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New ideas - Belgium

Updated 10/2012

Legal requirements

Belgium has instituted a particularly attractive national tax scheme offering companies payroll tax exemptions and innovation premiums. For example, employers who hire researchers may be partially exempted from the payroll tax.

  • Federal science policy français

To stimulate a culture of innovation in the business world, a one-off innovation premium is being offered. Since January 1, 2006, this premium has been exempt from taxes and social security contributions.

  • One-off innovation premium français

Moreover, the European ‘Scientific Visa' Directive is now in effect in Belgium.

  • Institutions and companies eligible for the scientific visa français

Alongside innovation, access to R&D is essential for businesses to develop and stay competitive.

Intellectual property must be protected to encourage innovation.

Resources

Science and technology intermediation helps to bring new technologies to companies seeking solutions. Technology intermediaries are primarily:

  • consultants on technological innovation (Enterprise Europe Network);
  • staff in the LIEU network working to apply the results of research and knowledge.
  • Approved Research Centres in the Walloon region (under the umbrella of CCORD-Wallonie) français
  • The LIEU Network bringing together universities and companies to promote innovation français

A wide range of information on research and innovation is available through the following portals:

Programmes

A series of subsidies and direct measures are offered through the regional bodies responsible for Research and Development.

Check also the legislation on this topic in:

  • References

    Legal texts

    • Company Code, 7 May 1999 français

    Key documents

    • Belgian federal cooperation on R&D indicators pdf [16 KB] français  
    • Enterprise handbook français

Living and moving in Europe

Still need help?

Still need help?

Enterprise Europe Network - Contact points

The Enterprise Europe Network provides businesses with information and advice through its local contact points. 

Choose your nearest contact point for personalized help and advice:

Further help

In Wallonia and Brussels, the Agency for Technological Stimulation (AST) introduces the key players in technological development (companies, universities, colleges, etc.) to service providers that are positioned to facilitate and stimulate the process of innovation.

  • Agency for Technological Stimulation français

The Flemish government provides the same type of service to companies through the IWT, Institute for the Promotion of Innovation by Science and Technology in Flanders.