Different authorities play a role in the public governance of clusters.
The competitiveness clusters must define themselves and develop at the Walloon level. This involves creating networks of economic, scientific, technological and human competencies throughout the Walloon region without privileging any particular sub-region.
The government has entrusted industrials with the organisation and management of the clusters . The government is present in the clusters only through the intermediary of observers in charge of verifying that the philosophy of the clusters as defined by the government is implemented. The government established a framework and the means to develop the cluster policy. The responsibility and the management of the projects is left to industrials and scientists. The Region provides expertise and assistance for setting up projects through its administration (Technology and Research, Economy and Employment) and para-regional bodies (FOREM, AWEX, OFI).
Each cluster has its own Governance Board.
The presidency must be entrusted to an industrialist.
The vice-presidency must be entrusted to a scientist.
A balance between SME / LE representation is always sought.
The Walloon Region is represented by two members appointed by the government.
The administrations may be represented at the request of the clusters.
For all operational issues, the clusters have an operational unit which is in charge of the daily management of the clusters.
The quality assessment of the clusters and the projects which are implemented is entrusted to an international jury composed of national and international experts. On the basis of the opinion of the jury, the government labels the projects and allocates the financial means needed for their implementation.
An accelerated administrative process and a simplified form have been worked out to ensure a quick review of the files and the prompt implementation of the projects. The Region supervises the clusters to ensure the respect of a cooperative spirit, good governance, the appropriateness of the orientations and the quality of the chosen projects.
An inter-cluster committee has been set up to allow exchanges of information and good practices between the clusters and public activities. Lastly, a clusters high committee associates the clusters and the social partners to ensure that everyone is committed to the success of this policy.
Administrative support
An administrative unit has been created within the framework of the cluster policy implementation. It is a one-stop service for all initiatives within the framework of the competitiveness clusters.
This administrative unit is in charge of:
the operational follow-up of the cluster policy
the follow-up and supervision of the operational units of the clusters
the administrative follow-up of the projects
The administrative unit, a one-stop service for competitiveness clusters, is the ideal contact for the clusters as regards all the questions addressed to the Region's administrations.
It can help you find answers to questions of all kinds, such as those related to research, investments, training, etc.
