Minister of Economy and Innovation Hilde Crevits (CD&V) grants 50 percent support to the development of the Ostend Science Park science park on the Plassendale industrial estate.
The science park is a collaboration between Ghent University, POM West Flanders and the Port of Ostend. The aim is to bring together companies and researchers active in the blue economy. In the long term, an employment of 3,000 people is expected.
“I welcome cooperation between universities, various research institutions and the business world,” says Minister Crevits. “The developments and research related to the blue economy are certainly an enormous asset for Flanders. With the development of the Ostend Science Park we are creating a new blue pearl on our coast, which is why we support this redevelopment. ”
Blue economy
“Research and development, innovation and entrepreneurship on our Flemish coast are a success story. This is demonstrated by the expansion of the blue cluster and the blue economy in Ostend. The blue economy is one of the five action areas of the Port of Ostend. There is a wide range of possibilities within the blue economy, ranging from renewable energy, marine biotechnology to tackling waste problems. ”
Companies active in the blue economy can develop further at the Ostend Science Park. The Ostend Science Park gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to expand their business close to researchers and research infrastructure. The site at Plassendale where Ostend Science Park is being developed is 19 hectares, of which 16 hectares are intended for the science park. Only companies that strengthen the research component can establish themselves there.
“Of strategic importance”
Flemish Minister of Economy and Innovation Hilde Crevits therefore supports the (re) development of the site and the science park with a 50 percent subsidy. “A science park is strategically important,” the minister explains. “There will be companies at the park that do activities in maritime research. The park will be developed in two phases. In the long term, about 3,000 people will be employed. ”