During a working visit to chip machine manufacturer ASML, Flemish Minister-President Matthias Diependaele and Deputy Martijn van Gruijthuijsen discussed closer cooperation between Flanders and North Brabant in the field of technology and innovation. The reason is their joint participation in the European Semiconductor Regions Alliance (ESRA), a network of European regions working together on the future of the chip industry.
“The major societal challenges of our time do not stop at the border. Flanders and the province of North Brabant share the same ambition: building a strong, innovative and resilient European industry,” says Van Gruijthuijsen, Deputy for Economy, Knowledge and Talent Development of the province of North Brabant.
Flemish Minister-President Diependaele adds: “The cooperation between Flanders and the Dutch province of North Brabant goes back centuries. Also within the European chip alliance ESRA we are allies and believe that cross-border innovation strengthens our prosperity and technological independence.”
Both regions actively work to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, in line with the recommendations from reports by former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi and former Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta on the future of the European economy.
Cooperation between ASML and Imec
The province of North Brabant and the province of Flemish Brabant are the heavyweights of the European semiconductor industry. Research institute Imec in Leuven and ASML in Veldhoven are key players in the European chip chain, and developments at ASML have a direct impact on the entire province. The growth of this high-tech engine calls for a broader, cross-border approach in which North Brabant and Flanders collaborate to develop joint ecosystems. “This way we strengthen each other and Europe,” says Van Gruijthuijsen.
Flanders focuses on the European Chips Act, with Imec as a key player. This effort fits seamlessly with the role of ASML and the high-tech ecosystem in the province of North Brabant. The ambition: a robust European production capacity for semiconductors and microelectronics.
“By joining forces, we create new opportunities for companies, researchers and talent on both sides of the border. This ensures that Europe becomes less dependent on external players and that Flanders and the Netherlands are at the helm of the digital and industrial transition,” says Diependaele, who is also Minister of Economy, Innovation and Industry. “Investing in the chip industry is investing in the future of our economy, in job security and in our societal resilience.”
Broadening innovation cooperation
Besides the chip industry, Flanders and North Brabant also want to cooperate on other innovative themes, such as biotechnology and medical technology. In Flanders, much research is done on plant proteins and fermentation, while Brabant is strong in medical applications such as regenerative medicine. Through joint projects and European programs, both regions want to develop and scale up new technologies faster.
