flemish environmental policy: • the management of the environment; • its protection; • the conservation of nature and the promotion of biological and landscape diversity.
Chapter III.5 – 129 6. ENVIRONMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT
This places the environmental policy firmly in the context of sustainable development. In this sense, it is concerned particularly with preventive care, preventive action, a preference for the source-oriented combating of environmental pollution, the stand-still principle, and the principle that “the polluter pays”. In addition, other characteristics can be distinguished, such as the aim for accountability (those who contribute to creating environmental problems must take responsibility for it themselves, and introduce measures to reduce the environmental pollution), ensuring that future generations are not left to cope with the problems, ensuring that the environment is not overburdened, concluding recycling projects, energy expansion and promoting quality.
OA 61 Environment, Nature, Land and Water Management Administration (AMINAL)
Areas of study which are considered include the pollution of the air, water, soil (including acid rain, fertilisers, the thinning of the ozone layer, etc.); noise pollution, smells and light pollution; non-ionising radiation; groundwater management (including dehydration); environmental planning; environmental law; environmental hygiene; external safety; environmental effect reports; studies carried out by laboratories involving more than just measurements and inventories; forests; hunting and fishing; green areas; forestry research; forestry surveys; conservation of nature; land consolidation; land use; hydraulics; water management in agricultural land; soil pollution; the provision of drinking water; waste materials and the use of raw materials.
OL200100568 Study to provide support in the context of 37,184.029 EURan integrated product policy Study of appropriate measures in relation to OL200100549 the introduction of deposits for disposable 43,381.367 EUR drinks packaging.
In general, the structure of the 2002 TWOL programme puts into practice the provisions of the MINA Plan 2. This states that in the planning period, attention will be focused on the coordination and effective targeting of the research, and on the dissemination of the results. The existing coordination structures for scientific and technological research programmes will be improved. Particular attention will be focused on drawing up research programmes for several years, and providing information on and the application of research results.
I. Science policy in the budget of the MINA Fund
Number Short title Amount allocated Study of appropriate measures in relation to OL200100574 possible waste prevention measures in 24,789.352 EUR other policy areas
• Execution plan for household waste materials linked to the problems of litter aims to counter the constantly growing number of disposable drinks packaging.
• Strategic Plan for Waste prevention – part of an action for the prevention of waste in other policy areas: in this plan the OVAM wishes to explore which waste prevention measures appear to be suitable for development in non-environmental policy areas.
Strategic research: Policy planning Exploratory studies in preparation of policy take place in the field of waste prevention and are part of the following strategic policy actions:
Art. 2.4 OVAM – Expenditure arising from the decree of 2 July 1981 on the prevention and management of waste materials (including awareness-raising, studies and surveys – waste and operational contributions for collection and disposal)
• Integrated product policy: an important aspect with regard to the prevention of waste materials and emissions. In view of the division of competences in Belgium, the federal government is drawing up a plan of directives for an integrated product policy, in which the regions are actively involved. The goal is to achieve the best possible integration of AEP (prevention of waste materials and emissions) in product policy.
Chapter III.5 – 130 search projects are planned. These reflect the aims and the strategy described in the MINA Plan 2. The credits for this were collected together under one item of the MINA Fund (item 2.28). In terms of content, it follows the approach of the MINA Plan. This means that the research projects are drawn up on particular topics (such as fertilisers, fragmentation, the spread of environmentally dangerous substances, etc.), or that they deal with integrated aspects (target groups, costs and funding instruments, etc.).
Chapter III.5 – 131
Strategic research: policy formulation In the context of the development of the Mina plan 3 and the strategic vision of the Government of Flanders (Government manifesto), the strategic project, “dredging and clearing waste”, the Strategic Plan for Waste Prevention, the new Execution Plan for Household Waste Materials and the Execution Plan for Organic-Biological Waste, the research projects described below are started up in order to support the various action programmes. In addition, the European Commission has prepared a new draft decree on animal materials, which aims to serve as a collection and revision of all the existing guidelines and decisions – with important implications for the Flemish policy on animal waste.Number
OL200100739 Project for the preparation of the new Execution 109,073.151 EURPlan for Dredging and Clearing Waste
Short title Amount allocated To determine definitions for the terms: rich in OL200100667 humus, rich in minerals and poor in humus, 18,592.014 EUR poor in minerals Study of the implications of the new European OL200100582 policy vision on animal waste for the Flemish 24,789.352 EUR waste materials policy
Strategic research: Policy evaluation
The research for the evaluation of policy is becoming increasingly important for drawing up a policy on waste. Effect measurements were carried out focusing specifically on the topic, “economic range of instruments for the promotion of waste prevention”. Following PRESTI 1 and 2, the effect of the PRESTI 3 programme will be measured in 2002 to formulate conclusions for new subsidy programmes. This can be done by revealing the efforts and results on the prevention of waste made by the participating companies.
Number Short title Amount allocated OL200100567 Evaluation of PRESTI 3 programme 49,578.705 EUR Operational research: Instrumental This concerns the organisational aspects of the waste materials policy. Every study is part of a particular strategic policy action – such as execution plans, strategic plans and strategic projects. Various individual fields are tackled: • The maintenance and development of the range of instruments in the form of various operational programmes, handbooks, model specifications, extrapolation models, awareness raising and information, etc.
OL200100576 Process and product-oriented policy for the 37,184.029 EURproduction of waste OL200100526 Analysis and planned approach to priority 198,314.820 EURindustrial waste materials
OL200100740 Project for the preparation of the new 49,578.705 EURExecution Plan for Household Waste
OL200100546 Drawing up a structure and strategic 37,184.029 EURprogramme for an approach to litter in Flanders
OL200100380environmentally-friendly
OL200100668 Study
OL200100551
Number
Chapter III.5 – 132
•Waste and emission prevention are a necessary step towards sustainable development. Up to now, the Government of Flanders has mainly taken process-oriented prevention initiatives. However, it is also necessary to promote product-oriented measures. At the operational level, the OVAM supports initiatives on environmentally-oriented product development (eco design), in which a good flow of information to industry is essential. Short title Amount allocated of hygienic aspects in the context of the 6,197.338 EURquality of home compost OL200100571 Policy measures for waste prevention at events 74,368.057 EUR OL200100528 Environmentally hygienic manual for the use 37,184.029 EURof rubble granules Possibilities for maintaining new acceptance 37,184.029 EURTheobligationsadaptation of statistical extrapolation
• The knowledge and results of the waste materials policy should also be exchanged more effectively between the European, national and international forum and the Flemish Region. The current level of quality put forward in the Flemish waste materials policy at the European level must be maintained. It is also desirable to give the Flemish waste materials policy broader international support. Accurate data – the correct interpretations and extrapolations and a coherence with the European waste materials list – are therefore important for the basis of this policy, and these must be supported.
OL200100541 Establishing a structured collection of textiles in 19,831.482 EURFlanders
OL200100570continuation
OL200100560
OL200100552models to the matrix implementation in the 24,789.352 EUR databank Determining the density of different types of 37,184.029 EURwaste OL200100553 Implementation of the new European Waste 12,394.676 EURMaterials list The support of waste prevention by the OL200100562government in terms of content: the design49,578.705 EUR of model specifications OL200100564 Study into support of the optimalisation of 74,368.057 EURMAMBO OL200100569 Studies supporting STIP 24,789.352 EUR Follow-up project for the study, “Handbook on consumption”: 6,973.381 EUR database of model specifications Information point for ecodesign factor 10: of testing stage, evaluation and143,778.244 EUR supportive research in 2002 OL200100527 Increasing the international support for the 74,368.057 EURFlemish waste materials policy
• There is a constant need for a framework of standards for secondary raw materials that is better supported; the regulations in this respect must be urgently geared to the VLAREBO to achieve a coherent approach. Good guidelines are also needed for standards for the environmentally hygienic use of building and demolition waste materials which can be maintained in practice. The availability of easily accessible information is also important for the standardization and knowledge of the processing techniques of dredging and clearing waste.
It is useful to be aware of the position with regard to a number of specific sorts of waste.
OL200100750Standardisationmanual of secondary raw materials 86,762.734 EUR
The credit serves for the joint funding of the planned studies submitted by the General Environment and Nature Policy Division (AMINABEL) the Forests and Green Areas Division and the Nature Division of AMINAL.
OL200100540 Drawing up a test for families to test 30,986.691 EURthemselves with regard to waste prevention Survey and evaluation of processing techniques
Number Short title Amount allocated Financial and physical examination of the
For animal waste, of which the impact has increased in recent years as regards policy, the financial and physical examination by the recognised collectors/processors of animal waste (carcasses) is essential for continuity and sanitary guarantees. For building and demolition waste, benchmarking in relation to the other regions and surrounding countries is appropriate. An acceptance obligation has been introduced for white goods and other electrical goods, and we will have to monitor the development of the network of recycling centres and the number of recycled white goods and other electrical goods (AEEA).
Monitoring the development of the network
Art 2.5Current expenditure for the application of the Nature Development Plan Of the total credit (12.129 million EUR), the sum of 5.296 million EUR is provided for the year 2002 for scientific research projects in Article 2.5 of the MINA fund. Actions on the development of nature are aimed, amongst other things, at the preservation of valley ecosystems in the context of the Flemish Total Water Consultation Project and of the coast as one of our most important natural areas. To comply with our obligations at the international level, we should also fulfil the Ramsar, bird and habitat directives. Research in support of policy is carried out in the context of the TWOL programme on the development of nature – sometimes in the context of very specific actions related to particular areas. In addition, strategies are also drawn up and the impact of the policy actions on the quality of nature is examined.
OL200100529 Building and demolition waste: comparative 24,789.352 EURstudy in neighbouring regionsand countries
Chapter III.5 – 133
OL200100745for dredging waste, drawn up in the form of a 74,368.057 EUR
Operational research: State of the art
OL200100581 recognised collectors/processors of 24,789.352 EUR animal waste (carcasses)
The research planned by AMINABEL relates in particular to ecological engineering (0.414 million EUR). The research planned by the Nature Division (1.054 million EUR) and the Forests and Green Areas Division (3.780 million EUR) is more diverse and sup-
OL200100547 of recycling centres in Flanders in 2001 30,986.691 EUR (including financial sample chart)
OL200100544 Establishing the GISTI programme in the first 24,789.352 EURpriority sector
Art. 2.10Current expenditure arising from the agreement of 10 November 1993 between the Region of Flanders and NV AQUAFIN Of the total credit of 209.891 million EUR, 3,309,090 EUR is allocated to science policy, of which approximately 1,086,000 EUR is for research. Aquafin NV was established in 1991, with the task of developing a structure for the purification of domestic waste water in Flanders. In terms of content, Research and Development in Aquafin have always been focused on supporting this task. The key words in this are optimising the planning and exploitation. In the first years (1991-1994), it was important to achieve standardisation very quickly. For this purpose, the available technology was screened, examined in terms of its applicability in Flanders, and if necessary, improved, both in terms of the choice of processes, and in terms of the individual parts of the process. In addition, a procedure was developed for various dimensions, making use of modelling techniques, amongst other things. For the vulnerable areas in Flanders, it was necessary to implement a policy to remove nutrients; therefore many of the Research and Development efforts were focused on the processes for the removal of nitrogen and Fromphosphorous.1994,Aquafin’s activities accelerated. There were two reasons for this: on the one hand, the whole of Flanders was identified as a vulnerable area; on the other hand, Aquafin was given the additional task of exploiting and renovating the infrastructure which had already existed before it was established. As the existing sewage purification plants had not been designed to remove nutrients, Research and Development was made responsible for providing the best available technology for this as soon as possible. In the first instance, pilot experiments were carried out, related to modelling techniques.
Chapter III.5 – 134 ports the practical execution and planning of the general and specific tasks of the respective divisions – ranging from the preparation of policy to the execution of nature development projects in the field. The projects are carried out both at the operational level (e.g., the digitalisation of forest areas, genetic research of mustelids, migration studies of forest plant species, etc.), and at the strategic level: the development of evaluation systems for forest areas, a study of the capacity of parks and urban green areas, a demonstration project for bio-energy cultivation, etc.
In addition to the economic aspects, the analysis of the scenario which supports the decision-making process always takes into account the ecological and social aspects.
Wherever necessary and possible, Research and Development proposed new technology, which had not yet been applied in Flanders before, for the renovation.
The processing of sludge had been optimalised in the early years, with a view to sales to agriculture, but it soon became clear that it was necessary to abandon this approach. Anticipating the introduction of the new “VLAREA” legislation, more and more attention was devoted to alternative outlets, such as the co-combustion of waste water purification silt in power stations. The development of the new infrastructure started in the larger conurbations. As these were completed, the number of small-scale projects became relatively more important. For this purpose, a standard Aquafin concept was developed at the beginning, making use of plant purification systems, amongst other things. This concept is still being constantly adapted and optimalised, for example, on the basis of practical operational experience and pilot experiments.
Over the course of the years, a standard procedure was developed for renovation. An analysis of scenarios made use of detailed characterisation of influents, sensitivity analysis, dynamic modelling, calibration of the results of measurement campaigns and pilot experiments, and finally, risk analysis, both for the design of the system of collectors, and for the sewage purification plant.
To use the available means and the know-how that has been acquired as efficiently as possible, the focus in terms of the content is on the fields of process support/modelling, silt prevention and recycling, membrane technology/recycling, and small-scale water purification/nature, though without losing sight of the other fields concerned.
Membrane technology/ Recycling
In 2002, the research focuses on an evaluation of the systems available on the market, the development of small-scale systems with membranes, and determining the possible health risks involved in the recycling of purified waste water.
For the optimalisation of the exploitation, new “intelligent” monitoring systems were developed and patented. The dynamic models developed in recent years are used to simulate these monitoring systems in advance on the computer, and test them for their feasiBecausebility. of the constant concern to prevent and remedy nuisance caused by odours and noise, progress was also made in this respect, in the sense that an increasingly model-based approach was adopted. Taking into account the increasing attention paid to sustainability and recycling, a large number of Research and Development projects were started in this field in recent years. The key words are always: further-reaching purification, new and stricter norms, the recycling of silt and effluent, membrane technology and small-scale systems.
Points of attention for 2002: In 2002, further work is being carried out in the selected areas of research, with the necessary changes to respond to the changing situation.
Process support/modelling
Rather inaccurate models are still used (also at an international level) for the sedimentation tank, in areas where the modelling of aeration basins are already a tried and tested matter.
In 2002, a dynamic model will be developed to optimalise the design and exploitation. Measurement and regulatory strategies are being developed for the best possible removal of nutrients, on the basis of benchmarking, dynamic modelling including risk analysis, pilot tests and full scale test cases. Approximately 60 to 70% of the total energy consumption in waste water purification is used for the aeration energy. To economise on this, an intelligent online monitoring of the aeration is being worked on in 2002 to achieve minimum consumption of energy with maximum purification return. A start will also be made in 2002 on the development of a DNA – “microarray” system for the evaluation of the effective operation of a purification system. The key to the method that was developed is that the monitoring of the biocatalysts (these are the biocomponents of the active system) are able to provide better information on the condition of the system and to monitor and adapt it more effectively.
The European Directive, “EU Water Framework Directive”, will have an even greater impact on the whole water purification process than, for example, the “Urban Waste Water Directive”: more and increasingly strict norms will be imposed, and a comprehensive approach will have a decisive impact. The introduction of membrane technology in the purification of domestic waste water will play an important role in this. The advantages of this technology are: an effluent of superior quality, possibilities of recycling the effluent and more compact systems. Flanders will have a unique opportunity to integrate this technology in the purification infrastructure at the right moment: it is a very densely populated area, with small amounts of water available and the purification infrastructure is developing and expanding very rapidly. As a result of high-tech developments, the membrane reactor technology can be introduced, and recycling can become a reality on a large scale.
Chapter III.5 – 135
Sludge prevention and recycling
The anaerobic fermentation of sludge not only reduces the amount of sludge, but also results in an improvement in the drainage potential, i.e., a reduction in the volume of sludge to be removed, and the production of biogas which is eligible for green electricity certificates. With the renovation of the existing fermentation capacity and the construction of new installations, the aim is to ferment approximately half of the sludge in the future, resulting in a 15% reduction of the amount of dry matter to be removed.
Strategic Research Policy formulation
One important aim of the OVAM Soil research programme is to continue drawing up new norms on cleaning up the soil in more detail and to improve the support for the risk analysis. This is mainly based on modelling calculations. These calculations contain various simplifications and assumptions. For those aspects (which reveal a very wide range of possibilities in the hypotheses), we try, on the one hand, to find more precise data, and on the other hand, we use standard methods for the effective measurement of a number of parameters.
Water purification on a small scale/Nature
Chapter III.5 – 136
Certain preliminary treatment methods for disintegrating/hydrolysing the organic material in the sludge can improve the fermentation and drainage potential and also reduce total sludge production. The study in 2002 focuses on the evaluation of preliminary treatment methods, in particular, chemical and thermal sludge hydrolysis.
With regard to sludge prevention, it will be necessary to look at the control of sludge production for every IE (for the implementation of the operational objective of the OVAM Sludge plan), as well improvements in the quality. The target is for the use of 10% of the total supply as fertiliser, or as a method of improving the soil.
Art. 2.17 OVAM – Expenditure arising from the Decree of 22 February 1995 on cleaning up the soil (including awareness raising, studies and surveys – soil, location-related surveys, register, land registry)
Number Short title Programme Amount allocated OL200100673 Standardisation and risk evaluationOVAM 198,314.820 EURof soil-cleaning operations Soil OL200100736 Standardisation for pesticides OVAM 88,002.201 EURSoil Drawing up a methodology to OL200100735 determine risks of leaching and aOVAM 135,101.971 EUR description and evaluation of theSoil soil quality
The 2002 Study on small-scale water purification and nature will focus on the modelling of reed beds, the development of a small-scale membrane bioreactor, the treatment of sewage overflows, the incorporation of the small-scale design in the landscape and nature, a justified natural management of the reed beds and peripheral infrastructure and the integration of location-specific ecological engineering measures with the aim of developing nature.
Now that the larger conurbations are connected to the RWZI (sewage water purification plant), the relative importance of small-scale purification projects is increasing. Although the small-scale purification systems make use of processes which seem relatively simple at first sight (such as plant systems), their design and exploitation are one of the most underrated and least studied aspects of waste water purification.
Chapter III.5 – 137
Causal links
In this research, the following priorities apply:
•To find new techniques for existing problems with regard to cleaning the soil. This is strongly focused on diffuse soil pollution.
Most of the research projects involve a broad study of the literature, to see what knowledge already exists in other countries on the problem concerned. It is only if no sufficient knowledge appears to be available, or if this knowledge is not really applicable to the Flemish situation, that an evaluation is carried out to see how this knowledge can be acquired.
Number Short title Programme Amount allocated Relationship between erosion – AMINALOL200100648 dam water and cultivationLand Dividion 66,931.252 EUR
• The development of a methodology for the monitoring and control of certain cleaning up techniques (mainly in situ), and drawing up protocols
Art. 2.28 Expenditure related to the execution of the 1997-2002 Environmental Policy Plan, with the exception of subsidies and capital expenditure
The credit available for Article 2.28 of the MINA Fund amounts to 1.195 million EUR for 2002. Various divisions of AMINAL (Directorate General, AMINABEL, the Nature Division, Forests and Green Areas Division and Water Division), as well as several Flemish Public Institutions (OVAM, VLM, VMM) make use of this budget item to fund the planned studies, inter alia, in the context of the MINA plan. In terms of content, these cover all the topics (Thinning of the ozone layer, Climate change, Acidification, The spread of substances which are dangerous for the environment, Nuisance caused by odours, Nuisance caused by noise, Dehydration, Loss of biodiversity, Fragmentation) and related aspects (Cooperation with authorities, Costs and funding, Area-based approach, Instruments, etc.) of the MINA Plan. There is always a direct relationship with one or
Operational Instrumentalresearch
Number Short title Programme Amount allocated Trial project phyto remediation of OL200100674heavy metals by means of an OVAM 198,314.820 EUR energy forest Soil Injection of (bi) metallic nano OL200100731 scale iron particles in aquifers OVAM 180,962.273 EUR polluted by chlorinated Soil hydrocarbons OL200100732 Exploitation conditions for OVAM soil-cleaning operations Soil 100,396.877 EUR OL200100733 Validation of soil-cleaning techniques OVAM for soil contaminated with asbestos Soil 79,325.928 EUR OL200100734 Cluster approach to industrial sites for OVAM soil examinations Soil 92,960.072 EUR
This comprises technical and scientific research aimed at the implementation of the decree on cleaning up the soil and the related policy on a scientific basis.
•To support the concept, “Best available technique which does not result in unreasonably high costs”
Chapter III.5 – 138
• Evaluation of the air quality along busy roads and at the urban level
• Drawing up a handbook of guidelines for external safety reports
• Study at the virtual Interuniversity Knowledge centre for Serious Accidents involving dangerous substances
BA 12.02 – A variety of expenditure related to the Environment and Health Project
more of the actions of the Environmental Policy Plan. Although basic research is also planned in exceptional cases, the majority of the research projects are of an operational or strategic nature. The credit applied for (9.21 million EUR) amply exceeds the available budget.
BA 12.59 – A variety of expenditure related to the detection, prevention and combating of noise pollution; the execution of studies related to environmental problems, environmental effect reports and external safety For the budget year 2002, there is 0.757 million EUR available for activities in the physical programme of Applied Scientific Research into the Environment (TWOL) in 2002.
• Book of directives on environmental effect reports: basic directives for groups of activities
• Establishing a threshold level and method of measuring asbestos in the atmosphere
• Identification of dioxins in products and proposal for reduction measures BA 12.62 – A variety of expenditure related to: agreements with recognised laboratories for contractually described analysis, sampling and interpretation of waste water, groundwater, waste materials, fertilisers and air; studies by specialist laboratories for more specif-
• Evaluation of the reduction potential for various emissions of pollutants into the air in a number of homogenous subsectors of the chemical industry in Flanders
• Research into the non-thermal or biological effects of radio frequency electromagnetic fields of mobile communication
•To draw up an inventory of current research, research efforts and research potential, and provide an insight into the information needs related to Environment and Health
Four projects are planned:
The proposals are submitted by the AMINABEL division of AMINAL.
• Seveso taxes related to a range of tasks imposed by the Cooperation Agreement.
This is a new item in the budget, and was created to fund the operational costs related to the recently started initiative, “Environment and Health”. The credit amounts to 0.793 million EUR, wholly intended for strategic research.
The planned studies in AMINABEL are related to:
• MER vulnerability charts for the discipline of human sciences: subsidiary field of socioorganisational aspects.
• Research into sources of nuisance caused by light
II. Science policy and the general budget Programme 61.1 Environment
•Projects to promote environmentally-friendly vehicles and fuels
• An evaluation of the environmental hygiene policy in Flanders, so that aspects of public health can be taken into account
• Research into and elaboration of directives for environmental effect reports (to draw up and evaluate MERs)
• An examination of the possibilities of redefining the environmental quality norms in relation to area-specific environmental and health characteristics
3. Training, organisation and human resources: The permanent training of employees is an important way of achieving the objectives and tasks of the VMM. The training policy is seen as an essential instrument of Human Resources Management. In training, the emphasis is on:
• job-related training
Of the total grant of 49.902 million EUR for 2002, 8.351 million is allocated for science policy, of which 1.480 million is for research.
