Voka uses the summer recess of parliaments to bring entrepreneurs and politicians closer together.

It gives members of the Parliament the opportunity to experience companies from the inside out. In this context, we were delighted to announce that on September 2, 2020 Flemish MP, professor of administrative law and alderman from Wingene mr. Brecht Warnez to Bluebridge.

Mr Brecht Warnez meets Ostend Science Park and our stakeholders such as POM West-Vlaanderen, De Blauwe Cluster, Ghent University, VLIZ and Port of Ostend.

A complete introduction to the blue ecosystem in Ostend and its importance.

The program was as follows:

Sarina Motmans of POM West-Flanders showed that thanks to the support, the Factories for the Future were built around Blue Energy. All the assets of the sea are being played out and are in full development

CEO Carl Devos gave me insight into the governance and plans of the and Ostend Science Park.

Rik Van de Walle and UGent are passionate about building it, together with Jean de Bethune and the Province of West Flanders.

Collaboration pays off, as Ann Overmeire of De Blauwe Cluster proved.

Marine@ugent, Sara Vandamme, has a passionate liaison person for all initiatives. Lifelong learning in practice!

Prof. Johan Aerts heads the StressChron research lab, which is one of the best in the world of its kind.

A visit to VLIZ, with an explanation by Tina Mertens, shows the possibilities that the government offers companies with regard to research. STEM opportunities for young people are being built.

Dirk Declercq, CEO of Port of Ostend, concluded passionately with the challenges and ambitions of the port.