B R U S S E L S Partnership of local authorities in sciences and business Best practices of Brussels-Capital Region Sofia, 31st October 2008.

B R U S S E L S

Partnership of local authorities in sciences and business Best practices of Brussels-Capital Region

Sofia, 31st October 2008

B R U S S E L S

Overview of Best Practices Exchange Agreement between Sofia and Brussels

2004, signature of the agreement between the 2 regions

Major domains of application : urban planning and development transportation housing economy environment, nature conservation and water management waste management renewable energies cultural heritage conservation European affairs

B R U S S E L S

Overview of Best Practices Exchange Agreement between Sofia and Brussels

The current agreement aims at :

1) Management of local authorities: promote exchange of best practices between the Municipality of Sofia and the Brussels-Capital region in terms of management of local authorities, notably in the following areas:

administrative and financial management public tenders legislation and its impact on budget &

accounting procedures

B R U S S E L S

Overview of Best Practices Exchange Agreement between Sofia and Brussels

The current agreement aims at :

2) European Affairs: reinforce the cooperation between contracting parties in the area of EU affairs in order to speed up the accession process of Bulgaria to the European Union. This collaboration is based on :

exchange of experiences and information the organisation of seminars and trainings joint participation to specific programmes consultation with other international bodies of which both

contracting parties are members

B R U S S E L S

Overview of Best Practices Exchange Agreement between Sofia and Brussels

The current agreement aims at :

3) Environment and waste management policy : strengthen cooperation between both parties regarding waste management policies through the exchange of best practices in the following areas:

initiatives against noise pollution and air pollution, enterprises’ waste

management ; transport network development strategies

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Brussels best practicesThe Regional Innovation Plan & The Brussels Enterprise Agency

Innovation Complex process

High tech vs. Low tech Multi factor dependent: company culture & environment, … Importance of networking:

enterprise/university, clustering, …, internationalisation

Leverage in (regional) development Supportive role of public authorities Large scale initiatives & support measures Economic & research policies

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Brussels best practicesThe Regional Innovation Plan & The Brussels Enterprise Agency

The Regional Innovation Plan (PRI):

Public coordinated action to boost innovation in the Region Foster synergies & cooperation between local authorities,

academia & industry

B R U S S E L S

Brussels best practicesThe Regional Innovation Plan & The Brussels Enterprise Agency

6 strategic priorities: Promotion of strategic sectors with innovation content:

ICT, Health, Environment Strengthen innovation creation: academic & industrial research Foster use of innovation: technology transfer Promote internationalisation of innovation: EU programmes Attract innovation related investments: incubation facilities Create innovation friendly environment: economic measures

B R U S S E L S

Brussels best practicesThe Brussels Enterprise Agency

The Brussels Enterprise Agency (BEA): BEA provides advice and guidance free of charge to start-ups, SMEs or foreign investor who wish to set up or develop their enterprise in the Brussels-Capital Region.

European concept: local access to public support services Public agency under the authority of the Ministries for Economy &

Research « 1st Stop Shop » for entrepreneurs in the Brussels-Capital Region Economic & Technological support services No provision of direct funding, but close collaboration with local

funding agencies (IRSIB, Fonds de Participation, …) Board of directors: public authorities ( Region, ministries),

academia (universities), industry (employers’ federations), trade unions

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Brussels best practices: The Brussels Enterprise Agency (BEA)

4 complementary departments: « Economy & starters »: economic stimulation

Enterprise creation Grants & financing Law & tax advice

« Technology & Innovation »: technological stimulation Project coaching:

Idea validation Strategic information Intellectual Property Rights Business Plan Application for Regional funding

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Brussels best practices: The Brussels Enterprise Agency (BEA)

4 complementary departments: « International Relations »: technological stimulation

Attraction of foreign investors European Technology Transfer

Promotion of Research, Development & Innovation European Programmes

7th Framework Programme

Competitiveness & Innovation Programme

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Invest in Brussels

C/O The Brussels Enterprise Agency

Jacques EvrardDirector

[email protected]

C/O The BEAAvenue du Port 86 C - b 211 1000 BrusselsTel. +32 2 422 00 20Fax. +32 2 422 00 43www.investinbrussels.com

Ana Luisa BaptistaInward Investment Advisor

[email protected]

Thank you for your attention!

BRUSSELS