2. These studies are commissioned in the context of the tasks of the VMM imposed by decree, in particular, the development and exploitation of emission and immission measurement networks for water and air, drawing up Water Quality Plans, an annual inventory of the emissions of polluting substances in waste waters and surface waters and in the ambient air. In addition, there are also annual investment programmes for the infrastructure for water purification and the advice for environmental licences granted in accordance with the VLAREM.
In addition, the majority of the available credit (1.99 million EUR) is spent on laboratory contracts (analysis, sampling and the interpretation of samples, safety studies, etc.).
•A legal range of instruments on liability and repairing environmental damage
1. VMM is developing measurement networks for controlling the quality of surface water and the river bed (immission network for water and measurement network for the river bed), discharges of waste water (emission measurement network for water) and the quality of the air in the atmosphere (immission measurement network for the air). The flow of information from the various measurement networks forms the objective basis for action plans and reports and the evaluation of (previous) policy and management.
BA 12.63 – A variety of expenditure related to the execution of studies on environmental law, falling under the activities of the Division for Europe and the Environment
The Environment and Europe division of AMINAL submitted three research projects for the year 2002 (0.175 million EUR), which should result in a more efficient regulation, inter alia, by improving the legal range of instruments, through the correct implementation of the “Franchimont” act and the evaluation of the implementation of international environmental conventions:
• information technology training (computer staff and end users)
• Research into the administrative, legal and procedural consequences of the “Franchimont” act of 12 March 1998 for the Flemish environment administration
• Legal, administrative and material implementation and application of international environmental conventions
Chapter III.5 – 139 ic, non-current analyses, other than those referred to in the previous section with sampling, interpretation and advice, if required; the official execution of sanctions
BA 41.46 – Operational grant for the Public Environmental Agency of Flanders
• technical training
Two operational research projects (0.149 million EUR) are planned under basic allocation 12.62 by the Environmental Inspectorate of AMINAL, viz., “The evaluation, additions to and validation of the environmental accident index”, and “The development and validation of a methodology for the measurement of emissions for dioxins such as PCBs and hexachlorobenzene.
The organisation is developed in such a way that it helps to achieve the objectives are far as possible.
Summary of the most important policy lines:
• management and communication training
•a more precise calculation of ozone concentrations in Flanders (finer grid) by adapting the existing Eurosmodel (European Operational Smog) with the aim of gaining a clearer insight into the impact of certain existing emission reductions and new emission reduction scenarios
Finally, a number of studies focused on the development or improvement of models in particular for:
140
Other gaps which exist in the knowledge in this field which were tackled in this research include a calculation of the ‘Total Material Requirements’ in Flanders and the production of industrial waste materials in the manufacturing sector and other target groups.
The knowledge of concentrations of volatile organic substances (VOS) in the atmosphere was also increased with that of VOS in the water and in the soil, and an inventory of radioactive soils in Flanders was completed with the characterization of a number of areas potentially contaminated by radioactivity and an evaluation of the possible impact of this on the population.
Every improvement in environmental reporting increases the insight into environmental problems and their possible solutions and therefore creates more possibilities for the environmental policy. Therefore the research that is carried out can be seen as strategic research in support of policy.
• the situation with regard to the environmental topic “noise” on the basis of a comparison in GIS between the nuisance reported in the AMINAL nuisance survey and the potential nuisance which was calculated for various sources of noise
In addition, scientific contributions are made by external specialists in the context of the development of various main sector-related and topic-based chapters of the MIRA reports Chapter III.5 –
The evolution of noise emission resulting from road traffic was monitored in a new random sample in 2001, compared to that of 1996. The indicator “Seq”, which reflects the annual distribution equivalents for each weedkiller and pesticide, was further developed and divided up into users, on the basis of arable and horticultural cultivation, types of application and functional subgroups.
The first group of studies include the inventorisation of the emissions in agriculture of the greenhouse gas nitrousoxide (N2O), as well as the calculation of the total emission of nutrients based on a balance of the soil. With regard to agriculture, studies are focused on improving the insight into the use of artificial fertilisers and weedkillers in Flanders and determining total energy consumption.
BA 41.47 – Operational grant for the Public Environmental Agency of Flanders for expenditure related to the Environmental Report (Decree of 5 April containing general provisions related to environmental policy) 0.702 million EUR is allocated to this BA for research aimed at the constant improvement of the quality and complete character of environmental reports. This is done every year by completing the gaps in the knowledge that still remain and which were noted during the evaluation process following the publication of every MIRA report, as far as possible.
In 2001, a distinction was made in this respect, on the one hand, between a number of studies to provide specific information for Flanders about the environmental pressure of various substances that pollute the environment on which no precise figure had been available up to that time, and on the other hand, the continued development and improvement of indicators and models which are necessary to draw up the environmental reports.
• modelling suspended particulates, both of total substances and of fractions PM 10 and PM 2.5, in coordination with a number of related research initiatives in the context of the implementation of MINA-2.
Credits of 2.589 million EUR are allocated for science policy in 2002.
• continuing the exploratory ecotoxicological research into the application possibilities of this type of test in an emission reduction and monitoring strategy;
The five research projects of the VLM fertiliser bank are:
• the qualitative and quantitative establishment of the nitrogen cycle in the soil and shallow ground water
BA 61.42 – Grant to the Public Environmental Agency of Flanders for the development of measurement networks for water and air, and the development of the environment databank
• PCB measurements
•research into the elements which contribute to a better understanding of the link between VOC emissions and tropospheric ozone formation
• the development of a certification system for low-emission equipment
The most important policy lines are:
and of the practical publication of the book (layout and printing). MIRA-T 2001 contained 7 sectors and 24 different environmental topics. The most recent Environment and Nature report was successfully completed and presented to the Minister of the Environment and Agriculture on 7 December 2001. This report will again be evaluated in 2002, which will reveal new gaps in the knowledge for which additional research will be required. The Environment and Nature report, “Topics for 2002”, will also be amended on the basis of this evaluation, and is expected in December 2002.
* The continued development of networks to monitor the quality of surface waters (immission measurement network for water), the river beds, and discharges of waste water (emission measurement network for water) and the quality of the air in the atmosphere (immission measurement network for air). The flow of information from the different measurement networks forms the objective basis for all action plans and reports.
• measurements of dioxin deposits and dioxin concentration measurements, focusing on locations with greatly increased deposits
With regard to the measurement networks for water, attention is mainly focused on:
•research into nitrogen and phosphate losses resulting from run off and drainage, and possibilities of remedial action
• the continued expansion of the measurement programme on dangerous substances (micro-pollutants) in surface and waste water and river beds, with attention to pesticides and endocrinous pollution, in order to meet the European obligations and to support some of the actions of the Mina 2 Plan;
BA 41.48 – Operational grant for the Public Land Agency of Flanders, Fertilizer bank 1.165 million EUR is allocated to this BA for research.
• monitoring fertilisers and acidification
• updating the animal production figures for beef, poultry and pigs.
• the continued development of a measurement network for river beds;
• starting up and participating in research into the development of complementary ecological assessment methods in the context of the implementation of the new EU framework directive;
Chapter III.5 – 141
• making the VMM measurement networks effect-oriented: there is not enough research into the link between environmental pollution and health risks in Flanders. A relatively small expansion of the measurement networks can create a strategic added value for the existing measurement networks.
With regard to the measurement network for air, in addition to continuing the measurements of the “traditional” parameters for NOx and SO2, ozone, suspended particulates, heavy metals, VOC, etc., particular attention will be devoted, inter alia, to:
• continuing the study on heavy metals in different samples of particulated matter, in cooperation with the Vito and the CEN working group WG14 in Hoboken
•the study of new measurement techniques for F, ammonia and formaldehyde
The “Taxes for Large-scale Consumers” project is continuing to achieve a renewed and integrated system to provide information in support of policy.
In the context of a user-friendly approach, easier access and better interpretation possibilities, there is an increasing demand for the comprehensible visualisation of the many data. They must be grouped in time series, on a set of theme-based background maps. Initiatives and projects are being set up for this purpose to implement a universal GIS (Geographic Information System), in response to the directives of the GIS-Flanders Support Centre.
• measurement network for deposits and acidification: the complete operationalisation of the measurements of rainwater in 10 locations. In connection with dry deposits, measurements will be carried out with passive samplers in 2002 and the measurement strategy will be further improved.
Chapter III.5 – 142
• starting up CO measurements
In order to provide support for policy, the VMM must evolve from the stage of “data collection” to “information”, and subsequently become a complete “information system”. This is only possible by linking and coordinating with other databanks, such as those related to taxes, flow measurements, discharge points, sewerage, industrial information, licences, etc. An adequate meta-data system (or information on data) is a key function in this. This must be developed gradually in consultation with the other participants (AMINAL, OVAM, VLM, IBW, IN, VMW, Aquafin). It is obvious that this initiative must be related to similar European projects such as the data catalogue (CDS), the Dobris Report, the EIONET information network, and others.
• carrying out studies into the chemical composition of suspended particulates
The reporting structure for the processed data responds to the input needs of the quality requirements of the Water Quality Plans. The databank is being elaborated and expanded for this purpose, and specific applications are being developed. Good coordination between the different data sources and the storage of basic information for reference purposes in one place will lead to a valuable and easily accessible information system. The pos-
•renewal of the measurement stations for heavy metals, in accordance with EN 12341
• further elaboration of measurement strategies in accordance with the EU framework di-
• continuing research into cross-border air pollution in the region of Lille in Northern France, in cooperation with partners in Northern France
•rrectiveesearch on genotoxic and mutagenic activities
• starting up comparative measurements between gravimetric and automatic methods for the determination of suspended particulates, in accordance with the EU subsidiary directive;
* Projects must be set up, aimed at continuing the efforts for the collection, validation, processing, structuring, storage (in the central Flemish environmental databank – section on the measurement databank) and at reporting the relevant data series and calculated quality indices for the measurement of water and air, and the programme for the sewerage system.
In particular, a project is starting up for the integration of the total waste water collection infrastructure - related to the information with regard to pollution loads. There will also be a project on giving advice for environmental licenses (water and air division). In this respect, attention will be devoted to improving and centralising various processes.
• carrying out specific studies in problem areas (including Beerse)
•prospection of the purchase of Hg-monitoring equipment
Chapter III.5 – 143
Programme 61.2 Nature BAs 11.04, 12.03, 12.45 and 74.02 - Institute of Nature Conservation
The Institute operates as a dynamic information and knowledge centre under the direct responsibility of the Minister of the Environment and Agriculture. It offers support for governments and administrations with regard to relevant (nature-related) research and advice. In addition, the IN contributes in disseminating knowledge about the problems of nature conservation and helps to develop public awareness and wider support within society for a sustainable approach to nature, biodiversity and natural resources.
The Institute of Nature Conservation (IN) is a scientific institute of the Flemish Community established by Decree of the Flemish Executive of 17 July 1985. As an institute for applied research related to the conservation of nature (in a broad sense), the Institute provides knowledge and information on nature, including publication of papers, technical reports and advices, with a view to providing a solid scientific base for nature policy. It also provides support in sectors and fields which have an impact (direct or indirect) on biodiversity and the natural environment, including qualitative and quantitative aspects.
Strategic objectives
sibility of forecasting the evolution of water and air quality as a consequence of the policy, will strengthen the support for the policy. In the future, this instrument must be available for application by the target groups, in which local parties (local authorities, provinces, families) will be important customers, as well as the higher authorities, industry and agriculture. The costs of providing local information are based on internet technology, and the aim is to achieve interaction. The results of the MAP measurement network are communicated to the agricultural organisations by CD-ROM.
3. Drawing up ecological principles for a supported policy on nature and developing instruments enabling the government to implement a suitable nature policy. This is based on its own research at three levels of organisation (species/population-community/ ecotope-ecosystem/landscape) and the existing knowledge.
1. The permanent updating of the basic data and increasing scientific knowledge on the condition of the natural environment and biodiversity in the Flemish Region.
2. Increasing scientific knowledge on the processes which influence biodiversity and the natural environment – with or without the impact of social activities.
The total credit for the IN as part of programme 61.20 amounts to 3.991 million EUR. 0.144 million EUR is available for BA 12.45 to carry our urgent studies or commissions of general interest, which fall outside the scientific programme or knowledge of the Institute of Nature Conservation. Some budgets are obtained from regional administrations that wish to make use of the expertise of the IN on a structural basis.
These are not related to a particular period – they determine and structure the specific core tasks of the Institute in the medium term.
4. Developing the central information and knowledge-centre function for nature and the natural environment, by helping to organise policy-oriented research and formulating relevant research questions, by actively anticipating information needs, by organizing the general accessibility and user-friendliness of basic information and databases, and by monitoring research on the conservation of nature and making the results broadly accessible.
5. Contributing both at the district and regional level, to the scientific observation of international obligations and providing support for the required reports in cooperation with the administrations concerned.
7. To disseminate the knowledge acquired in an appropriate way to the various target groups (for example by means of study days and conferences, publications, lectures).
12. To provide scientifically based advice for nature policy and nature management
13. To evaluate strategies, instruments and results for nature policy and nature management and provide advice to improve them.
14. To make information available on the internet (website with data which can be downloaded – such as Red Lists of flora and fauna).
8. To set up functional networks with universities and other scientific institutes and associations for the study of nature in order to increase the scientific potential and development of knowledge for the policy on nature.
6. To draw up and manage databases on aspects of biodiversity and the natural environment in cooperation with all the parties concerned, and place these in meta-databases (at the regional, federal, international level). These databases should be developed in such a way that they can be used as far as possible for the preparation and execution of policy, for scientific research in general and for nature studies in particular.
4. To take responsibility for the long-term monitoring of biodiversity and relevant environmental factors which can explain the condition of nature and changes in it, and allow for the measurement of the progress of the policy.
6. Helping to monitor scientific research and project studies in the policy area of nature conservation of the Government of Flanders
10. To organise the internal operation in such a way that the tasks are carried out as well as possible; to evaluate and improve its own organisation on a permanent basis as a guarantee of the throughput of knowledge and its relevant translation into policy and to maintain the high quality of the research and advice provided.
7. The evaluation of the results of government policy on the conservation of nature and the natural environment.
1. To increase the development of a vision and concepts in relation to the conservation of nature by means of projects based on fundamental questions for which there is insufficient knowledge available (also in the literature) and helping to carry this out.
5. To draw up frames of reference and norms with which the monitoring results can be evaluated.
Chapter III.5 – 144
Operational objectives: the key activities
Structure of the research Most of the research at the Institute of Nature Conservation is focused on the development of policy instruments. Three research levels have been recognised (species/population – community/ecotope – ecosystem/landscape), each of which can provide an input for tasks directly aimed at the preparation, support and evaluation of policy. For the prac-
2. To draw up innovative topics and methodologies for a greater knowledge and insight into the processes and causes of changes in biodiversity, which can also be used to implement a more suitable nature policy.
9. To co-ordinate research projects in response to information needs in connection with the preparation and implementation of the policy on the conservation of nature and to incorporate these projects in working programmes in the medium and short term.
3. To organise its own scientific research in such a way that the results are as widely applicable as possible in policy.
11. To achieve a function as a coordinating information and knowledge centre for nature, by actively participating in the preparation of reference works for the implementation of policy (ecological engineering), Nature Reports, Biological Valuation Map, Red Lists, etc.).
tical organisation of its activities, the Institute is structured into six research units: 1. Population and distribution ecology, 2. Ecotope typology and Biological evaluation map, 3. Ecohydrology and water systems, 4. Landscape ecology and nature management, 5. Nature development and policy, and 6. Nature Report.
Four subsidiary topics are distinguished in this topic: 1. monitoring of populations, 2. distribution research, 3. ecological relationships between organisms and their environment and 4. protection of species.
The distribution research comprises six individual aspects:
a) Drawing up and updating distribution maps of individual species. These form the basis for a frame of reference which provides a quantitative description of the situation of nature in Flanders. The publication of distribution atlases is an important task, partly because it is seen as an important goal for the amateur associations which provide the data.
c)Detailed mapping of the presence of selected species in particular areas of Flanders, so that any changes in their presence can be detected in the relatively short term. This also implies a better support of the nature policy focusing on particular areas, which requires data at the level of these small areas and not at the level of larger areas (UTM or IFBL
d)Drawinggrids).upRed Lists. These provide an estimate of the endangered status of different species within a particular group of organisms in accordance with a standardized method. Red Lists provide an important indication about the attention which should be devoted to specific species by authorities responsible for policy, and for the managers of natural sites. Combining these with the results of ecological studies leads to the formulation of specific protective measures. On the one hand, the extent to which species are endangered in well-known taxonomic groups which can be inventorised relatively easily should be monitored on a virtually constant basis (by means of targeted monitoring, see above), while a Red List can be drawn up of other taxonomic groups, as soon as the number of data available permits this in a qualitative and quantitative sense.
The way in which the various research topics are developed specifically is indicated below.
b)The study of the distribution of selected species in relation to environmental factors as the possible basis for identifying the value of species for particular environmental factors and processes.
e)The analysis of the distribution of components of biodiversity in particular areas. With a combination of the distribution maps of different species it is possible to draw up maps which indicate the presence of large number of Red List species (in terms of species or in terms of concentration) or “hot spots”. This provides important indica-
Chapter III.5 – 145
Topic 1: populations and species
b)The execution and coordination of monitoring activities. In general these projects can be divided into two categories. The first comprises projects which collect information about the whole territory of Flanders. These relate mainly to groups of species which can be fairly easily counted or inventorised. The fieldwork requires the cooperation of volunteers. In this respect, the IN plays an important coordinating and monitoring role. The second category consists of more regionally-based monitoring projects, often as part of a broader research project (e.g. ecosystem management).
The current and future research on the monitoring of populations will tackle two important a)Methodologicalaspects: aspects of monitoring. This comprises the research of aspects such as the identification of species (and groups of species) and of relevant biological variables, (e.g., number of populations and individuals, reproductive success), which provide information with regard to certain questions; determining the minimum frequency of sampling; determining the location and spatial configuration of sampling locations; determining the methodology of sampling.
Three sub-entities are distinguished in this topic: viz., 1. the (ecological) typology of communities and ecotopes, 2. the spatial, and 3. the temporal variation within this.
The current and future research into ecological relationships between organisms and their environment will deal with two important subsidiary aspects:
Research into the suitability of the possible reintroduction of species which have disappeared (locally) is also carried out.
Chapter III.5 – 146
In the context of the (ecological) typology, the types of nature within various biotopes are currently being outlined in cooperation with other institutes: grasslands, mudflats, salt marshes, swamps, dunes and heathland, scrubland, pioneering environments, margins, mantles and undergrowth. The ultimate aim is to draw up a summary of the plant communities which are found in Flanders. Ecotope typology is based on biotic, abiotic and landscape ecological data; these take into account the fact that the influence of degradation (acidification, fertilisers, fragmentation, etc.) can play an important role. In addition, wherever possible, it is not only the current situation, but also the situation in the past that is examined on the basis of a historical frame of reference. One important end result is the description of the present and possi-
a)Carrying out basic research into the relationships between the presence (or ecologically relevant performance) of individual species and environmental factors. The analysis of data collected in the context of monitoring and distribution research (see above) can directly contribute to this or generate hypotheses. Carrying out and stimulating detailed research into relevant aspects of the ecology (such as habitat binding, dispersion, survival capacities or reproductive success) in relation to environmental factors is considered essential. It is also desirable to carry out studies into the genetic variation within individual species and the relationship with environmental factors.
Topic 2: Communities and ecotopes
Drawing up plans for the protection of species is strongly based on results obtained from the topics referred to above. In this respect, the ecological basic knowledge should be translated into ecological restoration or management actions which can be applied in practice. It is necessary to monitor the effects of the measures carried out to evaluate the success of the actions. In addition, attention is focused on drawing up criteria for the priorities in drafting protection plans for the protection or expansion of endangered species.
tions about the geographical distribution of certain natural values in Flanders. Comparing “hot spot” maps of different taxonomic groups makes it possible to explore to what extent these overlap geographically, and therefore also to what extent the data for one (or several) group(s) of species can provide an indication for the total diversity of f)Formulatingspecies.
or supporting advice. There has been an enormous increase in the demand for distribution data recently, both from the private sector (study agencies) and from the public sector (regional government, municipalities, universities). There has also been a demand for EIA reports, GNOPs (Municipal Nature Development Plans), for support by scientific reports on the identification, recognition, protection, acquisition and management of natural sites and landscapes. In addition, the knowledge on the distribution of specific species is essential basic information for outlining VEN (Flemish Ecological Network), NATURA 2000, etc.
b)Setting up and maintaining a database on the ecological knowledge and information on animal and plant species in Flanders. This should collect the essential ecological information on habitat binding, mobility, requirements as regards space, etc., of individual species. This database will provide support and scientific background information for the selection of species (or their ecologically relevant performance) as indicators for environmental conditions and various aspects of the quality of nature.
In the context of the coordination of nature and other uses of space, (e.g. agriculture, recreation), the research concentrates on the role of small, sub-optimal habitats in rural areas (such as the ecological significance of small landscape elements) and on the periph-
In the context of the spatial variation, work will be carried out in the first instance on the Biological Valuation Map (=BWK), version 2. After a thorough description of the ecological typology, there will be special mapping in the form of BWK version 3. This takes into account the new relevant developments in this field.
Topic 3: Ecosystems and landscapes
In the context of the temporal variation, a basic range of instruments will be drawn up in the first instance for the integrated monitoring of stagnant fresh water and fast-flowing water biotopes and cultivated grasslands rich in species and a targeted monitoring programme will be set up, taking into account the possibilities of other initiatives in this field. The other typological research projects will also result in the establishment of a targeted biotope monitoring in every case.
bly previous situation of the ecotopes and their communities, including the current endangered species. Current points for attention include drawing up pragmatic ecological typologies for stagnant freshwater environments and cultivated grasslands rich in species. In drawing up ecotope typologies, priority is given to extending these to marshes, semi-natural grasslands, pioneering communities, scrubland, mantles and undergrowth. At a secondary stage, the existing knowledge can also be extended for the other biotopes and specific typologies can be developed further (forests, dunes, heathland, mudflats and salt marshes, water courses, small landscape elements and arable communities). Specific system-oriented individual typologies can be drawn up on an ad hoc basis.
To ensure that the policy on nature is effective for maintaining biodiversity – and is also feasible (i.e. affordable) – it is expected that in future it will be increasingly forced to adopt an enlargement of scale, in combination with a removal of fragmentation, overlapping and sustainability. Therefore this involves carrying out and planning research which above all answers the questions arising from this trend. That is why the emphasis is on research into ecosystems with a highly dynamic natural quality or where a large-scale approach would be possible. In the light of the synergy between the policy on water and nature (total water management – safety policy, etc.), the research focuses on the points of contact between water management and the conservation of nature. In this research, the rivers and valley areas have a central position with research into the interactions between valley areas and the surrounding landscape (geology, topography, land use, human activity) via water courses, minimum environmental demands on the surrounding (non-natural) landscape; the organisation and management of water courses and their valley areas; testing, maintaining and optimalising models for the management of surface waters, the research into the processes in terms of habitat requirements and development in aquatic and inter-tidal environments; the research of the methodological study of morphology and sediment dynamics in the water courses of rivers and their valleys.
Chapter III.5 – 147
In addition, research into habitats in dry and wet ecotopes is carried out, where the construction and the adaptation of hydro-ecological models will fill an extremely large gap in the knowledge in Flanders with research into the eco-hydrological processes as a peripheral condition for the restoration of nature; research into the “chains of disruption at the level of habitats”, with the emphasis on the management of nutrients in relation to hydrological peripheral conditions; testing and adapting hydro-ecological models for Flanders.
Within the three above-mentioned research topics, knowledge is acquired by means of research projects and a study of the literature. Use is also often made of monitoring programmes at different levels and with different aims. The knowledge acquired in this way always serves to support the main task of the Institute of Nature Conservation: to support the policy on nature.
Because an increase in the surface area of nature implies changes in other land use, research must be carried out into the potential for the development of nature, on the basis of environmental conditions (hydrology, the management of nutrients), spatial characteristics (fragmentation and the level of isolation) and biotic potential (supplies of seed and dispersal capacity) to result in functioning networks of habitats. This must then be linked to the planological/legal/social aspects.
For a better understanding of the processes with an important impact on biodiversity in rural areas, a centre will be established for the coordination of the integrated monitoring of that area.
eral conditions for the management which can be imposed on a different use of space in order to achieve sustainable areas of nature in rural areas – with a concrete study of the quality and spatial distribution of sub-optimal types of habitats in agricultural areas and their function for nature conservation.
Monitoring, preparation of policy and the Nature Report
In support of the increase in the surface area of natural land (VEN) that is aimed for, the research also concentrates on the basic conditions and dynamics of natural areas eligible for this. Attention is focused on systems which can be managed sustainably with very little effort. The peripheral conditions for the starting conditions and the natural dynamics of the areas of nature are examined with the focus on systems which can be maintained in the long term with minimal management. In concrete terms, this concerns, for example, research into the management of larger areas with proportionately fewer funds and man power per unit of surface area. Research is also carried out into less intensive forms of management which do not cause any loss in qualitative biodiversity or into the dynamics of vegetation in connection with the question to what extent the management can influence and reverse the patterns of succession, and on the other hand, the question to what extent succession is irreversible.
In terms of direct support, the IN is particularly active with the Nature Report (=NARA). The aim is to provide an efficient transfer of information on nature, in combination with a critical and scientifically based report leading to more suitable planning and execution of policy. Data acquired as a result of the monitoring by the IN, other environmental authorities and associations are crucial to support the preparation and execution of policy, and obviously also to support a good Nature Report which appears twice a year.
and Chapter III.5 – 148
Nature Report Together with the Environmental Report MIRA, the NARA forms an important scientific basis for the Flemish policy on nature and the environment. While MIRA reports on the general environmental quality and policy on the environment, the NARA does so for the situation of nature and the policy on this.
In view of the enlargement of scale and the related increasing demand for types of management which will continue to be feasible, research is also carried out in particular in the context of (total) grazing management – with an overall study of the impact of herbivores on their environment, and vice versa.
The NARA also serves as an inventory in the context of the Biodiversity convention (Rio de Janeiro, 1992) and supports the reporting on the execution of the European Bird
Chapter III.5 – 149
The translation and integration of monitoring results and the data of empirical research and an examination of the literature form the basis for the scientific support which the IN can provide for the planning and execution of policy. Apart from the species-approach, the support for ecologically sound nature policy focusing on areas is important and determines the instruments and measures for all nature areas. The Institute of Nature Conservation wishes to play an important advisory and coordinating role in the complex process of designating protected areas and networks, developing a vision on nature (in the context of existing regulations) and the execution of research in the field. Obviously the quality -oriented nature policy also needs scientific support as it is required for topics such as environmental impacts on nature (disturbance chains following the DPISR-approach : habitat-fragmentation, eutrophication and acidification, dessication, etc)
Habitat directive). On the one hand, the NARA evaluates the situation of nature and on the other hand the policy plans (government manifesto, environmental and nature policy planning,…), the policy processes (such as the way in which regulations and instruments are established), the policy products (application of instruments, execution of actions), and the policy effects (the effects of the products on nature). This requires the efficient availability of quantitative data on the situation of nature which are easy to interpret (biotic and abiotic), on man’s approach to nature, the use of resources by the policy, the achievements of the policy and its influence. This is done by monitoring carefully selected indicators, measured with standardized methods which are compared with goals and norms (preferably with set periods). Building up databases which can be easily consulted is very important in this respect. Indicators, methods and goals or norms are based on supporting research. Monitoring as a central task In relation to the policy-support, the description and evaluation of the status of nature, one of the central tasks of the Institute of Nature Conservation, is the stimulation, control, coordination and -to some extent-, the execution of monitoring. The data from the different sources are now collected together: from the Institute of Nature Conservation, the Institute for Forestry and Game Management, nature associations and voluntary groups, universities, administrations and public institutions. Monitoring by the IN currently focuses mainly on a few groups of species (topic 1), biotopes (topic 2), ecosystems and landscapes (topic 3), as well as some indicators for the policy on nature (e.g. the growth and spread of the surface area of nature reserves, planologically protected natural areas). In addition, a great deal of work is carried out to develop monitoring systems, for example in the context of following up the management in reserves and biodiversity in rural areas. The collection of data on species is carried out mainly with the help of nature associations and a large number of volunteers. The monitoring results are stored as far as possible in databases accessible to the public and are fed back to the volunteers after they have been processed. For the future, the aim is, on the one hand, to provide integrated monitoring, following up selectively but detailed interacting determinants of biodiversity (at the same time and in the same places). On the other hand, there is a trend towards a far-reaching integration of monitoring, with uniform methods and locations.
Programme 61.3 Forests and Green Areas
Support for the preparation and execution of policy
Programme 61.3 concerns policy preparation, specific working costs, subsidies, policy-oriented and applied scientific research into forests and forestry, greenery, freshwater fishing, game management and bird protection. In Programme 61.3 a series of BAs provide the funds for the research activities of the Institute for Forestry and Game Management.
•To improve the level of knowledge and its distribution through publications, lectures, a documentation centre, etc.
In 1999, the Institute formulated its tasks as follows:
While the inventory of the health of forests aims in particular at a description of the condition of Flemish forests at regular intervals, the two last aspects focus more on the underlying causes of changes in the forest ecosystem. These long-term programmes will also be continued in 2002. In the same context, a VLINA project was recently completed on the sensitivity of Flemish forests to acidity and fertilisers. Outlining the forest areas where the critical levels of fertilisers and acidity are exceeded will be an important instrument for the policy on reducing emissions. From 2002 on, the Institute for Forestry and Game Management will also be responsible for continuing the Forest Soil Coordinating Centre (FSCC), which was located up to 2001 in the Laboratory for Soil Science of the University of Ghent. This centre is responsible for the co-ordination and processing of forest soil research in the context of the UN/ECE ICP Forests and the EU programme for the protection of forests against air
Thepollution.development of a diagnostic centre for tree diseases will start in 2002. This centre must provide support for forest managers with regard to identifying, preventing and combating damage by insects, fungi and other harmful factors.
•To apply the acquired insights for policy preparation, policy support and evaluation
•To coordinate and carry out scientific research and policy-oriented research
•To deliver scientific services, e.g., advice, supply of products, techniques, concepts and documentation, etc.
This should contribute to the sustainable management of forests, green areas, fauna and fish stocks. Forests and Forestry
The Institute compiles an important databank with data on habitats, based on 300 recording locations spread throughout the Flemish forests. This set of data makes it possible to unravel important relationships between the soil and the forest, and forms an important frame of reference for many physical and chemical variables. It provides a geographically oriented knowledge base to allow for upscaling of detailed studies at plot level to regional level. Various alternatives are being examined to suppress competitive vegetation when forests are planted, with the help of the EU Life subsidies. In addition to the use of mechanical and chemical means, various types of tree species are being investigated. A detailed final report will be published in 2002, containing all the conclusions of the extensive monitoring over three years of growth.
Chapter III.5 – 150
Theagementtotal credits for these BAs amount to a total of 4.205 million EUR.
BAs 11.05, 11.65, 12.02, 12.46, 73.63 and 74.03 - Institute for Forestry and Game Man-
•To conceptualise and initiate scientific research (for renovation), on the basis of the needs and received signals (external/internal)
With regard to the protection of forests, the monitoring of the effects of air pollution and other stress factors on the forest ecosystem is an important topic. The annual inventory of the health of forests and the intensive monitoring of ecosystems and of the air quality are carried out in international co-operation programmes of the EU and the United Nations.
The historical evolution of forests in Flanders was mapped with the support of the Flemish Impulse Programme for Nature Development (VLINA). A CD-ROM was produced
Chapter III.5 – 151
In 2002, a similar study will start with respect to a different use of soil, in co-operation with the Institute for Nature Conservation. In addition, (in the context of the imminent plans for town and country planning), vulnerable forest areas outside Green areas are mapped and documented in the regional plan.
Research into molecular genetics is also being further intensified. This comprises the studies of the genetic diversity and distribution of genes within natural populations and gene banks and the inventorisation, identification and characterisation of tree species, varieties and clones; research which started in recent years. Genetic research is also used to study patterns of pollination and genetic pollution in the European black poplar. This research serves as a basis for directives for the restoration of poplars along the banks of the Meuse. In addition, the QTL study (Quantitative Trait Loci) and MAS (Marker Assisted Selection) started in 2001 to support the current projects. Exploratory research is being carried out on other topics, including forest ecology and population genetics of foxes and mustelids, with the aim of developing large-scale research projects.
Focus is on the protection and use of genetic sources in forestry, reflected amongst other things in the continued development of a strategy on native gene sources proposed in 1998. Important aspects include the planting of native seed nurseries for all the currently planted species of trees and shrubs and the conservation, continued expansion and characterization of the available gene banks of native trees and shrubs.
with GIS levels of (1) old map perimeters, (2) a forest age map and (3) a Potential Natural Vegetation (PNV) map. The first layer indicates the perimeters of the Flemish forests according to three historical maps: the Ferraris map (1775), the Vandermaelen map (1850) and the NGI maps (produced between 1910 and 1940). The second layer shows the age of the present area of forests for particular forests or parts of them. The PNV layer indicates the vegetation which could develop with spontaneous afforestation for the whole territory of Flanders. The GIS-CD is disseminated via OC-GIS Flanders. It is an important basic instrument for the policy on an ecologically justified forest area expansion.
A related programme, which makes the cultivars of economically valuable tree species available, aimed at the selection and creation of superior forestry and genetic starting materials. This programme includes the marketing new poplar clones. In this process of selection and breeding, special attention is given to the selection for resistance to diseases, including the study of the genetic diversity of the pathogenic fungi and bacteria conIncerned.thiscontext, other proposals for the recognition of a number of seed nurseries and seed banks are submitted this year. However, as the possibilities for the selection of seed collections for a number of tree species are extremely limited, on the one hand (in particular, wild cherry and common ash), while on the other hand, there are no seed nurseries, or they are inadequate in terms of their production capacity, the current strategy to plant new seed nurseries will have to be further developed in the future.
The Institute for Forestry and Game Management fulfills an important advisory role in the development of a Flemish network of forest reserves. This applies selection criteria developed by the Institute for Forestry and Game Management to create a network that is representative both regionally and internationally. The monitoring of a number of already recognised forest reserves (which started in 2000) also continues this year; this focuses in particular on spontaneous development in forests, which should eventually result in concrete recommendations for sustainable forest management. Additional research is also being carried out into biodiversity aspects related to forest reserves and dead wood. For example, plants and fungi growing on dead beech wood are currently being intensively sampled. In 2001, the Institute concluded summarised former research into a methodology to measure biodiversity in forests. The results can be applied directly in the monitoring of important structural characteristics of the forest which determine biodiversity, on the basis of a feedback system already linked to the data of the Flemish forest inventory. The re-
The survey on the pollution status and the geographical impact of dredged sediment-derived soils in Flanders will be continued, commissioned by the Waterways and Marine Affairs Administration. The DredGis database for the dredged sediment landfills along the Upper Scheldt, the Sea Scheldt, the Leie, the Ijzer, the Durme, the Dender and the Ghent-Ostend canal has now been completed. The database can be consulted online on the internet. Bio-availability of heavy metals for the vegetation on dredged sediment-derived soils was monitored, especially for willows, hybrid poplars and maize.
In the field of forest management, most attention is devoted to the development of useful instruments for the manager, in order to achieve forestry that is closer to nature. The focus in 2002 will be on two topics.
The study on the natural rejuvenation of oak in the Leem region and beech in the Zonien forest will continue. The integrated processing of data collected over the years provides a greater insight into the process of natural rejuvenation and will eventually contribute to a frame of reference for the evaluation for the practical feasibility of natural rejuvenation of these tree species.
Another important research project which started in 2001 as part of the Programme on Policy-Oriented Research, is a study of the development of ecological values in poplar stands. These forests account for a significant proportion of the forest area in Flanders. They are often extremely productive and therefore have important economic value, but they are also often associated with forests which have become degraded to a great extent.. Provided they are suitably managed, they do have great potential with regard to nature, particular in the vicinity of ancient alluvial forests. The project will study a number of aspects which must be monitored in a controlled way so that a number of practical and relevant recommendations can be formulated.
Another strongly policy-oriented task of the Institute for Forestry and Game Management concerns a methodological study commissioned by the VLM to improve the planned approach in sectoral perspectives on forestry during the planning stage and a better response to the requirements of the forestry sector in the implementation stage of projects on land use.
sults will be analysed in greater detail in 2002. All this contributes to a great extent to fulfilling the obligations which the Government of Flanders entered into in the context of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Helsinki resolution H2.
Game Management and Inland Fisheries As forests are, in the first instance, the natural building blocks of the environment, and only have a secondary importance as a source of services for society, the inland fishery and fauna management sectors approach the environment more from the user point of view.
The exploratory research into the comparison between afforestation and spontaneous forestation on former intensive agricultural land provides a direct link with practice. This research produces interesting hypotheses which will be further examined in a new project, funded by the Forest & Green Areas Division.
Chapter III.5 – 152
For the Implementation of the European Habitat and Bird Directive, the Institute for Forestry and Game Management plays an important advisory role with regard to the aspects of “forestry”, both for the new proposals for area directives and for the development of perspectives on existing areas.
A start is being made on drawing up figures for oak and beech, in particular, for large specimens. As trees are allowed to grow “old” in the new management vision, they will also become thicker and fall outside the existing tables for measuring the volume. The selection of trial plots and of the trees to be measured will be carried out in 2002. It is important to ensure a good geographical spread, as well as a good spread of the different sizes.
Chapter III.5 – 153
The Game Management Division of the Inland Fisheries Section is intensively monitoring the evolution of Flemish fish populations (e.g., the status of fish species, changes in fish populations, the spread of non-endemic species etc.). A databank is currently being developed which will be available for consultation on the internet at a later stage. Evolutions in fish populations will also be used as a measure for the general quality of the environment. In this context, an Index is being developed for the Biotic Integrity (IBI), based on fish populations. The parameters (and their maximum and minimum values,) contained in this multi-parametric index, differ depending on the type of water (stagnant, r unning) bream, trout, barbel, salmon and smelt zone). Up to now, three indexes have been developed and the indexes for the salmon, trout and smelt zone are being developed in greater detail. The seasonal effects on fish populations are also being studied so that their impact on the IBI can be determined. In addition to the above-mentioned study, concentrations of toxic substances are also measured in fish, in particular in eels. This proves to be a suitable method for measuring emission measurements of pollution in the environment. Furthermore, it provides information about the extent to which fish can be consumed in relation to public health.
Mustelids are considered to be one of the most important indicators and target species group in the context of the fragmentation of habitats and technical adaptations of nature to the traffic infrastructure, while they can still (or again) come into conflict with private interests as carnivores. Because of their ecological position at the top of the food pyramid, they can also serve as a good indicator for the bioavailability of toxic substances in the environment. At the same time, this accumulation of contaminating substances can have a negative effect on the animals themselves. Research into samples of tissue obtained from mustelid road kill that has been collected will provide an answer to this question. This will give an insight into the survival possibilities of populations of Red List species, e.g. the badger and pine marten, on the basis of these results, together with the genetic research to be started and the conclusions on the issue of fragmentation.
One of the priorities of the policy on hunting and river fishing is to use the available nature wisely. In this context, the scientific support of game management units (game management plan, hunting statistics) and the fishery commissions (restocking policy, joint use with recreational facilities, technical measures related to nature) and the research into the impact of combating undesirable species is essential. In this context, the Institute for Forestry and Game Management has been commissioned to carry out research commissioned by the AMINAL Water Division on combating the muskrat, the brown rat and the beaver rat. The focus is both on the population ecology of these species and on the impact of the campaigns which have been carried out to eliminate the species, as well as the peripheral conditions related to environmental hygiene (use of toxins) and the management and maintenance of biodiversity (problems of combating these species in protected areas, possibility of catching other rare or protected species).
The Institute for Forestry and Game Management supports game management units to draw up their game management plans, game inventories and hunter-kill statistics. Monitoring the population trend of species of game and the trends regarding their use is essential for the evaluation and amendments to the current management. This is not only part of the local or regional fauna management in Flanders, but also concerns international commitments (RIO 2000, Convention for Biodiversity and the IUCN resolution 2.29 of ResearchAmman).intothe population dynamics of the fox and the ecology and distribution of mustelids in Flanders is also related to this. The general increase in the fox population (both in terms of area and as regards density) in the last ten years, attracts a great deal of attention in society, both because of the harm to the game that is hunted and to small cattle, as well as the possible risks to public health (spread of the fox tape worm).
The research on the recovery on the biotope focuses on the structural restoration of watercourses. In this respect, the emphasis is particularly on a nature-friendly reorganization of riverbanks and the optimalisation of the possibilities of fish migration. The first stage, drawing up an inventory of obstacles for migrating fish species in priority watercourses in the region of Flanders, has been concluded. The interactive databank that was drawn up will facilitate the spread and updating of information via the internet address http://vismigratie.instnat.be.
Innovative research is also being carried out into the design of fish passages, spawning grounds and nature- friendly banks to promote fish populations. Several of these initiatives which have already been implemented are being evaluated in terms of their efficiency.
Methodological support (1) SinceBiometricslastyearthere has been central support for the statistical processing of the data. This unit contributes to all the current working programmes at the institute, at two levels. On the one hand, it provides global support by providing training, the monitoring of statistical software and the development of standard techniques. On the other hand, it provides personal supervision for the statistical analysis and designing research.
The social support for research Communication with policy, site managers and the general public are a constant focus of attention. In this respect an operational communication unit is essential in the Institute for Forestry and Game Management. In addition to the operational and easily accessible library, the translation of the progress in research and the results of research are crucial for the support of scientific research. From 2002, extra funds will be allocated to improve this aspect of communication further. International cooperation Increasingly, environmental and nature policy (and therefore also forestry policy) are dealt with at an international level. In this way Flanders wishes to achieve the desired decisionmaking process and carry out international obligations.
Forestry policy often appears on the international agenda: 1.The Post-Rio process, including the “Forestry Convention” and the Intergovernmental Panel on Forests with subjects such as: 1.1. Certification of Forest products and International trade 1.2. Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Forest Management
Chapter III.5 – 154
(2) GIS (Geographical Information System) The function of the GIS unit is to improve and maintain the instruments and the potential and make it available for the production and processing of geographical data. The development of relevant GIS databanks in relation to forestry and game management research is an essential task. The development of user-friendly survey mechanisms and the production of theme-based maps are other tasks of this unit.
The experimental fish-breeding areas of the Forests and Green Areas Division, managed by the pisciculture unit of the Institute, provide important support for the restocking policy. Attention is devoted in particular to optimalising techniques related to improving breeding techniques for rare indigenous species. In the context of restoration programmes for species, it is possible to work with native families in order to maintain endangered fish populations.
• Research has been carried out since 1998 with EU support (LIFE) into alternatives to chemical herbicides for the planting of forests and infrastructural green areas.
In 2002, the institute is participating in the following EU projects:
The follow-up of these resolutions for Flanders is coordinated by the Forests and Green Areas division and the Institute for Forestry and Game Management.
Socio-economic aspects of sustainable forest management, pan-European criteria, indicators and directives for sustainable forest management.
• “Improving Fraxinus (Ash) productivity for European needs by testing, selection, propagation and promotion of improved genetic resources”.
2.2.Helsinki (1993): Sustainable forest management, maintaining biodiversity, cooperation with Eastern Europe, strategy for the long-term adaptation of forests to climate change. On 23/8/96 a cooperation protocol was signed with the Forest Committee of the Council of Ministers of Bulgaria for the execution of the third resolution of the Helsinki conference, responding to the possibilities of bilateral cooperation agreements between Flanders and a number of Eastern European 3.Lisboncountries.(1998):
The Game Management Division cooperates with an EU Concerted Action, “Management of the European Eel: Establishment of a recruitment monitoring system (GLASS EEL)” in which 11 countries are participating. The aim of the project is the preparation of a future internationally coordinated measurement network for the recruitment of the European eel. This comprises the selection of measurement stations, the methodology of monitoring, data processing and reporting, the relationship with national policy and an analysis of costs and returns.
Chapter III.5 – 155
•PAMUCEAF: Research into the possibilities, as well as the resistances, in various sectors with regard to the reafforestation of arable land with poplar.
The Institute also makes an active contribution to the COST action E12 “Urban Forests and Trees”, which deals with the research efforts related to planning, phyto-technical aspects and the management of urban forests in the broadest sense at the European level.
An EU research project relating to a pan-European approach of the “fish index concept” is starting in 2002. The FAME (No EVK1-2001-55) project (development, evaluation and implementation of a Standardised Fish-based Assessment Method for the Ecological Status of European Rivers – A Contribution to the Water Framework Directive) is a cooperative venture between 23 European partners – coordinated by the University of Agricultural Sciences, Vienna. According to the new Water Framework Directive, the EU member states must protect, improve or restore their surface water – with the aim of achieving a good quality of surface water within 15 years. Fish are considered as one of the most important indicators for future biological monitoring. Currently, different fish indexes are used in Europe. The successful implementation of the Water Framework Directive depends on a solid and standardised methodological range of instruments. The projects aims to develop and evaluate this, so that the ecological quality of our rivers can
2.The implementation of the ministerial conferences for the protection of forests in Europe with the related resolutions:
In addition to the follow up of these aspects, the Institute participates in a number of international research programmes in the context of the Fifth Framework, LIFE and COST.
2.1. Strasbourg (1990): monitoring network, storing genetic potential, databank of forest diseases, research network on tree physiology and forest ecosystems.
The Institute for Forestry and Game Management will also participate in a new COST action starting in 2002 (E 27), which is aimed at gaining a better insight into the various levels of protection for forests.
• Research into wood technology to implement the Institute’s tasks, with a special focus on ecologically valuable tree species and wood as a renewable resource.
be measured with characteristics of fish populations, allowing for coherent and standardised monitoring throughout Europe.
• The analysis of pollutants by accredited laboratories (heavy metals, PCBs, dioxins) in fish, as a measure of the pollution of the water and the river bed, with a view to the consumption of water.
• The development of an evaluation framework for the creation of open spaces and the execution of small-scale deforestation in the context of forestry, from the point of view of the conservation of nature.
• Research into the possibilities of the use of high-resolution satellite images to update forestry maps and evaluate measures in the context of the division’s management vision.
The Forests and Green Areas Division of AMINAL has submitted three research projects under this item of the budget, ‘Loss of biodiversity’, ‘Fragmentation’, and ‘The distribution of substances which are dangerous to the environment’.
Two cross-topical studies are also planned (on ‘Instruments’ and ‘Costs and Funding’).
BA 12.46 – A variety of expenditure related to urgent studies for current forestry research related to game management, inter alia, concerning studies on forest vitality, soil acidification, the improvement of trees in forests, arising from international agreements
BA 12.63 – Forest surveys, a forest inventory and a variety of expenditure related to policy-oriented studies and model projects in the field of forestry, green areas, hunting, the protection of birds and freshwater fisheries in Flanders and in an international context, in accordance with international treaties and other obligations
• Parks and park-like areas and their place in the balance of available space.
The expenditure incurred by the research and its monitoring during and after its implementation are operational costs of the Government of Flanders. In order to be able to draw up an environmental effect report regarding the usefulness of land consolidation during the research stage, a land consolidation plan obviously has to be drawn up first. An Chapter III.5
• Exploratory research into the concentration of six heavy metals in old beech forests along 12 transects, divided in accordance with an urban-rural gradient.
Credits are allocated to this BA for research, continuing the long-term research strategy, with the following emphases:
• Similar research is planned into the spread and accumulation of pollutants in predators, using the fox and mustelids as model species.
• Determining the value of parks – an economic evaluation of the functions of parks. Region-based study into the possibilities for and the problems of combating erosion in the provinces of Limburg and Flemish Brabant. Programme 61.4 Land management BA 12.20 – A variety of expenditure related to research into the usefulness of land consolidation projects (drawing up land consolidation plans and environmental effect reports) and monitoring the ecological value of land consolidation projects 0.501 million EUR is allocated to this BA for science policy. Research into the usefulness of land consolidation projects is being carried out on the initiative of the Flemish Region.
The credit available for BA 12.63 amounts to 0.644 million EUR, of which 0.556 million is available for research.
– 156
• The forest soil monitoring network to implement the EU regulations and UN action programmes.
BA 12.59 – Applied scientific studies into surface water, ground water and drinking water
The available funds for BA 12.33 amount to 0.141 million EUR, used completely for the execution of two research projects submitted by the Land Division of AMINAL. Both projects concern soil erosion:
0.223 million EUR of the total credit of 0.910 million EUR is allocated for the execution of applied scientific research, of an operational as well as strategic nature. This concerns the following studies:
• Research into the ecological value of sowing mixed grasses and mixtures for fauna in the management of the margins of plots
• Cluster study of the water sector in Flanders: second stage
BA 12.33 – A variety of expenditure related to research on land consolidation, land use, agricultural management and soil policy
• Research into the evolution of the chances of flooding in Flanders
• Research into the influence of the land by dams and soil processing methods on erosion
This budget item provides 0.263 million EUR for applied scientific research into ground water, surface water and drinking water. The credit is wholly used by the Water Division of AMINAL for the execution of four studies to support or prepare policy initiatives related to management:
Chapter III.5 – 157
extensive inventory of the project area is necessary for this, and also for the environmental effect report itself. It is necessary to monitor the land for a period of ten years to determine the ecological effects of the land consolidation.
• Evaluation framework for the targets aimed at in the organisation of nature and measures of execution
Programme 61.5 Water Management
•Preparation of a strategic plan for water supply
•A study of the possibilities for and the problems of combating erosion, focusing on particular regions in the provinces of Limburg and Flemish Brabant
BA 61.41 – Grant for the Public Land Agency of Flanders
• Impact of management agreements on the management of meadow birds for the breeding success of meadow birds
• Improvement of the method of inventorising quality data for the surface water and river bed of the River Zenne.
• Research into biologically valuable grasslands in Flanders
The expenditure results from a project-based identification of the social effects of land consolidation projects. This is used as a basis for decision making. The tasks are contracted out to specialised study bureaus and experts. The administration and the VLM cannot undertake this themselves, because of the lack of personnel. Contracting out the research is preferable to taking on additional staff. Independent recognised experts have to be consulted for the environmental effect reports. The entire project is in accordance with the implementation of the Act of 22 July 1970 on land consolidation.
• its continued expansion as a coordinating institute of the Region of Flanders;
OA 62 Town and Country Planning, Housing, Monuments and Sites Administration (AROHM)
The objectives of the IAP are:
BA 12.32 – A variety of research and studies related to town and country planning
The government manifesto states that the Structural Plan for Town and Country Planning in Flanders should be carried out at an accelerated rate, which requires an increased effort, e.g., in relation to the processes of outlining urban areas, and areas with an agricultural and natural structure, defining gateways, the further elaboration of urban and economic networks, as well as projects focusing on the execution of these processes. This requires a great deal of labour-intensive preparatory research – the day-to-day execution of this will be contracted out. The AROHM is responsible for the coordination, monitoring the content and the dialogue with the sectors concerned and the authorities at the lower level. A total budget of 1.6 million EUR is provided for this. In addition, a significant proportion of the budget for 2002 will go to the framework contract for the administrative and logistical support for the AROHM to draw up regional plans for the execution of town and country planning. 0.4 million EUR is allocated to this. A number of targeted preparatory studies will also be contracted out in 2002 in relation to the policy-oriented monitoring and evaluation of the Structural Plan for Town and Country Planning in Flanders, with a budget of 0.35 million EUR.
A total credit of 2.46 million EUR is available for science policy on this BA, of which approximately 80% is for research in support of policy.
BA 12.23 – Study costs related to monuments and landscapes 0.265 million EUR is allocated to this BA for scientific research on the policy for monuments and sites, aimed at a total approach to the landscape.
The IAP is responsible for preparing and carrying out the policy related to drawing up an inventory, and the management and protection of the archeological heritage in Flanders, and is also charged with research in this field. With the structural increase in the grant in comparison with the budget for 2000, the IAP was able to strengthen its tasks with regard to looking after the archeological heritage and the links with scientific research at the level of the Flemish Region. Like the neighboring countries, it is now better able to adopt a more structural approach to the management of this heritage. The new funds are used particularly to give greater priority to the management aspects of its tasks.
Programme 62.1 Town and Country Planning, Urban Development and Land Policy
Programme 62.2 Monuments and Sites
BA 12.33 – A variety of expenditure with regard to town and country planning-economic Partstudiesofthe budget for basic allocation 12.32 was separated from basic allocation 12.33 when the budget was drawn up for 2002. This budget is specifically reserved for studies on town and country planning and economics, which are relevant both for the policy area of economics and for town and country planning. 0.25 million EUR is allocated for 2002, which will be entirely devoted to research in support of policy.
BA 41.01 Grant for the Institute for the Archeological Heritage (IAP)
• strengthening the scientific research by the IAP in support of the management and protection policy of the archeological heritage; Chapter
III.5 – 158
The selection of the research projects which require more time and funds is mainly based on the value of the information which is at risk of being lost by the planned activities – as well as the potential contribution which it can make to our knowledge about the past. However, large-scale research is still too limited and restricted to too few locations. Only a few examples are given below. In the province of Antwerp, the sites in Hove provided the opportunity for large-scale research into an early to middle medieval sttlements. Building activities in the inner city of Mechelen provided important information about the living conditions of the nobility and the clergy, intra muros. In the Province of Flemish Brabant, Tienen continues to be the main site for research, with extremely interesting discoveries about the Roman town and its cemetery, including older (Neolithic and the Iron Age) and more recent (medieval) settlements.
• medieval motte and bailey castles, etc.
Smaller-scale activities are also being carried out, such as the cooperation with the new arrangements for the Municipal Museum, Het Toreke in Tienen, and the new museum, Brusselse Poort in Mechelen. Apart from this, the IAP has concentrated its public activities mainly on the projects Ename 974 (using modern technology, and the development of new presentation methods) and Walraversijde, respectively in cooperation with the Chapter
III.5 – 159
This inventorisation by a project team, supplemented with a project of starter jobs, will be accompanied by topic-based initiatives. These focus on the detection, determination, outlining and evaluation of specially valuable or specially vulnerable or threatened elements of the archeological heritage (as part of the task of protection and research), such as:
However, these extra efforts to draw up inventorisaties and protect sites should not prevent the IAP to pursue and intensify its efforts in the field of active management and research into threatened archeological sites. This is done by monitoring building sites, rescue interventions, preventive research and rescue excavations, linked to passive management measures and the competence to advise on building applications. As the number of rescue excavations to be carried out far exceeds the capacities of the IAP (in every province), cooperation with other parties in this working field must be intensified – and management and research efforts, e.g., by provinces, municipalities and universities should be given greater and more efficient support.
• late paleolithic and mesolithic camps on the remains of (late) glacial and Holocene sand ridges and sand dunes in the Kempen;
Therefore more time and attention should be devoted to the processing, study and publication of the excavation results.
• implementing the Convention of Malta.
• supporting and monitoring initiatives on management and research at other levels, provinces, cities, and municipalities, universities, associations;
•urn fields from the Bronze Age and Iron Age; • small Gallo-Roman towns;
In the first place, work is being carried out on establishing a scientifically supported and permanently updated Central Archeological Inventory as an essential working instrument for the structural management of the archeological heritage covering the entire region.
In order to ensure a coordinated and high quality approach to archaeological monuments, the management of the archaeological resources requires permanent scientific support.
Meanwhile, the IAP has supported the execution of its tasks regarding archeological monuments, particularly with continuing ad hoc inventorisations and the application of Art. 5 of 30 June 1993, related to the protection of the archeological heritage. Despite the need for improvement, this article appears to provide an increasingly strong basis for demanding the safeguarding and urgent studies of endangered archeological sites.
provincial governments of East and West Flanders. In Raversijde, this led to the opening of a new visitors’ centre with a museum and archeological park and the co-publication of a book (in four languages): Walraversijde 1465. De Bloeiperiode van een Vissersdorp aan de zuidelijke Noordzeekust. (The heyday of a fishing village on the southern coast of the North Sea).
The continued expansion of the natural science team in the IAP is certainly a positive development. This makes it possible to expand the scientific support both for the IAP’s own research, as well as the research by other institutes and services. Attempts are made to monitor the interaction between man and flora, the fauna, the soil, the geological substrata through time. This is achieved by analysing archeological animal and plants remains, by observing soil phenomena and by studying human remains. Specifically, the focus is on economic issues in which animal archeological remains provide information about hunting, fishing and patterns of cattle farming, trade strategies and social status. Remains of plants shed light on agriculture in the past and the trade in herbs and spices. Soil research allows for the reconstruction of the changes in land use. In addition to the economic approach, there is also an ecological perspective. By means of research into organic remains, archeologists can make reconstructions of human and natural environments in the past, and trace their evolution. Processes such as over exploitation, erosion, pollution, and the disruption of natural biotopes, the human modelling of landscapes and changes in flora and fauna are all aspects of this research.
The execution of the programme over several years will therefore meet the need for research in preparation of policy, based on the initiatives of the Government of Flanders. On the other hand, the basic information that is necessary on the housing situation in Flanders is supplied on a regular basis. This means that the policy can be monitored, evaluated and amended. Therefore the effective collection of data is a permanent activity which means that the funds for this aspect of policy are spent on the basis of better insights.
A series of research projects in preparation of policy started in 2001 in the context of an inclusive and integrated housing policy. For example, there are studies to find out how it is possible to arrive at a simplified approach to meet private needs and increase efficiency.
Programme 62.4 Housing BA 12.05 – Expenditure for research and monitoring in the Housing policy field
III.5 – 160
The accelerated rate at which social housing projects are built is also examined, and attention is focused on improving the coordination and interrelationship between the housing policy and the policy areas of town and country planning and welfare. The results are expected in the course of 2002. In addition, the housing budget in 2002 allows for the implementation of a programme over several years for the first time. This includes the following general topics: policy evaluation; sustainable housing for a good quality of life; the quality of housing; housing needs. These topics are explored in a meaningful way – both in the light of the need for long-term research results supported by the research, and in terms of specific implementation on the basis of policy.
Two tasks were completed in the course of 2001. The first study examined the profile of social tenants and compared this to a number of reference groups. In addition, it studied the level of satisfaction of social tenants, regarding their housing situation in a broad sense (both the housing and the living environment as aspects of management). In general, it appears that the demographic family profile and the socio-economic profile of social tenants are weaker than that of other categories of the population – and that the social renting sector therefore fulfills its aim to a significant extent. Furthermore, the experiences of Chapter
Chapter III.5 – 161
OA 64 Waterways and Marine Affairs Administration (AWZ) Programme 64.2 Ports BA 12.21 – Studies and research related to port issues and the reorganisation of the Waterways and Marine Affairs Administration, including a variety of expenditure arising from international contacts
The final report provides a comprehensive answer to these questions, indicating the differences in effectiveness and efficiency of the various instruments, the need for the simplification and coordination of the various contributions and the citizens’ need for clear information and communication about existing possibilities.
Programme 63.4 General infrastructure and traffic policy BA 12.23 – Expenditure with regard to mobility studies and for the supervision related to drawing up and executing industrial transport plans, including studies and surveys related to mobility requirements and studies related to organisation, management, etc.
Approximately two-thirds of the total credit of 0.481 million EUR is used for scientific research. The majority of this is for research on behaviour and attitudes related to mobility. The other third is for the supervision of specific mobility projects (accessibility studies, car pooling, etc.).
The second research project concerned the government subsidy in the context of people buying their own home (PBO 1998). In this context the study looked for answers to the following questions: what contribution can support the aims of the Flemish housing policy with regard to people buying their own home? How effective and efficient are the current instruments for government subsidy in the context of people buying their own home – and how can these be increased?
OA 63 Roads and Traffic Administration Programme 63.2 Municipal transport BA 43.10 – Subsidies for municipalities in the context of the subsidiary act 1 of the Mobility Covenant The credit of 1.139 million EUR is wholly allocated to research. The credits cover the study costs for drawing up the Mobility Plan. There are three stages: drawing up an orientation memorandum, a synthesis memorandum and a policy plan. The administration itself does not draw up any mobility plans. It does provide a financial contribution, repaying two thirds of the study costs incurred by municipalities for drawing up the orientation memorandum and the mobility plan, with a maximum of 0.166 million EUR per project. The quality of the orientation memorandum and the policy plan are monitored by an audit commission at the provincial level. The quality of the products produced at the different stages of the process is one of the most important conditions for subsidising strategic planning activities.
and satisfaction with the housing situation is usually positive. Obviously the complete results give a more accurate picture.
Programme 64.4 General infrastructure and shipping policy
• carrying out specific research for preparing or supporting the policy and the implementation of policy, with or without the collaboration of the academic or industrial world;
• the active transfer of the available expertise and knowledge-related products to the authorities and industry.
1.to achieve a socially and economically acceptable safety level for floods, related to the surrounding factors and the objective; to improve safety in the case of floods and to
The content is determined by the requirements of the policy makers, in casu also the competent Minister, and by the policy implementing divisions (mainly the AWZ), which need scientific support for the design, planning, implementation and monitoring of projects in the field of water-related infrastructure, dredging operations, nautical matters, etc. Essentially, the Division supports the AWZ, but it also makes its expertise and infrastructure available to other administrations or public institutions, scientific institutes, and even third
• the collection, management and exploitation of the necessary basic data, to allow for integrated research for the design of a hydrological infrastructure, and for the optimal assessment of the effects of interventions and events in and along waterways;
Key activities
Since the DAB pilotage service has been operational, studies related to this aspect have been transferred to the DAB.
This credit is included in the programme on “ports”, with the aim of conducting studies, which should result in the improvement of works in ports, and works for maritime access.
The Hydraulic Laboratory and Hydrological Research Division therefore carries out tasks itself or contracts out research and studies (wholly or partly).
BAs 12.01, 12.90, and 74.04 – The Hydraulic Laboratory and Hydrological Research Division Mission
The improvement of the structure of the administration is also being examined, in order to implement a coherent port policy.
Chapter III.5 – 162
• advising the authorities and industry about problems for which a broad knowledge is not sufficient, as well as jointly advising the authorities and other parties – together with the academic world and industry – on the basis of the available expertise acquired;
• the permanent development, maintenance, expansion and documentation of the necessary know-how and infrastructure;
• to provide and maintain the available expertise, knowledge-related products and research infrastructure (applications and physical facilities) for the purposes of scientific research, for the authorities and for the industry;
Theparties.Division acts on the basis of the following strategic objectives and, in accordance with its mission, it tries to contribute to the solution of the following key social issues:
• the identification of government needs in terms of the expertise and knowledge-related products in the field of water-related disciplines: hydrodynamics, hydraulics, morphology, nautical studies and water-based ecology;
The Hydraulic Engineering Laboratory and Hydrological Research Division - “Flanders Hydraulics” - aims to provide experience, knowledge-related products and advice in the field of water systems (in a complete, scientifically reliable and high quality manner). This serves to support the policy of the Government of Flanders.
OA 69 Services of the Secretary-General Programme 69.9 General expenditure BA 12.29 – Expenditure related to preparatory project studies for the Antwerp master plan, including the costs to establish the Mobile Antwerp management company A Masterplan was drawn up to solve the mobility problems in the Antwerp region. This contains the priority infrastructure projects which can provide a solution. However, a lot of research is needed before a start can be made on implementing the plan. Technical construction studies are needed, and the impact of the works on the environment and on town and country planning must be assessed. In addition, an application must be made for the necessary licenses. These works require alternative funding methods, public-private partnership and toll collection. Financial, fiscal and legal research must be carried out for this. With regard to tolls, their effect on the volume of traffic must also be examined.
2.to play a strategic role in the efficient management of the freshwater reserves in Flanders, to avoid the problems of dehydration and water shortages;
5.toing;cooperate with the development and implementation of a vision on multifunctional waterways and anchoring in the zoning plans. This is done by examining specific characteristics of the water system.
Chapter III.5 – 163
4.to contribute to an improvement of the environment and a significant increase of the biodiversity, by intervening at the planning stage and monitoring ecological engineer-
• by cooperating in developing a carefully designed hydrological infrastructure;
reduce the risks attached to high water levels in rivers, extreme rainfall, high sea levels and the rise in the sea level.
3.to contribute to better investments by the government:
• by carrying out research into optimal safety and the operational safety of existing and new hydrological infrastructure; • by building up the know-how of the hydraulic systems, so that maintenance, dredging costs and environmental nuisance can be reduced.
The Marine Affairs sector, included in Programme 64.50, was reorganised from a territorial to a functionally structured organisation. The projects funded by this basic allocation concern establishing the optimal organisational structure of the Marine Affairs Division, the introduction of economic and analytical accountancy and research into working with contract management in the Fleet Division. In principle, these studies contribute to an improvement in the operation of the administration, and determining its key tasks in the Marine Affairs sector.
6.to contribute to the safe and optimal use of the waterways as a method of transport for maritime shipping and inland navigation.
Programme 64.5 Marine affairs BA 12.22 – Expenditure with regard to studies and research for the Marine Affairs sector in the context of the continued reorganisation and modernisation of nautical services and the development of the nautical authority, including the payments and operational costs of the various projects
Chapter III.5 – 164
Chapter III.5 – 165
Chapter III.5 – 166
Programme VIF (Flemish Infrastructure Fund) 69.00 BA 12.30 – A variety of expenditure related to transport and mobility: studies and pilot projects, as well as the expenditure on advice for drawing up and executing industrial transport planning Approximately 20% of the total credit (3.458 million EUR) will be spent on scientific research.
Chapter III.5 – 167
The research topics are varied - such as the research into the influence of vehicle telematics, continuing to improve traffic and transport models, the continued development of a monitoring system, etc.
Radio 1 in particular devotes a great deal of attention to this in its daily information proOngrammes.average, three contributions are made every week in Voor de dag and De Wandelgangen. In many cases, professors or experts are interviewed in the studio itself, or on location. Sciences are also covered in cultural programmes such as Heldenmoed, for example, in book reviews. Every working day, Jongens en Wetenschap appeals to the curiosity and sense of enquiry of the average person in Flanders, and at the same time experts provide many relevant answers.
Klara devotes time to the sciences in the daily cultural programme, Fresco, and in the detailed guest interview in Alinea Rondas also explores these subjects.
The basic subsidy for the VRT for 2002 amounts to 204.537 million EUR. In the context of the information task of the broadcasting company (cf. the Management agreement 2002-2006 with the Flemish Community), the VRT is devoting a great deal of attention to science information and communication. After all, the media, and in particular, the public media, play an important role in the dissemination of scientific and technological knowledge and in the acceptance of new ideas. At the same time, they disseminate information on scientific, technical, industrial and social developments on a daily basis. In this way these complex issues become more accessible to the general public. The evaluation and correct assessment of the importance of research are also essential as a basis for the broad social support for these efforts. After all, innovation in not just an exclusive matter for scientists or industry – their discoveries benefit everyone. For example, this could concern vital innovations in the field of environmental technology, to safeguarded our environment against pollution and decline. In 2002, the VRT will continue to contribute to the dissemination of scientific information with its radio and television programmes. The Radio rarely tackles the sciences as a phenomenon in its own right, but radio producers use specific questions or problems raised by the public as a starting point. In a sense, science is translated in a practical way into daily reality. This also means that the concept itself can be interpreted very broadly, and that the human sciences are tackled more than the pure sciences.
Scientific items which correspond to the general range of Studio Brussel are regularly covered by the programme, Republica, or in tips in daily programmes.
7. SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND MEDIA DEPARTMENT OA 72 Media Administration Programme 72.2 VRT funding envelope BA 41.02 – Basic grant for the VRT
The sciences and related subjects are dealt with by the television networks of the public broadcasting companies in specific (popular) science programmes, in series of documentaries and in other programmes dealing with an (urgent) topical scientific subject, sometimes from a particular perspective. The starting point is always to make the subject accessible and approach it for the benefit of a broad and interested general public.
Chapter III.5 – 168
Ketnet broadcasts the highly praised and awarded Groot Licht, a broad range of light scientific information for children about the whys and wherefores of everything around us.
At the beginning of 2002, TV1 will present Walking with Beasts to succeed Walking with Dinosaurs. With an average of almost one million viewers, this was the most successful documentary series in Flemish television history. Walking with Beasts deals with the emergence of the first mammals. Meanwhile, TV1 is also still showing Dieren in nesten, a light-hearted programme on animals and veterinary medicine.
The scientific programme, OverLeven, will again be shown on Canvas in 2002, looking for answers to basic problems which concern us all. In every programme, well-informed guides give the viewer an insight into the changing knowledge on the subjects that are tackled. These range from medicine and biology to archaeology and palaeontology, astronomy and technology. In addition, Canvas is broadcasting a weekly economic programme from the beginning of 2002, approaching the subjects in a scientific way, as in De Late Shift, the fortnightly programme on the economy, employment and socio-economic subjects, made in cooperation with the SERV. News and current affairs programmes such as Koppen, Panorama and TerZake, regularly devote attention to scientific subjects with particular topical relevance. These subjects are also sometimes tackled in talk shows. Human-interest programmes regularly contain reports or series with a psychological slant. Human sciences such as sociology, psychology, (art) history etc. are dealt with in Kwesties, Spots, Histories and Spraakmakers
The research and development forum, "e-VRT", focusing on the development of new media applications, is working on this in the VRT. This involves a strong provision which corresponds to the different broadcasters by means of personalised and interactive media, to the various types of equipment used by the end users, with particular attention to information, culture, education and leisure.
– 169
Technology & Innovation : "e-VRT" One of the government’s special targets is to help all the people in Flanders on to the information highway. In addition to the "Lifelong Learning" project (Education) and the "Digital action plan" (Economics), the VRT was assigned a pioneering role in establishing an extremely low threshold to the new media. The VRT is a guarantee of public eservices and the large-scale accessibility to this with the development of an e-service network in Flanders.
In concrete terms, e-VRT has the task of developing new media application for the existing brands of the VRT. For the audio-visual media, a platform must be developed for this, Chapter III.5
In addition, foreign quality documentaries were shown on all sorts of subjects in other documentary programmes such as Het Derde Oog, Rare Streken and Zwerfroute. These included natural history, the exploration of nature, voyages of discovery etc. For example, at the beginning of 2002, Rare Streken is showing the prestigious BBC series, The Blue Planet: a broadranging documentary series on the oceans. Het Derde Oog is showing, amongst other things, the controversial series, Son of God, a study of the historical Jesus Christ. As a fast news medium, VRT-teletekst also has a permanent column on "environment and science". From p. 180 (up to a maximum of 5 pages), the editors devote attention to current developments in this field. These TT reports can also be consulted on the Internet, on the websites of TV1 and Canvas.
In 2001, Canvas broadcast a number of celebrated scientific sciences (Reis door het Brein, Bedreigde Wereld, De Mensentuin, Seks en Religie, Gids voor het geluk, etc.).
The strategic objectives are: ,• For Flanders to respond as effectively as possible to the opportunities of the information society.
The emphasis is on research and development. Research means: examining how new developments can be applied. Development comprises the creation and dissemination of new applications and the study of the public Theresponse."Digital Home Platform" project is largely a development project in which new technologies, new programming forms and formats for content are tested. 9.317 EUR of government funding is provided for the "e-VRT" innovation projects (IWT Flanders budget).
In 2002, Media Innovation and the Information Society will ensure the continuation of the "Internet statistics" project and new research projects can be started up in relation to decisions by the Information Society Steering Group. In addition, studies are planned for the examination of new technologies (TDAB and DVB-T studies) and special attention will also be devoted to frequency research.
Chapter III.5 – 170
• The creation of a harmonious and diverse Flemish media landscape.
• To give all sectors of Flemish society the right opportunities for access to the best possible flow and provision of information, and also to participate in this.
in accordance with the ASP model. This means that the Government of Flanders can support the production of local media with public broadcasting Thechannels.values of e-VRT: quality (as defined in the management agreement of the VRT), Flemish identity and cultural identity, accessibility, guarantee of democratic, social and cultural needs and pluralism in the media.
• To develop the Flemish audio-video sector more effectively – inter alia, to promote the Flemish cultural identity and its international reputation.
Programme 72.3 Media Policy and Media Innovation BA 12.01 – A variety of expenditure on the media and media innovation A credit of 0.247 million EUR was allocated to this in 2002. Half of this is for science policy.
8. INTERDEPARTMENTAL OA 99 College of Secretaries-general Programme 99.1 Interdepartmental funds BA 12.40 – Expenses in the context of emancipation afThefairs emancipation affairs department uses part of its budget for research in preparation of policy. For example, a study was carried out in 2001 to ensure that the target groups of immigrants and the disabled could be correctly registered. Handiconsult was also commissioned to carry out a study to explore how the input and throughput of the disabled could be promoted in the Ministry of Flanders. A study of the throughput of women in the Ministry of Flanders is being carried out in 2002. Chapter III.5 – 171
New policy funds and new policy emphases
In 2002, a net increase of the science budget was introduced of 52 million EUR. The proportion that is strictly considered as R&D, according to the rules of the OECD, amounts to approximately 38 million EUR.
• highly efficient basic research can only flourish in a positive environment;
million EUR for research on the initiative of industry 6.197 million EUR for basic research on the initiative of industry
From 2002, the programmes of OA 71, as well as the credits of OA 33, were included in the “actual” science policy. It is very important to look at the R&D credits of the science policy and the credits for university education together. After all, 25% of the operational subsidies of the universities are meant for basic research. Therefore they constitute an essential factor in the acquisition of knowledge and provide the basis for the rest of scientific and technological research.
Therefore the ministers competent for Education and Training and for Finance and the Budget, Innovation, Media and Town and Country Planning wish to implement an integrated policy based on the following considerations:
• it is the operational subsidies of the universities which determine this positive environment to a large extent.
The new funds are divided as follows: 18.667 million EUR for the university operational subsidies 4.958 million EUR for the BOF 2.975 million EUR for the support centres for policy-oriented research 6.693 million EUR for the GBOU programme (Generic Basic Research at the Universi12.395ties)
•research in industry which leads to technological innovations is not possible without elementary fundamental scientific knowledge;
The “actual science policy”: new policy funds and new policy emphases.
The most important changes with regard to the volume of the credits and related policy lines for the “actual science policy” are given below, accompanied by any basic changes of science allocations over the various programmes. For the changes in 2001, reference is made to the 2001STI Information Guide.
Evolution of the funds since 1995.
Chapter III.6 – 173 Chapter – III.6
Chapter III.6 – 174
OA 71 Science and Innovation Administration Programme 71.1 General science policy
The initial credits for 2002 for the budget programme 71.3 amount to 140.244 million EUR. This includes the basic allocations focusing specifically on strengthening innovation of and in industry. First, there is a subsidy for the university interface services (1.307 million). There are also two large items on the budget: the authorization for the allocation in support of actions for technological innovation on the initiative of the Government of Flanders (41.890 million) and the authorisation for the allocation to IWT Flanders for projects on the initiative of industry and innovative cooperative ventures (87.560 million). These funds are increased by 12.33 million EUR, divided more or less equally (60/40) between the two types of allocations. This is necessary in particular because of the increase in the volume of subsidies as a result of the entry into effect of the new subsidy decision, but also for new initiatives in the field of aviation and space travel, logistics, the new SME programme, etc.
The initial credits for 2002 for the budget programme 71.1 amount to 13.412 million EUR. The most important budgets are for the Action plan for Science Information and Innovation (total 4.382 million EUR), with an increase of approximately 0.3 million. This is accompanied by a subsidy for FTI (2.132 million), which is also active in science information. In addition, there are the credits for the Flemish electronic network (2.507 million), and the subsidy for STV (1.973 million EUR), as well as some smaller budgets, including those for the VRWB and the KVAB.
Programme 71.3 Scientific research with an economic focus
Programme 71.2 Scientific research on the initiative of the researcher
The initial credits for 2002 for the budget programme 71.2 amount to 88.700 million EUR. The most important allocation on the budget is for the FWO Flanders, with 82.036 million EUR for funding basic research with mandates and projects. The BOF (Special Research Fund at the Universities) was transferred to the programme 33.2 of OA 33 (Education Department). The BA with the additional operational funds for the universities was also transferred to programme 33.2.
The credits for the remaining BAs of programme 71.2 remain virtually constant compared with 2001. The budget for international scientific cooperation fell further (in total –0.721 million EUR). The credits for the programme of Bilateral Scientific and Technological Cooperation on BA 12.24 were transferred to the BOF, while retaining their purpose, while credits from the same BA were transferred to a new BA for a subsidy for the UNU – in the context of the programme on regional integration studies. The credits of the FWO Flanders increased by 1.153 million EUR, as a result of indexation (+ 1.43%), in accordance with the university decree. In addition, there are some smaller credits for the Born-Bunge Foundation in Antwerp (0.150 million) and the Interuniversity College for Management Sciences (0.372 million EUR). These are credits for basic research. They also include the purchase of primary and secondary electronic databases and other electronic equipment (2.083 million EUR) to support the development of the libraries of the institutes of higher education and of IMEC and Vito.
First of all, these are the funds for the programme, “Generic Basic Research at the Universities (GBOU)” (16.840 million EUR); the research institutes IMEC, Vito and VIB (together accounting for 84.86 million EUR) and the grant for IWT Flanders for research at Institutes of higher education (5.949 million EUR). From 2001, there is a one-off increase of 1.735 million EUR, allocated in the budget for project-based research at institutes of higher education. The subsidy for the IWT Flanders for specialization grants (17.292 million EUR) is another considerable item. Furthermore, this programme includes the credits for the Support Centres for policy-oriented research (7.619 million EUR) and the co-funding for the Support Centre for R&D Statistics (0.372 million EUR). There are also subsidies for the institutes, the KMDA (a total of 0.626 million EUR, doubling the credits for BA 33.41), and the VLIZ (0.755 million EUR).
The following funds were transferred to this programme: the BOF (89.914 million EUR) and the Additional operational funds for the restructuring of academic education and scientific research (8.198 million EUR) from programme 71.2. These strengthen the support for groundbreaking basic research at the universities. They should be view together with the operational subsidies and other subsidies of the universities and of “equivalent” institutes. The credits of the BOF increase by 6.518 million EUR, including indexation (a net increase of 4.958 million). In 2002, there was another net increase in university operational funds of 9.229 million EUR, in addition to the normal indexation. Including the indexation, they increased by 14.569 million EUR. In addition, the funds for the covenants (8.198 million EUR) and the increase of the subsidies for IES and IOB (1.240 million EUR) should also be included. The employers’ contributions to the free universities also increased by 2.712 million EUR. In addition, the subsidies for VMS and ITG increased.
The initial credits for 2002 for the budget programme 71.4 amount to 134.313 million EUR. This brings together a number of basic allocations which focus neither on basic research nor on purely industrially-oriented research. These funds serve to support high quality, scientific, technological generic basic research with an industrial or social focus.
Programme 33.3 Coordination of Higher Education
Programme 71.4 Strategic and policy-oriented research
Chapter III.6 – 175
This includes only one BA for science policy, for the funding of cooperative projects for open higher education. Previous BAs were removed and the credits were transferred: in particular, the credits for international cooperation and for subsidising innovation in higher education.
OA 33 Higher Education and Scientific Research Administration Programme 33.2 University Education
*
the
Evolution of the credits for the period 1995 – 2002
Chapter III.6 – 176
During the last legislative period, there was an increase in the science budget, so that the credits for OA 71 were increased every year by approximately 50 million EUR net. This increase stagnated for a while in 2000, because the new government took its time to examine this development and discover where it had to be adjusted and where policy instruments had to be optimalised. From 2001, the science buidget continued to increase, with another net increase of 50 million EUR in 2002 (above the constant policy and inFundsdexation).for science and technology innovation policy - and the part “research and development” - allocated to the programs 71, 33.2 and 33.3 of the adjusted budget 2001 and the budget 2002 (in million of the credits* for the “actual science policy” (science and technological innovation policy). the PC/KD credits entire period.
71.4122.457134.31311.85671.3125.087140.24415.15771.2171.87788.700-83.17771.113.18313.4120.229WB20012002IncreaseEUR) Total71432.604376.669-55.935 33.33.5500.632-2.91833.2574.201684.128109.927 Total33577.751684.760107.009 Total1.010.3551.061.42951.074 71.4122.457134.31311.85671.3115.583129.45013.86771.2169.84486.617-83.22771.12.5502.6170.097R&D20012002Increase Total71410.404352.997-57.407 33.30.0000.0000.00033.2143.677238.59594.918 Total33143.677238.59594.918 Total554.081591.59237.511 Evolution
are not included for the
5.Sectoral initiatives and research and studies in support of policy
. Chapter III.7 – 177
4.Scientific institutes, departmental services and Flemish Public Institutions
3.Funding research and development of new technologies for industry
The main overall items of expenditure are indicated for each of the six classifications. This does not explicitly reveal the basic allocations, as these were already discussed in detail elsewhere. The change in the basic allocations is not shown here either, in so far as the focus of the credits remains the same.
A summary of the credits is also provided in relation to their use in each chapter: R&D: Research and development STET: Education and training STS: Scientific and technological services
2.Operation of universities and similar institutes
For a discussion of the evolution of the funds, reference is also made to the 2000 Information Guide, which dealt in detail with the period 1996-2000. We focus in particular on the new evolutions for the period 2000/2002.
The credits are shown in millions of euro (millions of EUR).
This summary of the Horizontal Budget Programme for Science Policy provides a cross section, in accordance with six large classifications:
Chapter – III.7
1.Non-oriented research at the universities
1. Non-oriented research at the universities Table 1 shows the funds intended for groundbreaking, non-oriented research at the universities; in other words, research carried out on the researcher’s own free initiative. These are the funds for the so-called second funding to the universities – the first funding consists of their operational subsidies (see point 2). The funds of the Special Research Fund (BOF) go directly to the universities and are distributed by the research council in accordance with the university research policy. The budgets for the IWT Flanders specialisation grants and for the FWO Flanders mandates and projects are divided indirectly by these intermediaries in accordance with set quality criteria, and an evaluation based on a peer review
Analysis of the Horizontal Budget Programmes for Science Policy 1993-2002
6.A variety of expenditure related to the general science policy
These funds increased substantially in the period 1996-1999 because of the significant efforts made by the Government of Flanders, but increased even further in the budget for 2000, with 12.28 million EUR for the BOF, when credits were reallocated on the basis of the emphasis on policy. In 2001, the credits increased by 22.18 million EUR for the BOF and by 6.92 million EUR for the FWO Flanders. (The apparent decline of 10.08 million is due to the transfer of the 17.03 million of the permanent mandates). The specialisation grants for the IWT are also included in the table for non-oriented research. This concerns doctorate grants.
The distribution of the credits for non-oriented research will take place in 2002 via the BOF for 48%, the FWO Flanders for 43%, and the IWT for 9%. From 2001, there has been a balance between the BOF and the FWO Flanders with the funds divided equally between the two.
Chapter III.6 – 178
In 2002, the credits for the BOF increase in particular, by 6.518 million EUR, and those for the FWO Flanders by 1.153 million EUR, in relation to indexation.
Chapter III.7 – 179 Evolution of the credits for non-oriented research Evolution of the credits for non-oriented research Credits for non-oriented research 2002
The Government of Flanders therefore adopted the objective during its period of government to significantly increase the operational subsidies to rectify the relationship be-
Chapter III.7 – 180
2. Operation of universities and similar institutes
Table 2.1 provides a summary of the university operational subsidies for the years 19932002. The universities receive these operational subsidies for their normal operation, academic education, scientific research and scientific services.
It was necessary to introduce a manoeuvre to significantly increase the operational subsidies for the universities. In fact, in the past they did not keep up with the increase in funding via the second funding. During the period 1996-1999, the overall credit increased by 54.54 million EUR, the second funding by 66.93 million EUR. Furthermore, the operational subsidies are fragmented over a broad range of expenditure, while the second funding can be used specifically for research. The 1997 Information Guide (Part IV, p. 116 et seq.) gives a more detailed explanation of this.
Of the total credits for science policy, the subsidies for the universities account for a significant proportion. In 2002, this is 529.400 million EUR (44%), or 521.202 million of ordinary operational subsidies and 8.198 million additional operational funds for the reorganisation of academic education and scientific research. These credits are divided in accordance with the traditional method of distribution, viz., 25% for Research and Development (R&D) and 75% for Education and Training (STET).
tween structural and project-based funding of university research. It was therefore decided to revise university funding. For the period 2001-2004, the operational subsidies will no longer be calculated on the basis of the weighted number of students, and the subsidy will be progressively increased by almost 50 million EUR. This manoeuvre was introduced in the 2001 budget with an additional sum of 9.494 million EUR. This will be continued in 2002, and there is a further increase in the operational subsidies of 9.229 million EUR, on top of the normal indexation. In addition, there is another 8.198 million EUR as additional operational funds for the reorganisation of academic education and scientific research – on the basis of covenants.
Table 2.2 summarises the “Other subsidies for the universities”. It was decided to include these as operational subsidies as well, using the same method of distribution (75% STET and 25% R&D), analogous to the situation abroad. From 1997, the credits for the social provisions for all the universities were regrouped in a single basic allocation. From 2000, the investment credits of the universities were structurally increased by 5.2 million EUR. In 2002, there is another strong increase in the employers’ contributions of 2.7 million EUR.
Chapter III.7 – 181
Table 2.3 provides a summary of the subsidies for “equivalent” institutions. The method of distribution, 75% STET and 25% R&D is also retained for almost all of these credits. Only the credits for the Interuniversity College for Management Sciences are allocated entirely to R&D. Since 1997, the credits for “Open Higher Education” have been classified by the Education Department in Table 5, “Sectoral initiatives and sectoral research and studies in support of policy” (see below). These credits were entirely classified under STET. The credits for IOB, IES, VSM and ITG were increased.
Chapter III.7 – 182
Distribution of the operational subsidies to universities in 2002
III.7 – 183
Table 3 provides a summary of the most important credits for specific industrial research. This is summarised as follows: • the two budget items as instruments for funding industrial research and technological innovation: the authorisation of the IWT Flanders allocation to support actions related to technological innovation on the initiative of the Government of Flanders (former FIOV) and the authorisation of the IWT Flanders allocation for projects on the initiative of industry and innovative cooperative ventures. In the period 1993-1996 the actual policy area was increased with the transfer of the balances for previous years. These balances are not included in table 3; Chapter
Evolution of the operational subsidies to universities
3. Funding research and development of new technologies for industry
• the credits for the funding of the three main Flemish research institutes, IMEC, Vito and VIB. From 1999, Vito – Prodem (co-funding of an ERDF-II demonstration project related to environmentally-friendly technologies, in particular for small and medium-sized businesses) included in the grant for the Vito;
• the IWT operational funds (grants and payments for services rendered) are also included in the table. These credits increased gradually and were allocated in 1999 to a single basic allocation. The operational funds relate both to the internal management costs and to external services and supervision, as well as expenditure for commissions for studies and expertise;
• the HOBU research fund, with the aim of also supporting industrially focused research at the industrial institutes of higher education, managed by the IWT;
• the credits for STV, to support research into the social aspects of new technologies;
Chapter III.7 – 184
Chapter III.7 – 185
Distribution of the credits for industrial research 2002
There was a constant increase in the credits in the period 1996-1999, mainly in the authorisations for the IWT and FIOV, VIB, IWT-HOBU and STWW allocations. In 2001, the increase continued with an overall 11.9 million EUR. From 2001 the emphasis is strongly on IWT initiatives in industry and innovative cooperative ventures. In 2002, there is a strong increase of 23.1 million EUR, mainly for the two items, the authorisation of the IWT allocations (total + 12.3 million) and GBOU (+ 6.7 million).
•Technopolis: from 1999, the credits are included in the FTI (Flanders Technology International) in the context of science information, and are classified with the general science policy (point 6);
•Pre-valorisation research, “General Basic Research at the Universities (GBOU)”, formerly “Strategic technologies for the promotion of welfare and well-being (STWW)”; this concerns generic basic research with a possible social or economic focus;
•the Flanders Biotech Fund was not extended from 1999; therefore it is no longer included as a policy credit in the science policy budget; • the interface services of the universities. These credits are included in this table because they are intended for the valorisation of the university research results, and from 2001 they were also included in budget programme 71.3.
4. Scientific institutes, departmental divisions and Flemish public institutions
Table 4 shows the credits which are distributed over the scientific institutes, certain departmental divisions, or Flemish Public Institutions which also conduct research and provide scientific services as part of their task.
In 2001, the total credit for table 4 fell back to the level of 1999, particularly because of the fall in the budget for MINA 2.28 and the disappearance of the VLINA research pro-
The significant increase in the credits from 1996 can be attributed to the fact that the credits of the MINA fund were also included in the analysis table, because information became available about the use of these funds from that time. This concerns the budgets which are available on the MINA fund for science policy, for VMM, OVAM, AQUAFIN, VLM and VLINA. In 2000 there was an increase in the credits for the Institute of the Archaeological Heritage, AQUAFIN and MINA 2.28, which replaced MINA 2.19.
Chapter III.7 – 186
gramme. The credits for OVAM were also reduced, because the PRESTI programme could no longer be included as science policy in 2001. In 2002, the credits declined further by 0.9 million EUR. This is because of the strong decline of the MINA 2.28 credit line by 5.1 million EUR, a decline which cannot be compensated by the (slighter) increases in credit for the other credit lines.
The credits of the Education Department for sectoral initiatives increased greatly in 2001, because of the transfer and further increase of the credits for the PC/KD action (a total of 24.79 million EUR). In 2002, the sectoral credits declined slightly. In itself, this does not mean much because these credits have not been lost: the credits of BA 40.01 of programme 33.3 were transferred to the BOF, and those of BA 40.11 were added to the operational funds for the universities and institutes of higher education in the form of covenants. In 2000 there was an increase of 10.04 million EUR for the LIN, together with the credit increases for AQUAFIN and MINA 2.28 in the same year. The LIN credit reveals a strong decline (of 5.92 million EUR) in 2001, but increases again in 2002 with a rounded 11.4 million EUR. There is an increase in the credits for the BAs 62.4 12.05 (housing, + 1.049 million), 63.2 43.10 (mobility, + 0.509 million), MINA 2.5 (+ 3.076 million EUR) and 69.9 12.29 (+ 5.951 million EUR); there is also the new initiative of Environment and Health (BA 61.1 12.02, 0.793 million EUR).
Chapter III.7 – 187
5.
Distribution of the credits for sectoral initiatives and the electoral policy- oriented research in 2002
Sectoral initiatives and research and studies in support of policy
For sectoral science policy, table 5 comprises the credits provided for research in support of policy and policy-oriented initiatives together. Tables 4 and 5 are supplementary, in the sense that VMM, OVAM, etc. actually fall under the competent department – in this case, the Environment and Infrastructure Department.
There was a drastic increase in the credits in the period 1997-1999, followed by a fall in the credits in 2000 of approximately 7.4 million EUR, because of reduced funds for policy-oriented research, international cooperation and the expenses related to the informa-
6. A variety of expenditure related to the general science policy
Chapter III.7 – 188
This includes the initiatives to support the science policy as a whole. The advisory organs were also included in this, as they support the overall policy in science and technology.
Policy-oriented research
Policy- oriented research (in million EUR)
The percentage distribution of this over the main categories is shown in the accompanying figure.
tion society. This reduction continued in 2001, and was the result of budget reductions and the reorganisation of credits. The credits for the overall funding of the support centres for policy-oriented research (7.991 million EUR) are included in this table because it concerns research which covers many policy areas. On the other hand, the co-funding of specific support centres is included in the credits of the departments concerned. The cofunding of the support centre R&D Statistics is included in this table. The 2.507 million EUR for the Flemish electronic network and the 2.083 million for the electronic databases and the electronic equipment for the institutes of higher education and for IMEC and Vito are also included.
Chapter III.7 – 189
Researchrelevanttopolicyperdepartment
If these credits are also counted, and therefore all the credits for research relevant to policy are examined, the total credit estimated for 2002 amounts to 66.827 million EUR.
This figure provides a summary of the credits for policy-oriented research as this occurs on different departmental basic allocations. In principle, the proportion of the credits of table 5 (Sectoral initiatives and sectoral research and studies in support of policy) is shown here that is intended for policy-oriented research. The credits for research in support of policy of OA 71 is added to the sectoral credits.
The research relevant to policy being carried out in all sorts of institutes (such as the five Flemish scientific institutes) is therefore not included here. These institutes, as well as the MINA fund, have their own place in the analysis tables.
The distribution of the total budget of the HBPWB 2002 into the six classifications, as well as its evolution in the period 1993-2002, is shown in the following table.
Evolution of the total HBPWB budget
The total credits of the HBPWBs from 1993 to 2002 are shown in the following figure.
During the period 1995-1999, the actual science budget increased by 198.3 million EUR, cumulatively, 495.8 million.
Chapter III.7 – 190
Distribution of the science budget over R&D, STET, and STS, 1993-2002
However, this increase is moderated by a fall in the sectoral credits.
In 2002, the credits of the HBPWP 2002 increased drastically by 58.73 million EUR. Of this, 83% can be attributed to the increase in the “actual science policy” (OA 71 + OA 33), of which a detailed descriptions can be found in Chapter III.6 of this Information Guide, and 17% to the increase for the sectoral science policy.
Distribution of the subsidies for the science policy 2002
The table and graphs below subdivide the budget of the HBPWB 2002 in terms of activity, NABS code, and department. This figure clearly shows that it is above all the R&D component of the science budget that increases systematically over time.
Chapter III.7 – 191
In 2000, the initial credits for science policy increased further by 29.8 million EUR. The initial credits for science policy of the HBPWB 2001 increased by approximately 24.8 million EUR, compared with 2000, the R&D credits by 11.8 million EUR. The increase can be ascribed, inter alia, to the increase in the credits of OA 71 (by 29.7 million EUR).
The accompanying figure shows the percentage distribution of the credits for R&D in 2002 over the NABS codes. Part III of this Information Guide continued the analysis, in some cases to the sub-NABS level. Chapter III.7 – 192 HBPWB subdivided to NABS codes 2002 Distribution per department, with subdivision for WIM 2002
Chapter III.7 – 193
Division of the credits over the members of the Government of Flanders
The last graph shows the distribution of the science credits over the members of the Government of Flanders, with a concentration of funds for the Minister of Education and Training – including the operational subsidies to the universities – and the Minister of Finance and the Budget, Innovation, Media and Town and Country Planning.
PART IV EXPENDITURE OF THE FUNDS FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION INNOVATIONANDTECHNOLOGYSCIENCE,FORFUNDSTHEOFEXPENDITURE 195 A microscopic recording of mitochondria, the energy factories of the cell. (VIB photograph)
This year the topic-based analysis of expenditure for the science policy focuses on the expenditure and performance of the three Flemish research institutes, IMEC, Vito and VIB. After all, these each receive more than 25 million EUR every year to carry out their tasks. This substantial contribution from community funds requires a regular examination of the results, both for research, as regards its valorisation, as well as its useful effects in terms of the support and stimulation of Flemish industry. IMEC and Vito were first described in the 1997 WTI Information Guide. The period 1991-1995 was examined for IMEC, the period 1992-1995 for Vito. VIB was established in 1995, and was still starting up. Meanwhile, this research institute has also been operating for six years, and the expenditure and results of these investments can now also be exThisamined.analysis of the expenditure of IMEC, Vito and VIB analyses the following points of attention: income (subsidies, contract research, the origin of the contract income, etc.), the organisation of the research activities, scientific reputation resulting from the presence in (inter)national publications and participation in conferences, patents and spin-offs, participation in European programmes and cooperation with (inter)national partners and Flemish universities, and personnel developments.
Expenditure of the funds for IMEC
Chapter IV.1 – 197
Chapter – IV.1 1. Survey of the income 1.1. Total income IMEC operates on the basis of an annual subsidy from the Government of Flanders (“gross subsidy”), in addition to the self-generated income. The great majority of its own budgets currently come from contract research. This independent research is an attractive basis for projects with regional and international partners which participate in IMEC’s research programmes. Table 1.1. Summary of the total income of IMEC in 1996-2000. The amounts are expressed in millions of EUR. The percentage of the total income is also shown. year subsidy (%) miscellaneous (%) contract (%) total income income 1996 24.32 43% 2.82 5% 29.15 52% 56.29 1997 27.06 39% 6.41 9% 35.15 51% 68.62 1998 27.59 38% 6.52 9% 38.70 53% 72.81 1999 27.95 35% 10.11 13% 42.50 53% 80.55 2000 28.25 27% 4.14 4% 70.48 69% 102.87
The increase in the total income of IMEC can be attributed almost exclusively to the increase in the income for contract research, as shown in Fig. 1.1. Fig. 1.1. Evolution of the contract income versus total income and the relative share (19842000).
The annual subsidy from the government enables IMEC to fund longer-term basic research, which forms the strategic know-how or background information, separate from specific cooperative ventures. In accordance with the protocol agreement, 10% of the annual subsidy is reserved for the operation of the campus and research projects with the universities (see below). If only the net subsidy is taken into account, i.e., without the sum which goes to projects with universities and industrial institutes of higher education (in the context of interuniversity cooperation), the share of the net subsidy falls from 39% in 1996 to 25% in 2000.
The miscellaneous income comes, inter alia, from the contributions in kind from spin-off companies, seminars and conferences, some from consulting, etc. Since 2000, a number of contracts which traditionally fell under “miscellaneous income” are classified under “contract income”. This decision follows the finding that this actually concerned “contract income”, though it was placed in the other category for historical reasons.
1.3.1. General summary of the contract income
Chapter IV.1 – 198
1.3. The contract income
Therefore the growth in recent years was considerable, partly because of a large number of strategic deals, and a faster international breakthrough. The increase in income is determined to a large extent by the strong international character of IMEC’s valorisation in process technology, particularly since 1995. This evolution is a logical basis for the increase in the costs for process-related research. An attempt was made to ensure that the international industrial community would cover this expenditure to a greater extent. For a better insight into the origin of this contract income, it is useful to analyse its sources in more detail. They are shown below, according to the source, both in terms of the type of source and in terms of the division in which they originated.
1.2. The subsidy
• bilateral income from companies established in Flanders (this concerns only the income which goes to IMEC. Normally this corresponds to 50% of the total project costs);
Chapter IV.1 – 199 N.b.: What is not included here, but has become very significant for the operation of the budget, is the income obtained “in kind”, such as reductions on systems and even the supply of free equipment for research and development, materials, masks, etc. Together with the availability of more than 294 non-payroll researchers, this amounts to a sum which equals the contract income.
Five categories of sources are identified:
1.3.2. Income in terms of origin
• income from the competitive contracts with the European Commission (here it is again only the income which goes to IMEC – normally 50% of the total project costs);
• income from ESA (up to now the funding has always been 100% of the accepted projects costs);
• bilateral income with companies outside Flanders;
• income from research contracts directly concluded with the government (the federal and regional government have been taken together here).
Table 1.2. Summary of the contract income in terms of the type of income (in millions of EUR). year Flemish Internat. EU ESA Government industryindustry 1996 11.23 5.54 8.40 2.19 1.79 1997 12.02 8.09 11.13 2.10 1.83 1998 12.21 11.24 12.63 1.64 0.99 1999 13.70 18.17 8.53 1.09 1.02 2000 20.23 30.35 16.38 3.47 0.05
The strongest growth is undoubtedly in the income from Flemish and international (bilateral) industry; each aspect of this will be discussed in greater detail. The historical composition of the contract income is also shown from 1985 to 2000. This shows the evolution in terms of sources more clearly.
Fig. 1.2. Evolution of the contract income, subdivided by origin.
It is a challenge for IMEC to ensure the continuity of contract income from bilateral international industry, and even increase it. For this, it is necessary to take into account IMEC’s own tasks and international benchmarking. In fact, this can only be done under three conditions. The cooperation must:
• to keep the potential for feedback to the industrial fabric in Flanders open as far as possible by means of an appropriate policy on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), on the basis of recycling research results.
1.3.4. Flemish income Since 1990, cooperation with Flemish industry has played a more important role (with the strong driving force of Alcatel Microelectronics) (ex-Mietec), and supported by EUREKA programmes such as JESSI and MEDEA. Recently there has been a strong inChapter IV.1 200
• to be part of IMEC’s (interactively determined) R&D strategy, to avoid a suboptimal fragmentation of the R&D funds;
–
1.3.3. Evolution of international contract income
• contribute to broader cooperation with several “top performing” international partners to gain a better insight into the future industrial needs and industrial road maps;
The cooperation with European industry has up to now taken place to a large extent in the context of the EUREKA programmes (JESSI/MEDEA), as well as in an EC context. Until recently, European industrial partners were not particularly prepared to cooperate with IMEC on a bilateral basis, but this is definitely improving. In 2000, there was a major breakthrough with a large number of strategic partnerships (several years) with the three “giants” in Europe: Infineon, STM and Philips.
Fig. 1.3. Share of international contract income per region in 2000
Table 1.3. Summary of international contract income (in millions of EUR) year Intern. growth contract share in total industryincome contract income 1996 5.54 42.0% 29.15 19% 1997 8.09 46.1% 35.15 23% 1998 11.24 39.0% 38.70 29% 1999 18.17 61.7% 42.50 43% 2000 30.35 67.0% 70.48 43%
crease in the activities with Philips in Flanders, both with regard to design technology (via ITCL) and for process technology (via Philips-Belgium). The IWT subsidy is a very important catalyst, and makes a big contribution to the cooperation between research institutes in Flanders. Table 1.4 Evolution of Flemish income (in millions of EUR) year Flemish growth total contract share in total incomeincome contract 1996-2000,icantlyfurtherThereforetivelyCommission.tenderingThe1.3.5.200020.2348%70.4829%199913.7012%42.5032%199812.212%38.7032%199712.027%35.1534%199611.2318%29.1539%incomeIncomefromprojectsfundedbytheEuropeanCommissionincomefromECco-fundedprojectscomesexclusivelyonthebasisof“competitiveprocedures”inthecontextofthevariousR&DprogrammesoftheEuropeanAtthestartofIMECtheshareoftheincomefromECprojectswasrela-verylarge(48%in1989,32%in1998,28.4%in1999,and23%in2000).itisaboveallfrom1995(breakthroughofinternationalbilateralprojectsandgrowthofthebilateralincomefromFlanders)thatfundsbegantodeclinesignif-(inrelativeterms),althoughthereisasystematicincreaseinabsolutefiguresfromfollowingastrongfallin1999. Table 1.5. Income from the European Commission (in millions of EUR) year EC growth total contract share in total incomeincome contract 1.3.6.theprogrammes(ACTS,cusOver200016.3892%70.4823%19998.53-32%42.5020%199812.6314%38.7033%199711.1333%35.1532%19968.4030%29.1529%incometheyears,IMEChasgraduallystartedtofocusincreasingly–fromapronouncedfo-ontheformerESPRITaspect(microelectronics)–onvariousECprogrammesJOULE,BRITE-EURAM).WithintheECitself,theclassificationundervarioushaschangedrepeatedly,sothatitismorerelevanttoindicatethesumofallcooperativeventuresinthecontextofECprojects.ContractresearchincomefromESAFornewspin-offpossibilities,thecooperationwithESAwasveryimportantforIMEC.ManyofthecooperativeprogrammesinESTEC(ARTES/ASTE,EOPPandevenGSTP)actuallydemandaratherstronglyproduct-orientedapproach.Thereforetheresearchoftenhadtobe“packaged”inaconcreteapplicationorproduct.Mostprojectsweremainlycar-riedoutinthedesignandmoretelecommunication-orientedresearchgroups,supple-mentedwithstrongactivitiesinthegroupofsensors,microsystemsandICpackages. Chapter IV.1 – 201
Table 1.6. Evolution of the relative share of the ESA income compared to the total contract income (in millions of EUR) year ESA growth total contract share in total incomeincome contract
Chapter IV.1 – 202
2.1. The IMEC divisions The largest group certainly consists of “process technology”, which also needs the largest growth dynamics to allow for the rising costs, because of its infrastructure. After all, this department requires the biggest investments to follow the rapid technological evolutions.
The20000.05-95%70.480.1%19991.023%42.502%19980.99-46%38.703%19971.832%35.155%19961.7951%29.156%incomeincomefromgovernmentprojectsincreasedstronglyfrom1995-1997,because of the introduction of the ITA projects. Then it declines, which was due to the fall in the number of contracts for ABOS/NECTEC (some of which were transferred to international bilateral contracts), VLIET screen printing and IT-ISIS (ITA), as well as a fall in the number of projects with the FWO Flanders, which are increasingly awarded to the universities. In the ITA programme (ITA-1 and ITA-2) only the “basic generic research (BGO)” fell under the heading “government”.
cludedFinally,1.3.7.20003.47218%70.485%19991.09-33%42.503%19981.64-22%38.704%19972.10-4%35.156%19962.197%29.158%incomeIncomefromresearchcontractsfortheGovernmentasurveyisshownbelowoftheincomefromresearchcontractswhichwascon-directlywiththefederalandregionalgovernment.
The IMEC’s activities in research and development are organised in a number of different scientific divisions.
Table 1.7. Evolution of the income from research contracts for the Government (in millions of EUR) yearGovernmentgrowth total contract share in total income contract
2. Share of the research groups
This gave rise to various entire or partial spin-offs. ESA research projects were also very important for the transfer of technology to existing companies.
Chapter IV.1 – 203
The contract income for the associated laboratory at KHBO came only from cooperation with Flemish industry (and is increasing rapidly), with the exception of 2000, where 0.08 million EUR income was obtained from the EC.
• the increasing need for R&D cooperative ventures forces companies to cooperate with independent research centres (driven by the greatly increasing R&D investments, faster “time-to-market” and more and greater competition);
Atime.fourth division is responsible for all the training activities of the IMEC. In 1999, INVOMEC’s income from contracts fell significantly for a number of reasons, while it had increased constantly in previous years. In 2000, this falling trend was completely reversed, and there was a sharp increase.
A third research division conducts research on IC design (methods and system research), and there has been a constant increasing trend since 1997. The slight plateau which characterised the income in 1996 was due to the strong performance which this division presented at the level of new spin-offs during this period. This means that the income and the human resources temporarily declined until new research groups actively started new technologies. This was clearly noticeable from 1997, with strong growth figures since that
• IMEC has few competitors who also have submicron process technology integration.
Another IMEC division focuses on a range of technologies devoted to “random CMOS”, with the main topics: Systems-in-a-Package (microsystems, packaging, sensors), photovoltaic systems and nano-electronics (plastic electronics, spintronics).
•cause:theinternational industrial community increasingly recognises IMEC as a centre of expertise;
2.2. Associated laboratories INTEC (Ghent University) reveals a constantly increasing trend across the board up to 1998. The share from Flemish industry is one of the highest of all the divisions (55% in 2000). In 1999, the income of ESA projects (temporarily) disappeared because of the use of a large share of the budget for one large project. The figures for the Free University of Brussels are only relevant from 1998, and can only be seen in Flemish industry and EC projects.
With constant funding by the government (in the last few years up to 2001), this implies a need for great increases in the income from research contracts. IMEC has been able to meet this need successfully, and its operation has been able to accelerate since 1999 be-
Although the number of patents granted also increased more from 1995, the full effect will only become noticeable now, in view of the turnover time (approximately 4 years) between filing a patent and a patent being actually granted. In the past few years (19992000), this has become clear from the number of patents actually awarded.
3. Scientific reputation 3.1. Publications, communications and dissertations Table 3.1. Survey of the various forms of publication for 1993-2000. The figures include INTEC, and the total figures comprise all the cooperations with universities. 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 papers 159 139 201 206 174 225 226 261 conference contr. 180 193 246 293 344 360 316 319 contr. in books 1 13 8 17 4 10 7 11 Ph.D. theses 31 16 22 9 12 27 23 29 total publications533 485 639 671 711 914 965 107 (incl. Univs)
3.2. Evolution of the patent portfolio
Chapter IV.1 – 204
Fig. 3.1. Number of patents filed and granted in the last 15 years
The number of patents filed increased significantly in the last five years. This is not only because of the stronger performance demonstrated by the IMEC in the field of R&D, but is also related to the extra active patent strategy.
Only the conference contributions which were referred to in “proceedings” of 31/12 of that year are shown under “conference contributions”. The abstracts are not included either. Therefore we would like to emphasise that some abstract books of highly reputed conferences are given a higher “value” than some “journals”, but are not shown in the statistics. There is no quantitative analysis at the moment for this sort of classification. They are included in the table under the heading, “total publications”, which includes all the articles, conference contributions and abstracts, including those of the universities – if they refer to work in cooperation with IMEC.
Chapter IV.1 – 205 4. Spin-off companies The establishment of IMEC spin-offs started in 1986 and has increased steadily since that time. Since 1996, this has even speeded up. This is because more and more technologies have become ready for the market during this period, with the increasingly positive climate for enterprise, and a broader range of seed and venture capital. Table 4.1. Spin-off companies established between 1996 and 2000 CompanyPartnerYear of Place establishmentestablishmentof 8 Sirius Communications 1996Aarschot (currently Agilent) 9Target Compiler 10CoWare1996LeuvenTechnologies1996Leuvenand USA 11Acunia (Smartmove)1996Leuven, Ieper and shareinpaniestheestablishednies1991-1995It20PhotovoltechElectrabel19OligoSenseUIAntwerp2001Antwerp18XenICs2000Leuven17Septentrio2000Leuven16Q-star15FillFactory1999Leuven143E1999Brussels13AnSemKULeuven1998Leuven12LCI-Smartpen1996LeuvenUSATestKHBO1999BruggeTotalFinaElf2001TienenSoltechisinterestingtoseetowhatextentthespin-offsduringaparticularperiod(1986-1990,and1996-2000)alsoresultedinjobs.Thisrevealsthatthespin-offcompa-establishedduringthefirstperiodhavenowcreatedabout100jobs,whilecompaniesinthesecondperiodresultedinabout50jobs,andcompaniesestablishedinlastperiodaccountforabout260jobs.Thisrevealsthatthereforethespin-offcom-whichwereestablishedinthelastfiveyearshavethegreatestpotentialforgrowthtermsofemployment.Thisisalsoduetothebroaderstartingsituationwithregardtocapital,sothatthepossibilityfordevelopmentisgreater.
There was a discussion of the associated laboratories in section 2.2. In addition to the direct associations, there are several channels for cooperation with a number of research laboratories at Flemish universities and institutes of higher education. As indicated above, 10% of the annual subsidy for IMEC is reserved for universities and industrial institutes of higher education. This was allocated as follows for the period 1992-2000.
Operating
• In 2000, there were 120 thesis students at IMEC (129 in 1999). This is more than double the number in 1993 (50).
Chapter IV.1 – 206
Campus
Total budget 2,410 2,682 2,714 2,747 2,801(10% of IMEC’s gross subsidy)
Other R&D cooperation comprises: • cooperation in the context of EC projects, • cooperation in the context of ESA projects, • cooperation in the context of EUREKA projects (JESSI, MEDEA, PITEA, ITEA, EURIMUS), • cooperation in the context of ITA projects,
297 Operationalinvestments/softwarefundsIMEC 100 100 100 100 99 Researchcampus/employeesprojectsIMEC/universities 600
• In 2000, there were 93 work experience placements (77 in 1999). Together with the number of summer work placements, the total amounts to 115 trainees (100 in 1999).
• cooperation in the context of the geo-political projects
The most important aspect of university cooperation is the execution of joint research funded by IMEC with the subsidy. In the context of the present protocol, 19 research projects were defined, which were carried out under IMEC contracts and funding at a Flemish university. All these projects together are supervised by the coordination council for IMEC universities, in which all the universities concerned are represented.
Table 5.1. Subsidy funds for the cooperation with Flemish universities and institutes of higher education year 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 Funds to be allocated to (in kEUR) Personnel 1,287 1,329 1,3291,3911,420 operation INVOMEC 124 124 124 funds for 297 297 297 297 833 833 833 860
5. Cooperation with the Flemish universities
• In 2000, there were 96 doctorate students from Flemish universities at the IMEC, spread over the four R&D divisions.
124 124 Operational
• other bilateral R&D cooperation. The joint dissertations and theses are also very important:
• the development of training programmes for professional parties (in-service training, hands-on training, specialist courses, etc.);
• training programmes and conversion programmes for people with no specific preliminary knowledge of ICT;
Many SMEs also need experience in the design of ASICs. Therefore this division organises training in ASIC design, both for academic circles and for industry. Last year, the emphasis was on the use of object-oriented programming languages or complex digital operations.
One of IMEC’s aims is to provide training for engineers and scientists on microelectronics. In 1999, the Microelectronics Training Centre (MTC) was established for this purpose to group together the specialist training for industry, and develop it. The MTC concentrates on microelectronics and related fields, such as IC design, process technologies and packaging. IMEC also develops its training programmes with MTC to meet the needs of operators and technicians.
• awareness raising at a young age (13-15-year-olds), to increase the intake of students of technology;
6. Training and courses 6.1. Courses Fig. 6.1. Number of participants in IMEC courses per category
• background courses for non-ICT specialists who wish to acquire a better insight;
• topic-based seminars given at IMEC itself.
• visionary workshops which provide more strategic background information and trends;
6.2. CAD training In the field of microelectronics, the IMEC training division has provided support for Flemish industrial institutes of higher education and universities for the past 17 years. Advanced CAD tools are available to lecturers and students through an educational network.
Chapter IV.1 – 207
IMEC tries to meet the needs for well-qualified personnel in many fields and is therefore active in the fields of:
IV.1 – 208
Fig. 7.1. Evolution of the number of IMEC employees, including non-payroll
From the start, there has been a strong growth in the number of employees at IMEC. In 2000, IMEC had 1,027 employees, of whom 294 were non-payroll (29% of the total population). Non-payroll means that they do work at IMEC, but are not shown on the list of employees, such as industrial residents, bursaries, guest professors, etc.
As the evolution of the total number of employees reveals strong growth in the starting period of IMEC, it is better to look at the growth figures for the last 10 years. Annual growth is fairly even and fluctuates round an annual growth of 9 +/- 1%.
The IMEC is a young institute from the point of view of its employees. In 2000, the average age was 33.1 years of age. The following figure compares two years, 1992 and 2000. Fig. 7.2. Age pyramid of IMEC employees (only payroll) for 1992 and 2000Chapter
7. Evolution of the personnel
are
Chapter IV.1 – 209
Table 7.1 Evolution of the number of
199519961997199819992000 Number of researchers payroll percentager(foriftotal328384439457518595scientificfactortotal219235256279303311invomes,minuniversity(empl.)476507559627681733personnel257274302339368396FD/HR/BD/dir,383946606585p-lijn,TCfull-timeequiv.0,970,970,970,960,960,97non-payroll116156191190227294withoutresidents296305345358387403patentsandpublic)esidents32799499131192total(withresid)56%58%59%56%57%58%
ices,
and method of
The number of researchers is defined on the basis of the number of university personnel who can publish in the context of their job as researcher. At the IMEC level, 54% of the payroll employees are university personnel. Employees who are active in the logistics servtraining and the p-line, are not included, and are corrected for full-time equivalents (see above). Finally, the bursaries and other non-payroll employees from scientific institutes included (with the exception of residents for publications and patents; they are assumed to publish for their own company or institute). researchers calculation
Available funds
The table below provides a summary of the expenditure carried out in the period 1996 to 2000 and the subsidies which were granted to the Vito by the Government of Flanders during that period. in mln. gratedgionTheGovernmentTOverallTInvestments4.8126.38610.4094.4994.189OtherPersonnelEUR19961997199819992000costs21.43023.89226.66827.48427.720costs8.1149.04510.64210.72410.367otal34.35639.32347.71942.70742.27619961997199819992000basicsubsidy24.63125.69722.76625.03025.275askscommissionedbytheofFlanders-Recurrentreferencetasks0.8500.8680.7861.1601.172-Targetfunding0.9790.9960.9001.3091.324Totalsubsidy26.46027.56124.45227.49927.771strongdeclineinthesubsidiesin1998wastheresultofadirectiveoftheFlemishRe-fortheircalculation(DecisionoftheGovernmentofFlandersconcerninganinte-economicaccountancyandbudgetreportforFlemishpublicinstitutions,of
Vito is an independent research centre and at the crossroad of technology where the latest technology and practical applications come together. Vito carries out client-oriented contract research and develops innovative products and processes in the fields of energy, the environment and materials, both for the government and for industry. Safeguarding the environment and promoting the sustainable use of energy and raw materials is central in all the projects. This summary gives a picture of the expenditure of the funds which were available from 1996 to 2000. Comparable data for the period 1992 to 1995 were contained in the 1997 Information Guide. Here we focus in particular on the distribution of the funds over the various research fields, the acquisition of contract income, scientific cooperation and networking, the presence in national and international journals and at national and international conferences and finally, the growth in the number of personnel.
Chapter IV.2 – 211
IV.2
Expenditure of the funds for Vito Chapter –
The tasks and most important activities of these eight centres of expertise are:
• Remote Sensing and Atmospheric Processes models terrestrial and atmospheric processes and uses earth observation and computer models to monitor the environment. Vito also contains the imaging and archiving centre of the VEGATATION satellite. Vito also develops techniques itself for the processing of satellite images and models which are used for the evaluation of the quality of the air, and to monitor the productivity of natural
Chapter IV.2 – 212
In addition, technological innovations are examined with an interdisciplinary approach in a broad social context (technology assessment).
The Measurement and Evaluation department
• Integral environmental studies presents itself as the Flemish reference centre with regard to environmentally-oriented product development and total chain management, best available techniques and cleaner production methods. In this context, total evaluation methods and management concepts are developed and applied in practice. In addition, it provides support for the policy on energy and the environment, with regard to air, water, soil and waste. Advice is provided for the policy on the reduction of emissions, for the benefit of policy on the environment. Research in support of policy is carried out into the quality of the soil, ground water and surface water pollution, inter alia by evaluating the measures for the reduction of greenhouse gases and other emissions which are harmful for the environment, and the centre is responsible for the description and evaluation of secondary raw materials in terms of environmental hygiene. "Integral environmental studies" also contains and organises the Flemish platform for the electronic distribution of energy and environment-related information (http://www.emis.vito.be/).
• Environmental measurements concentrate on the measurement and analysis of environmental pollution. The emphasis is not on routine measurements, but on the development of specialized analytical and measurement techniques for the examination of soil, water, waste and the air and on integrated and complex areas of expertise such as dioxin measurements in flue gases and the atmosphere, the sampling and analysis of the atmosphere in the workplace, the measurement of aerosols, studies of odours, etc. Vito has access to the most modern equipment for the sampling and analysis of environmental pollution and has been appointed as the Flemish reference laboratory for all environmental analyses. Furthermore, it is the structural scientific partner of Flemish environmental administrations, inter alia, for the scientific support of technical regulations for waste, the soil and air. In Flanders, Vito is the point of contact for European programmes with regard to the standardization of methods of environmental analysis.
21.05.1997). Because of the application of this directive, the basic subsidy was reduced by 2.645 million EUR in 1998 in a one-off reduction. From the 1999 financial year, the basic subsidy returned to the normal level.
In order to strengthen the client and result-oriented approach, research was concentrated in centres of expertise from 1997. In 2000, the mission and objectives of the original ten centres of expertise were thoroughly revised, partly in the light of the examination commissioned by the Flemish Region at the end of the first management agreement for 1994-1998. It was decided to group all the research activities in two clusters of four centres of expertise each, so that the first four devoted themselves exclusively to "scientific diagnosis" and were grouped in a "Measurement and Evaluation" department. The four other centres of expertise are responsible for finding "remedies" or "innovative solutions" in the department "Innovation and Renovation".
Organisation of research activities
Chapter IV.2 – 213
• Environmental toxicology evaluates the effects and risks on humans (toxicology) and on plants and animals (eco-toxicology) of environmental interference. The centre of expertise determines the harmful consequences for the environment of pollution in the water, soil and air, and is the appropriate Flemish reference laboratory for these matters. These studies are based on the latest molecular and technological developments, including in vitro technology. It also studies the possible risks of electromagnetic radiation, such as the radiation produced by mobile phones or electrical equipment or the exposure to environmentally unfriendly materials in relation to allergies and asthma.
• Materials technology concentrates on the introduction and implementation of innovative materials and related processes in industry. Extending the lifespan, improving the quality and developing innovative products and processes are the basic objectives in this respect. Industry is supported here by an expert partner in the field of coatings, laser technology and metallic and ceramic powder processing methods. In addition, highly qualified measurements are used to improve the processes used in the aluminium industry. Furthermore, Vito has excellent analysis and testing facilities to support all these activities.
• Process technology supports industrial product and process innovation and optimalisation, particularly with regard to membrane processes and supercritical fluid reactors. The detailed expertise with regard to membrane filtration processes and the optimalisation of the process are made available to Flemish SMEs, large companies and public utility services. The feasibility of membrane filtration can be demonstrated and tested in industry directly by means of a mobile filtration facility. Water pinch analysis is used to optimalise water management in industry.
• Industry and the government commissions Environmental technology to give advice, evaluate and demonstrate technologies for the purification of waste water or ground water and the cleaning of polluted soil and silt. These technologies can be of both a biological and a physical/chemical nature. The centre develops its own technology with a high level of expertise in biotechnological processes, focusing specifically on the removal of heavy metals and organic compounds which do not degrade very easily. In addition, Vito provides objective supervision for industry for the introduction of environmentally-friendly production and management techniques and for the solution of environmental problems (water, soil, air, waste).
• Energy technology supports energy suppliers, equipment builders, final users and the government in their attempts to achieve rational energy consumption, the best possible use of available or renewable energy sources, and for the reduction of emissions which affect the environment. Several tasks are carried out related to heating systems, energyefficient lighting and energy-saving potential. The centre of expertise is the centre of information and promotion for groups with an interest in biomass and wood combustion. The use of alternative fuels and new traction systems for vehicles is also studied, and the emissions of vehicles are measured on the road. The components (such as primary energy sources, batteries and electrical engines for hybrid and other traction systems) are also tested and evaluated on a dynamic test bank. Finally, research is carried out into economically justified possibilities of using the Flemish subsoil, with particular attention devoted to heat storage in the soil and the possible extraction of methane from coal beds and the storage of CO2 in these beds.
vegetation and cultivated crops. Simulations of atmospheric processes can determine the air pollution, levels of acidity and rainfall to be expected in the evaluation of new industrial developments or developments which affect the environment. This is applied when environmental effect reports are drawn up (MER).
The Innovation and Renovation Department
The table below indicates the relative distribution of the funds between the eight centres of expertise in EnvironmentalMeasurement2000.andEvaluationmeasurements 15.1 % Integral environmental studies 15.7 % Remote sensing and atmospheric processes 13.0 % Environmental toxicology 7.9 % Innovation and Renovation Environmental technology12.6 % Process technology7.7 % Materials technology15.4 % Energy technology12.6 % Contract income During the period 1996-2000, the contract income (figure 1) increased by 62%. In 1998 (6.453 million EUR), and to a lesser extent, even in 1997 (1.854 million EUR) and 1996 (1.361 million EUR), the income was greatly increased by EFRO investment subsidies (the EU and the Flemish Region), acquired for the development of the PRODEM project (Promotion and demonstration centre for environmentally-friendly technology). In 2000, the contract income stabilised at the level of 1999. As figure 2 shows, the contract income of governments (86%) and of industry (60%) increased most. The income from EU projects also increased greatly by 54%, if the EFRO investment subsidies for PRODEM are left out of consideration. Figure 1: Evolution of income per department Chapter IV.2 – 214
Table 4: Tenders and patents
Figure 2: Evolution of income by origin
19961997199819992000
-Tenderssubmitted (number)359514441535599 - success score (in %) 7375786461
Scientific impact Great efforts were made to attract more contract work, both for the government and for industrial clients, which led to a significant growth in the contract income, as illustrated in figures 1 and 2. However, this did not prevent Vito from continuing to be prominently present in many fields, such as (inter)national scientific journals and at leading confer-
--Patentssubmitted629116awarded42314
If the income from the tasks for industry are divided in accordance with geographical origin, the distribution obtained is that shown in table 3.
Chapter IV.2 – 215
Table 4 below shows that more and more potential clients find their way to Vito and seriously consider commissioning Vito to carry out tasks. Although there has been a slight fall in the ‘success score’, it is still at a very high level. The strategy on taking out patents was the same as in the past: a patent was only taken out when Vito was convinced that the knowledge acquired had a chance of being valorised.
Internal (Flemish) industry8593938693 Foreign industry1577147
Table 3: Distribution of income from tasks for industry (in %) 19961997199819992000
The transfer of tailor-made information – at the request of the client – continued to be the most important way of valorising Vito’s expertise in these years as well.
Chapter IV.2 – 216 EuropeanNumberofprojectswithVito programme(acronyms)Typeofprogrammeparticipation ALTENER19962000 SAVE1ENG1 SAVE1ENG2 ISC2ENG1 CIC1 BRITE/EURAM2FWP33 BIOTECH1FWP31 ENV1CFWP33 HCMFWP31 JOULE2FWP31 MATFWP32 BRITE/EURAM3FWP4518 BIOTECH2FWP41 ENV2CFWP423 INCOFWP41 NNEJOULECFWP421 SMTFWP437 EESDFWP55 GROWTHFWP52 LIFEQUALITYFWP52 HUMANPOTENTIALFWP51 Total2841
ences. As figure 3 shows, the scientific output increased between 1996 and 2000 by more than 30% overall.
Figure 3: Evolution of the scientific output The participation in scientific European framework programmes also continued to be an important point for attention. As table 5 shows, there was a important increase of the number of EU projects in which Vito participated. In this way, the institute plays an increasingly important part on the international scene, which is clearly illustrated in figure 4. 5: Vito participation in European framework programmes
Table
Chapter IV.2 – 217
Figure 4: Number of (inter)national partners Vito cooperated with in the context of European programmes Vito has also developed good contacts with the university research centres in general and the Flemish university research groups in particular. This concerns both independent scientific and contractual cooperation. Furthermore, since 1993, Vito has made several doctorate mandates available every year to tackle fundamental aspects of its own strategic research more thoroughly. Figure 5 provides an overall picture of the cooperation with the Flemish universities.
Figure 5: Cooperation with the Flemish universities in 2000
Chapter IV.2 – 218
Evolution of personnel Since 1996, the number of personnel has increased by 69 (+18%). This increase was mainly (though not exclusively) accounted for by higher educated personnel. At the same time there was also an increase in the throughput of employees to interesting jobs in both the public and private sector. The knowledge and experience which they acquire during their research tasks has clearly become a highly valued advantage in the employment market. In fact, one of the most important aims of the personnel policy is to ensure that Vito remains attractive for young researchers, and if possible, increase its attraction further.
Figure 6: Evolution of personnel
For this purpose a steering group was set up in 2000, consisting of representatives of the Government of Flanders, the Science Policy and Innovation Administration (AWI), and the Flemish Institute for the Promotion of Scientific-Technological research in industry (IWT). This steering group coordinated the evaluation carried out by the audit company Arthur D. Little and by a commission of foreign experts. They both analysed the management, the policy, the structure, the processes and the performance of VIB. In addition, nine councils of foreign biotechnology experts also carried out detailed evaluations of the quality and relevance of the research of every department.
1. An examination of VIB VIB was established six years ago on the initiative of the Government of Flanders. The main aim was, on the one hand, to strengthen a strong Flemish scientific basis in life sciences, and on the other hand, to use the results in new industry in Flanders, by means of a proactive policy on the transfer of technology. New concept In order to achieve this, a new concept was drawn up. Several internationally reputed research groups were brought together ‘virtually’. However, these groups continued to be part of the university structure where they performed their tasks. Therefore close cooperation between VIB and the universities concerned, the Catholic University of Leuven, the Ghent University, the Antwerp University and the Free University of Brussels was essential. Framework agreements were concluded for this purpose.
VIB: from concept to implementation
Evaluation Like every Flemish research institute, VIB is evaluated by the Government of Flanders after every cycle of five years. It examines whether the objectives have been achieved and whether the returns for Flanders justify an investment of 25 million EUR per year.
VIB was given a very positive report by the various commissions, for all the aspects: the strategic basic research, the transfer of technology and the social work. In addition, a number of recommendations were made to guarantee and further strengthen VIB’s success. These were translated into the new management agreement for the period 2002-2006 in consultation with the Government of Flanders .
CHAPTER – IV.3
A summary of a number of striking results achieved during the first life cycle of VIB is shown below (1996-2001). of the funds for VIB
Chapter IV.3 – 219 Expenditure
This is the key activity carried out by VIB. In the last six years, the aim for quality research has become increasingly pronounced at several levels in the organization. This resulted in a significant improvement of both the quantity and quality of scientific work. On average, a VIB manuscript is published in an international scientific journal every day. In 1995, only 196 articles were published – in 2001, there were no fewer than 324. The contributions in top journals with an impact factor higher than five is possibly even more important. In 1995, VIB published 72 articles in these; in 2001, there were 141 contributions. These figures show that it is not only the quantity, but also the quality of contributions that improved significantly. This is a clear consequence of the quality policy implemented in VIB. The VIB researchers are constantly trying to push back the boundaries. Breakthroughs in the life sciences can be published in top journals if they are of sufficient public importance (IF>10, e.g. Nature, Science, etc.). The number of manuscripts published by the VIB employees in these top journals increased from 18 in 1995 to 43 in 2001. Therefore VIB is successful in fulfilling its scientific mission: making a difference with breakthroughs in the front line of science and technology. VIB therefore aims for research results which can be published in high quality journals (impact factor >5). The number of publications on this level is a clear indicator for comparing the quality and relevance of the work performed in the institute against the international scientific world. The evolution of the total number of publications with IF>5 over the years is shown in fig. 2. Fig. 2. Evolution of the number of publications in high quality journals (IF>5).
1. tracing inventions which are not only scientific breakthroughs, but which can also form the basis for new industrial applications; 2. the protection of these inventions, for example, by submitting patent applications;
3. Industrial activities Biotechnology is a field in which innovative basic research and the transfer of technology can go hand-in-hand. Five years ago, very little attention was devoted to this natural symbiosis. The results were only occasionally protected to make them available for industrial exploitation. Things are different today. In the last five years, VIB has developed a proactive policy on the transfer of technology, in particular, translating inventions into economic growth, new jobs and in the long term, new products for patients and consumers. This process, which creates bridges between academic research and industry, took place in three successive steps:
Chapter IV.3 – 220 number
2. Strategic basic research
Inventions In 2001, more than 45 new inventions were registered in VIB. Compared with 200 American and Canadian universities, VIB is in the top 10% of routine academic top institutes with a mature transfer of technology department. These persistent efforts reveal that the VIB researchers attach a great deal of importance to the industrial and social reputation of their research results.
For the majority of the patent applications in the national stage, licenses have already been given to companies. For the recently registered applications, several licences have also been issued. There is an active search for additional licensors. Usually, a number of carefully selected companies are contacted for this purpose. Currently, discussions are being held with about eighty companies. In 2001, 24 R&D and licensing agreements were concluded in this way, for a sum of approximately 3 million EUR.
Starters
One of the objectives is to contribute to economic growth in the sector and in the creation of new jobs by means of the transfer of technology. One direct way of achieving this is to establish new companies on the basis of the VIB technology. This is only possible if the intrinsic value of (a combination of) the VIB innovations is sufficiently broad to derive a large number of applications. VIB develops a technology platform on this basis and a business plan is developed from this. If the necessary capital can be made available and an experienced CEO and an adequate team of collaborators can be found, it is possible to start a new business. The biotech company Ablynx was started in this way in 2001. Two previous start-up companies of VIB, Devgen (established in 1997) and CropDesign, (established in 1998), expanded rapidly in 2001. In 2000, both these companies succeeded in attracting more than 25 million EUR during private investment rounds. At the end of 2001, Devgen employed about 100 people and CropDesign had almost 70 employees. Ablynx will start to work in the bio-incubator at the beginning of 2001.
The bio-incubator
3. transferring the know-how to companies which can convert the inventions into products ready for the market.
Since the establishment of VIB, more than 200 inventions have been reported. Approximately four of the ten inventions that were reported were the subject of a patent application. The patent portfolio 25 new patent applications were submitted in 2001. The VIB portfolio now contains approximately 100 patent families which are at various stages of evaluation (priority year, PCT stage and national stage).
Chapter IV.3 – 221
Agreements with companies form the basis for a growing number of R&D and licensing agreements with mainly Flemish companies, but also with an increasing number of European and American companies.
The development of new industrial activities in the biotechnology sector depends on the presence of a technology platform, the necessary capital and suitable infrastructure. In order to meet this last requirement, VIB has built a multifunctional building of 2,500 m2 which was extended in 2001 with an extra floor of 1,250 m2. The VIB bio-incubator is located in the heart of the Flemish biotech valley.
Increasingly VIB is becoming a centre where the government and the public can go for correct and scientifically supported information about biotechnology and its applications.
Increasingly VIB serves as the international catalyst for Flemish biotech companies. In 2002, the first “Flanders biotech seminar” is being organised in Tokyo in cooperation with “Flanders Foreign Investment Office” (FFIO). VIB will introduce 7 Flemish biotech companies to the Japanese scientific and industrial biotech community. The international reputation of the Flemish sector is also supported in the US. The ‘Flanders Pavilion’ organised by VIB in 2002 at the world’s largest biotech business fair (BIO2002) includes the VIB, as well as the FFIO and Export Flanders, and 12 other Flemish biotech companies.
This complex is available to new biotechnology companies which invest intensively in R&D and have obvious potential for growth. At the moment there are seven biotech companies in the bio-incubator: Phase I BioResearch, Methexis Genomics, Algonomics, Devgen, Biotechnology Investment Partners (BIP), BioMaric and Ablynx. They are building an advanced platform which provides added value for the Flemish biotechnology scene.
The scientific breakthroughs of VIB and other scientists can also form an important source of information for the general public. Recent research of the European Commission shows that, like many other Europeans, Belgians want more information about recent biotechnological developments. Therefore there is a need for thorough information supported by scientific facts and data. VIB tries to meet this need with concrete facts.
Phase I BioResearch has unique expertise in molecular toxicology. Methexis Genomics is developing innovative technology to determine DNA sequences and SNPs. Algonomics is a bio-information technology and proteomics company. Devgen has a platform for identifying and developing new medicines and new targets for medicines. BIP is a start-up company which will itself start new biotech companies by means of investment and management support. BioMaric is a start-up company of BIP, which will develop and commercialise new sets of diagnostic products. Ablynx is building a platform for a new class of Theseantibodies.examples illustrate the growing climate of enterprise in Flanders. The environmental factors have improved significantly, partly as the result of initiatives such as the VIB and the Biotech Fund Flanders (GIMV). Since 1995, the number of new biotech companies in Flanders has increased 5 fold.
4. Flemish Biotech national and international Flemish biotechnology is becoming more important year after year. In the biannual publication ‘Biotechnology in Flanders; an industrial perspective’, VIB, together with PriceWaterhouseCoopers, provides a summary of the Flemish biotech sector. The number of pure bio high tech companies has multiplied since 1995 when VIB was established, to 25 – of which seven companies were located in the VIB bio-incubator. An updated version of this brochure will be published in 2002.
Pupils, teachers, laymen, the press, policy makers and other interested parties have found their way to VIB: on average, there are now about 70 requests for information per week through various channels. There are many applications for the existing publications, though specific problems obviously require and are given a more personal and intensive Tapproach.able1gives a summary of the existing VIB publications.
5. Public information
Chapter IV.3 – 222
Chapter IV.3 – 223 groupMediumSubjectObjectiveTarget applications,techniques,theonInformationandAgriculturepresentationComputerBroadgeneralpublicnutritionenvironmentalinfluencesandsocialimplications used,applicationstechniques,theonpresentationMedicineInformationComputerBroadgeneralpublicsocialandethicalimplications series,BiotechnologyGenetechnologyBasicinformationongenetechnologyBroadgeneralpublic,schoolsbetterunderstanding andAgricultureseries,BiotechnologyInformationonthetechniquesandapplicationsusedBroadgeneralpublic,schoolsbetterunderstandingnutrition series,BiotechnologyMedicineInformationonthetechniquesandapplicationsusedBroadgeneralpublic,schoolsbetterunderstanding usedapplicationsandtechniquestheonInformationseries,BiotechnologyCloningBroadgeneralpublic,schoolsbetterunderstandingandethicalimplications schoolspublic,generalheredityBroadouraboutgenesInformationofsidetheBookletOn regulations,technology,theoninformationDetailedpackageLesson CD-ROMwith ofaspectsManyapplicationsandsocial,economic,ethicalandSchoolsbiotechnologyenvironmentalinfluences electrophoresisSchoolsDNAtest:electrophoresisPracticalkitDNASchool theoninformationgeneralVIB;aboutInformationofaspectsManywww.vib.betechnology,scientificresearch,regulations,applications,Broadgeneralpublic,schools,biotechnologysocial,economic,ethicalandenvironmentalinfluencesscientificcircles,industry studiescaseinterestingwithbook,scientificPopular publicInterestedmedicine,intechnologygeneofapplicationsBookMedicineand implicationssocialandethicaltheonfocusing decisions,oreventsbiotechimportantofNotificationbiotechImportantreportsInformationThepress,interestedpubliceventsofteninconnectionwithregulations research-VIBbybreakthroughsscientificnewofNotificationScientificreleasesPressbreakthroughsers;resultsinpublicationinnewspapersandjournalsThepress es"EetExhibitionAgricultureandInformationaboutthetechniquesused,applications,genetisch"onnutritionenvironmentalinfluencesandsocialimplicationsBroadgeneralpublic,Schoolsbiotechnology aboutschools)forcompetition(andInformationandAgriculturewww.farmersatwork.beSchoolsnutritiondifferentagriculturalmethods Table 1: a summary of the different ways of providing information through VIB
7. Personnel Personnel development At the beginning of 2001, VIB had 721 employees: they form the core of the institute. With their ideas and knowledge, they determine the success of the research. VIB aims to comply with the conditions for carrying out high tech, innovative research. For this, it creates a climate in which there is room for autonomy and creativity, providing resources and opportunities for professional growth and development. In addition, VIB stimulates both internal and interdepartmental cooperation.
On the one hand, the contract income consists of income from industrial cooperation of companies, both in Belgium and abroad, for a sum of 3,323.2 thousand EUR, and on the other hand, of 1,591.9 thousand EUR from contract research for the EC.
Fig. 3. Evolution of the personnel (number of employees) since the establishment of VIB.
Operational costs (in thousands of EUR)31,742.9
• salaries, social payments and pensions17,824.4
• depreciations and loss in value2,161.8
• other operational costs734.1
6. Financial summary (figures, financial year 2000) Company income (in thousands of EUR)32,133.7
• purchase of raw and subsidiary materials4,206.6
• other income318.3
Figure 3 shows the evolution in the total number of personnel. Since the institute was established in 1995, it expanded rapidly from 504 to 735 employees. Since 1998, the number has stabilised at approximately 740 staff.
• subsidy income26,900.2
• various services and goods6,798.0
• turnover from contract research4,915.2
Chapter IV.3 – 224
The personnel structure is entirely geared to the institute’s main activity: to carry out high quality scientific research. In order to assess, evaluate, train and coach the employees appropriately, a simple and transparent personnel structure was set up, based on four functional groups:
• Managing scientific personnel (L, group leaders)
• Scientific personnel (W, postdoctoral and predoctoral)
Chapter IV.3 – 225
Therefore every functional group is in turn subdivided into different job levels which indicate the desired level of competence and expertise of every employee. As the employee develops professionally, he or she can rise in the functional levels from a junior to a senior Aposition.characteristic aspect of VIB as a joint venture with the universities is the way in which employees are funded. Almost half are paid directly from the VIB payroll (= VIB employees), either with a grant or from external sources (contract research with the industry – or particularly international – credit-lending institutions such as the European Community). The other half of the employees are employed by a university, either directly, or indirectly with a grant at the FWO Flanders or IWT Flanders.
Personnel structure
• Supporting personnel (O)
Figure 4: almost 60% of the total are scientific personnel. The technical personnel account for 33% and the support personnel for 7%.
VIB has successfully built up a good group of personnel with a healthy balance between stability and innovation, and a level of motivation resulting from a stimulating working environment with room for creativity and innovation. In addition, attention is focused on the professional growth and development of the employees. A career council was established for this purpose in every department. These evaluate the evolution and development of the personnel in the short and long term.
• Technical supporting personnel (T)
Personnel policy
A dynamic research world is characterised by a constant intake of new talent. In 2001, VIB had a turnover of approximately 15% – a source of constant innovation and enrichment. VIB works with a core of permanent employees, assisted by (mainly young) researchers, who are encouraged to gain international experience in scientific institutes or companies after their professional work in VIB. After all, this is an international world, which is reflected in the composition of the personnel. The VIB’s own personnel is represented by no fewer than 36 different nationalities.
Attention is also devoted to the continued development and training of the employees.
VIB also encourages internal contacts by organising a broad range of scientific and social activities (New Year’s reception, VIB football tournament, etc.). Scientific seminars and workshops serve as discussion platforms, and are an excellent basis for interdepartmental cooperation.
In an academic environment, the participation in conferences and workshops, as well as following the professional literature, accounts for the lion’s share of the training. To give scientists and technicians the opportunity to develop in several different fields, VIB organises a number of institutional training programmes and activities. For example, the programme of ‘permanent training for laboratory technologists’ focuses on actively giving the technicians practical information about the most important contemporary evolutions in advanced and new technologies. In 2001, almost 100 technicians (42% of the technical VIB personnel) participated in this. The training for “presentation techniques” was also very popular in 2001, with both post and pre-doctoral employees and managers.
Chapter IV.3 – 226
(KMSKA
Jean Brusselmans, the Payottenland, 1938, Canvas, 110 x 117.5 cm, inv. 1965. photograph)
APPENDIX 1 APPENDIX 2 APPENDIX 3 3-2-1APPENDIX 227
Appendix - 1 – 229 List of abbreviations
AZF Departement Algemene Zaken en Financiën (General Affairs and Finance Department)
BIL Belgisch Instituut voor Lastechniek (Belgian Welding Institute)
BP Budget Programme
CBGS Centrum voor Bevolkings- en Gezinsstudiën (Centre for Population and Family Studies)
AWI Administratie Wetenschap en Innovatie (Science and Innovation Administration)
AWP Algemeen Waterzuiveringsprogramma (General Water Treatment Program)
APS Administratie Planning en Statistiek (Planning and Statistics Administration)
AMINABEL Afdeling Algemeen Milieu- en Natuurbeleid (General Environment and Nature Policy Division)
ANRE Afdeling Natuurlijke Rijkdommen en Energie (Natural Resources and Energy Division)
AROHM Administratie Ruimtelijke Ordening, Huisvesting, Monumenten en Landschappen (Town and Country Planning, Housing, Monuments and Sites Administration)
APPENDIX - 1
BWK Biologische Waarderingskaart (Biological Valuation map)
AURORA Air Quality in Urban Regions using an Optimal Resolution Approach
BA Basisallocatie (Basic Allocation)
BOF Bijzonder Onderzoeksfonds (Special Research Fund)
AMINAL Administratie Milieu, Natuur-, Land- en Waterbeheer (Environment, Nature, Land and Water Management Administration)
AGMW Administratie Gezin en Maatschappelijk Welzijn (Family and Social Welfare Administration)
AWZ Administratie Waterwegen en Zeewezen (Waterways and Marine Affairs Administration)
GIS Geografische InformatieSysteem (Geographic Information System)
ESF European Social Fund EU European Union
CREST Scientific and Technical Research Committee
ESA European Space Agency
IAP Instituut voor het Archeologisch Patrimonium (Institute for the Archaeological Heritage )
Appendix - 1 – 230
EWBL Departement Economie, Werkgelegenheid, Binnenlandse Aangelegenheden en Landbouw (Economics, Employment, Home Affairs and Agriculture Department) F.T.I Flanders Technology International
ICT Information and Communication Technologies
EUREKA European Research Coordination Agency
ERDF European Fund for Regional Development
EMIS Energie- en Milieu Informatiesysteem (Energy and Environment Information System)
COST European Cooperation in the field of Scientific and Technical Research
GBOU Generisch Basisonderzoek aan de Universiteiten (General basic research at the universities)
DWTC Federale Diensten voor Wetenschappelijke, Technische en Culturele aangelegenheden (Federal Office for Scientific, Technical and Cultural Affairs)
FWO Fonds voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek – Vlaanderen (Fund for Scientific Research - Flanders)
GIMV Gewestelijke Investeringsmaatschappij Vlaanderen (Flanders Regional Investment Company)
GOM Gewestelijke Ontwikkelingsmaatschappij (Regional Development Agency)
HOBU Hoger Onderwijs Buiten de Universiteit (Non-University Higher Education)
DAB Dienst met Afzonderlijk Beheer (Separate Management Service)
HBPWB Horizontaal Begrotingsprogramma Wetenschapsbeleid (Horizontal Budget Programme for Science Policy)
IBW Instituut voor Bosbouw en Wildbeheer (Institute for Forestry and Game Management)
CFS Commissie voor Federale Samenwerking (Federal Cooperation Commission)
COO Departement Coördinatie (Coordination Department)
FIOV Fonds tot bevordering van het Industrieel Onderzoek in Vlaanderen (Fund for the Promotion of Industrial Research in Flanders)
KMSKA Koninklijk Museum voor Schonen Kunsten – Antwerpen (Royal Museum of Fine Arts – Antwerp)
ITG Instituut voor Tropische Geneeskunde - “Prins Leopold” (Institute of Tropical Medicine - “Prins Leopold”)
IOB Vlaams Interuniversitair Instituut voor Ontwikkelingsbeleid en –beheer (Institute of Development Policy and Management)
IT Informatie Technology (Information Technology)
IEA International Association for the Evaluation of Education Achievement
INES International Indicators of Education System
IMEC Interuniversitair Micro-Elektronica Centrum (Interuniversity Micro-Electronics Centre)
LUC Limburgs Universitair Centrum (Limburg University Centre)
KMO Kleine en Middelgrote Ondernemingen (Small and Mediumsized Enterprises)
KUBrussel Katholieke Universiteit Brussel (Catholic University of Brussels)
IWT Instituut voor de aanmoediging van Innovatie door Wetenschap en Technologie in Vlaanderen (Institute for the Promotion of Innovation by Science and Technology in Flanders)
MEDEA Micro-Electronics Development for European Application
LIN Departement Leefmilieu en Infrastructuur (Environment and Infrastructure Department)
KVAB Koninklijke Vlaamse Academie van België voor Wetenschappen en Kunsten (Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium for Sciences and Arts)
ITA Actieprogramma Informatietechnologie (Information Technology Action Programme) ITEA Information Technology for European Advancement
KULeuven Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Catholic University of Louvain)
KMDA Koninklijke Maatschappij voor Dierkunde te Antwerpen (Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp)
MER MilieuEffectRapport (Environmental Effect Report)
IES Instituut voor Europese Studieën (Institute for European Studies)
MINA-Fund Milieu –en Natuurfonds (Environment and Nature Fund)
IN Instituut voor Natuurbehoud (Institute of Nature Conservation)
IWETO Inventaris van het Wetenschappelijk en Technologisch Onderzoek (Inventory of Scientific and Technological Research)
Appendix - 1 – 231
IUB Interuniversitaire Begeleidingsgroep (Interuniversity Supervision Group)
KIV KMO-Innovatie-Vlaanderen (SME - Innovation Flanders)
MIRA Milieu- en Natuurrapport Vlaanderen (Environment and Nature Report Flanders)
JESSI Joint European Submicron Silicon Initiative
NACE Statistische nomenclatuur van de economische activiteiten in de Europese Unie (General Industrial Classification of Economic Activities within the European Communities)
NARA Natuurrapport (Nature Report)
STWW Strategische Technologieën voor de bevordering van Welzijn en Welvaart (Strategic Technologies for the promotion of Well-being and Welfare)
PIDEA Packaging and Interconnection Development for European Applications
OA Organisatieafdeling (Organisation Division)
RUCA Universitair Centrum Antwerpen (University Centre Antwerp)
Appendix - 1 – 232
STET Scientific and Technical Education and Training
OND Departement Onderwijs (Education Department)
OECD Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development
RWZI Rioolwaterzuiveringsinstallatie (sewage water purification plant)
SIF Sociaal Impulsfonds (Social Impulse Fund)
NRC non-recurring costs
E&T Education and Training
PRODEM Promotie- en demonstratiecentrum voor milieuvriendelijke technologieën (Promotion and demonstration centre for environmentally-friendly technologies)
NOD Nederlandse Onderzoek Databank (Dutch Research Database)
TA Technology Assessment
R&D Research and Development
RUG Universiteit Gent (University of Ghent)
STS Scientific and Technological Services
OBPWO Onderwijskundig Beleids- en Praktijkgericht Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (Educational policy and practice-oriented scientific research)
PROGR. Budget Programme
SERV Sociaal-Economische Raad van Vlaanderen (Socio-economic Council of Flanders)
NABS Nomenclature for the analysis and comparison of scientific programmes and budgets
OVAM Openbare Afvalstoffenmaatschappij voor het Vlaamse Gewest (Public Waste Agency of Flanders)
PCB’s Polychloorbifenyl (Polychlorinated biphenyl)
STV Stichting Technologie Vlaanderen (Foundation Technology Flanders)
PBO Programma Beleidsgericht Onderzoek (Programme for Policy-oriented Research)
SME Small and Medium sized Enterprise
VLAREBO Vlaams Reglement betreffende de Bodemsanering (Flemish Regulations related to Cleaning up the Soil)
VLM Vlaamse Landmaatschappij (Public Land Agency of Flanders)
VIONA Vlaams Interuniversitair Onderzoeksnetwerk Arbeidsmarktrapportering (Flemish interuniversity research network for employment market reporting)
TWOL Toegepast Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek Leefmilieu (Applied Scientific research into the Environment)
VIB Vlaams Interuniversitair Instituut voor Biotechnologie (Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology)
VLINA Vlaams Impulsprogramma Natuurontwikkeling (Flemish Impulse Programme for Nature Development)
tUL transnationale Universiteit Limburg (transnational University Limburg)
UA Universiteit Antwerpen (University of Antwerp)
VLAREA Vlaams Reglement voor Afvalvoorkoming en –Beheer (Flemish Regulations for the Prevention and Management of Waste)
UNU United Nations University – Universiteit van de Verenigde Naties
VLAREM Vlaams Reglement betreffende de Milieuvergunningen (Flemish Regulations related to Environmental Licences)
VIS Vlaamse Innovatie Samenwerkingsverbanden (Flemish Innovation Cooperative Ventures)
VLHORA Vlaamse Hogescholenraad (Flemish Higher Education Board)
VLIET Vlaams Impulsprogramma Energietechnologie (Flemish Impulse Programme for Energy Technology)
VLAM Vlaams Promotiecentrum voor Agro- en Visserijmarketing vzw (Flanders Agricultural Marketing Board)
VLIZ Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee (Flemish Institute for the Sea)
UIA Universitaire Instelling Antwerpen (University Institute, Antwerp)
VMM Vlaamse Milieumaatschappij (Public Environmental Agency of Flanders)
VOC Volatile Organic Compounds (Vluchtige Organische Stoffen)
VLIR Vlaamse Interuniversitaire Raad (Flemish Interuniversity Council)
VMW Vlaamse Maatschappij voor Watervoorziening (Flemish Company for Water Supply)
Appendix - 1 – 233
VITO Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek (Flemish Institute for technological Research)
VIF Vlaams Infrastructuurfonds (Flemish Infrastructure Fund)
UFSIA Universitair Faculteiten St. Ignatius Antwerpen (University Faculties St. Ignatius Antwerp)
VOI Vlaamse Openbare Instellingen (Flemish public institutions)
UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation
VEN Vlaams Ecologisch Netwerk (Flemish Ecological Network)
VSM Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School
WAV Vlaams Steunpunt Werkgelegenheid, Arbeid en Vorming (Flemish Support for Employment, Labour and Training)
VOLT Vlaamse onderzoekseenheid Land- en Tuinbouweconomie (Flemish research unit for the Agricultural and Horticultural Economy)
WIV Wetenschappelijk Instituut Volksgezondheid (Scientific Institute for Public Health)
ZAP Zelfstandig Academisch Personeel (Academic Staff of the universities)
VRWB Vlaamse Raad voor Wetenschapsbeleid (Flemish Council for Science Policy)
WVC Departement Welzijn, Volksgezondheid en Cultuur (Welfare, Public Health and Culture Department)
STI Science, Technology and Innovation
VR Veiligheidsrapportering (Safety Reports)
VOS Vluchtige Organische Stoffen (Volatile Organic Compounds)
WTO World Trade Organisation
VRT Vlaamse Radio- en Televisieomroep (Flemish Community Broadcasting Company)
WTCM Wetenschappelijk en Technisch Centrum voor de Metaalverwerkende Nijverheid (Scientific and technical centre for the metalprocessing industry)
Appendix - 1 – 234
WIM Departement Wetenschap, Innovatie en Media (Science, Innovation and Media Department)
VUB Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Free University of Brussels)
APPENDIX – 2 DE VLAAMSE RAAD VOOR WETENSCHAPSBELEID (VRWB) Adres: Koning Albert II-laan 7 – 4e verdieping 1210 Brussel tel: +32 2 553 45 20 fax: +32 2 553 45 23 e-mail: elisabeth.monard@wim.vlaanderen.be DE KONINKLIJKE ACADEMIËN Adres:Paleis der 1000HertogsstraatAcademiën1Brussel • De Koninklijke Vlaamse Academie van België voor Wetenschappen en Kunsten tel: +32 2 550 23 23 fax: +32 2 550 23 25 e-mail: website:info@kvab.bewww.kvab.be • De Koninklijke Academie voor Geneeskunde van België (KAGB) tel: +32 2 550 23 00 fax: +32 2 550 23 05 e-mail: academiegeneeskunde@vlaanderen.be STICHTING FLANDERS TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL (F.T.I) - TECHNOPOLIS Adres:Technologielaan2800Mechelentel:+32153420 00 fax: +32 15 34 20 01 e-mail: website:info@technopolis.bewww.technopolis.be HET FONDS VOOR WETENSCHAPPELIJK ONDERZOEK - VLAANDEREN (FWO) Adres:Egmontstraat 5 1000 Brussel tel: +32 2 512 91 10 fax: +32 2 512 58 90 e-mail: website:jose.traest@fwo.bewww.fwo.be HET INSTITUUT VOOR DE AANMOEDIGING VAN INNOVATIE DOOR WETENSCHAP EN TECHNOLOGIE IN VLAANDEREN (IWT-Vlaanderen) Adres:Bischoffsheimlaan 25 1000 Brussel tel: +32 2 209 09 00 fax: +32 2 223 11 81 e-mail: website:info@iwt.bewww.iwt.be DE VLAAMSE INSTELLING VOOR TECHNOLOGISCH ONDERZOEK (VITO) Adres:Boeretang 200 2400 Mol tel: +32 14 33 55 11 fax: +32 14 33 55 99 e-mail: website:vito@vito.bewww.vito.be Appendix - 2 – 235 Flemish science policy: addresses, e-mails and websites
HET VLAAMS INTERUNIVERSITAIR INSTITUUT VOOR DE BIOTECHNOLOGIE (VIB) Adres:Rijvisschestraat 120 9052 Zwijnaarde tel: +32 9 244 66 11 fax: +32 9 244 66 10 e-mail: website:vib@vib.bewww.vib.be HET INTERUNIVERSITAIR MICRO-ELEKTRONICA CENTRUM (IMEC) Adres:Kapeldreef 75 3001 Heverlee (Leuven) tel: +32 16 28 12 11 fax: +32 16 22 94 00 e-mail: website:info@imec.bewww.imec.be DE STICHTING TECHNOLOGIE VLAANDEREN (STV) Adres:Jozef II-straat 12-16 1000 Brussel tel: +32 2 209 01 11 fax: +32 2 217 70 08 e-mail: CENTRUMwebsite:stv@serv.bewww.serv.beVOORBEVOLKINGS- EN GEZINSSTUDIËN (CBGS) Adres:Markiesstraat 1 1000 Brussel tel: +32 2 553 35 69 fax: +32 2 553 35 57 e-mail: website:info@cbgs.bewww.cbgs.be HET INSTITUUT VOOR NATUURBEHOUD (IN) Adres:Kliniekstraat 25 1070 Brussel tel: +32 2 558 18 11 fax: +32 2 558 18 05 e-mail: website:info@instnat.bewww.instnat.be HET INSTITUUT VOOR BOSBOUW EN WILDBEHEER (IBW) Adres:Gaverstraat 4 9500 Geraardsbergen tel: +32 54 43 71 11 fax: +32 54 41 08 96 e-mail: jozef.vanslycken@lin.vlaanderen.be e-mail: KONINKLIJKwebsite:ibw@lin.vlaanderen.bewww.ibw.vlaanderen.beMUSEUMVOORSCHONE KUNSTEN – ANTWERPEN (KMSKA) Adres:Leopold De Waelplaats 2000 Antwerpen AdministratiefPlaatsnijdersstraatadres: 2 2000 Antwerpen tel: +32 3 238 78 09 fax: +32 3 248 08 10 e-mail: INSTITUUTwebsite:postmaster@kmska.bewww.dma.be/cultuur/kmskaVOORHETARCHEOLOGISCH PATRIMONIUM (IAP) Adres:Doornveld - Industrie Asse 3 nr 11 bus 30 1731 Asse -Zellik tel: +32 2 481 80 30 fax: +32 2 481 80 56 e-mail: guy.deboe@ping.be e-mail: iap@lin.vlaanderen.be Appendix - 2 – 236
110
environmental
17
Appendix - 3 –
Born-Bunge Foundation in Antwerp 51 Centre for Population and Family Studies (CBGS) 26, 106-108
Index
109
APPENDIX - 3 Advisory Committee on Bio-ethics 109 agricultural policy 126-127 AQUAFIN 134-136, 186-187 archeological heritage 158 aviation and space travel 58 basic, groundbreaking research 22, 96, 177-179 biodiversity 137, 143, 147, 148, 151-153, 155 Biological Evaluation Map 145, 147 biotechnology 67-70, 219-226
Centres human heredity CREST 20 Databank on the Subsoil of Flanders 123 division of competences doping control education indicators 99 educational media 100 emancipation affairs 171 employment 124 energy policy 123 energy sources 79, 123 energy technology 78, 81, 213 database 142 environmental effect report (MER) 138, 156, 213 environmental law 139 Environmental Policy Plan (MINA plan) 129, 137 environmental policy 129 Environmental Report (MIRA) 140, 148 environmental technology 80 environmental toxicology 76, 213 epidemiological research 110-111 equal opportunities policy 89-90 ERDF 59, 184 ESA 199, 206 EUREKA; EUREKA/ITEA, EUREKA/JESSI; EUREKA/MEDEA 60, 206 e-VRT 169 Flanders electronic web 45 237
Flemish Council for Science Policy 27, 44 Flemish Innovation Cooperative Ventures (VIS) 61 Flemish Promotion Centre for Agro and Fishery Marketing (VLAM) 126 foreign policy 89-90 forestry policy 150-151, 154-155 Foundation Technology Flanders (STV) 45 Frascati Manual 15, 31 FWO Flanders 51, 174, 178-179 game management 152-154, 156 Generic Basic research at the Universities (GBOU) 63, 185 GIS (Geographical Information System) 142, 152, 154 HBPWB (Horizontal Budget Programme for Science Policy) 29-33, 37, 190 Health and environment 110, 138 health indicators 110 health policy 109-111 HOBU Fund 85, 185 housing policy 160 Hydraulic Laboratory and Hydrological Research Division (WLH) 162-163, 186 hydrological research 162 IBI Biotic Integrity Index 153 IMEC 64-67, 186, 197-209 indicators STI 41, 71 industrial research 55-62, 183-185 inland fisheries 152 Innovation Decree 55 Institute for European Studies (IES) 97, 182 Institute for Forestry and Game Management (IBW) 26, 149-156 Institute for the Archeological Heritage (IAP) 26, 158 Institute of Nature Conservation (IN) 26, 143-149 Institute of Tropical Medicine “Prins Leopold” (ITG) 97-98, 182 interface services 55 international scientific cooperation 49-51, 154, 200-202, 216-217, 222 Interuniversity College for Management Sciences 52, 182 Interuniversity Institute of Development Policy and Management (IOB) 97, 182 IWETO 44 IWT Flanders 26, 56-62, 183-185 KMDA 72, 120 KUB 103, 180, 183 KULeuven 103, 180, 183 land consolidation 156 land management 156-157 Louis Pasteur Scientific Institute for Public Health 111 LUC 180, 183 maritime research 50 master plan Antwerp 163 measurement networks 139, 141 media 168-170 MINA Fund 129, 130- 138, 185-186 Mobility Plan 161 NABS codes 15, 39, 192 Nature Development Plan 133 Nature policy 129, 148 Nature Report (NARA) 148-149 OECD 31 Open Higher Education 98 Appendix 3 238
-
–
158
Support
Sint-Michiels
VEGETATION
158
statistics
Social
120 town
17 SME
Structural
212 VEN
SME
VIB
transport
Tourism Flanders and country planning traffic policy Transnational University Limburg (tUL) 95-96, 103, 180 161 TWOL 129 UA 103, 180, 183 UFSIA 180 UIA 180 UNESCO 49-50 Nations University (UNU) 51 universities 94-98, 180-183 satellite - Increase in the surface area of natural land 146, 148 67-70, 184, 219-226
specialisation grants IWT Flanders spin-off companies 205, 221 state reform 17, 87-88 91-93 Group for Strategic Research into the Employment Market STET 15, 191 Plan for Town and Country Planning STS 15, 191 Centre for Employment, Labour and Training (WAV) Centres for policy-oriented research Technology Assessment (TA) 70
Steering
Appendix - 3 – 239
70
RUCA
science information/communication
United
Royal
124 Support
124
teledetection 57
72
161
Open University (OU) 98 operational subsidies universities 95, 180-183 OVAM 130-133, 136, 185-186 patents 204, 215, 221 policy on poverty 108 policy-oriented research 22, 70, 187, 189 ports 161 PRESTI programme 131 PRODEM project 184, 214 Public Environmental Agency of Flanders (VMM) 139-143, 185-186 Public Land Agency of Flanders (VLM) 141, 157 R&D Statistics Support Centre 71 R&D 15, 191 rational use of energy (REG) 78, 123 Red lists 144-145, 153 remote sensing 212 Royal Academy of Medicine 27
Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium for Sciences and Arts 27, 44 Museum of Fine Arts, Antwerp (KMSKA) 26, 111-119 103, 180 RUG 103, 180, 183 22, 43 Agreement IT-Centre 64 59 Impulse Fund 125 soil pollution 75, 136 Research Fund (BOF) 53, 96, 175, 177, 178-179
Special
VIONA 124 VITO 73-86, 184, 211-218 VLAREM 139 Vlerick Leuven Ghent Management School (VSM) 97, 182 VLINA 150, 151 VLIZ 72 VRT 168-170 VUB 103,183 waste 80, 82, 130-133, 139 water management 157 Appendix - 3 – 240