We often hear about the Walloon clusters, but how many of us truly understand what they bring to our region? They are, in fact, networks where businesses, research centers, and universities come together around a specific sector to collaborate, innovate, and enhance their competitiveness.

In Wallonia, clusters are more than just simple groups; they are strategic alliances that unite key players to give a boost to essential sectors of our economy. Among them, we have the Cluster Cap Construction (sustainable building), the Cluster Eco-construction (eco-construction and sustainable innovation), the Cluster Equisfair (horse industry), the Cluster H2O (water management), the INFOPOLE Cluster TIC (information and communication technologies), the Cluster Plastiwin (plastic industries), the Cluster TWEED (sustainable energies), and the Cluster TWIST (audiovisual and imaging technologies).

So, what’s their mission? They’re here to spark innovation and enhance the competitiveness of Walloon companies by making collaboration and resource sharing easier. With the financial support of the Walloon Region, these clusters receive funding for their operations and help for cooperation projects, allowing them to achieve their goals more easily. In short, it’s a win-win for our businesses, universities, and the entire region!

It's important to note that clusters are not the same as competitiveness clusters! While clusters hone in on specific sectors to foster collaboration and innovation, competitiveness clusters encompass broader, often cross-sectoral projects.

Want to learn more? Each cluster has its own unique features, and membership fees vary depending on the sector and specific needs. You can find all the details you need on their websites or at clusters.wallonie.be

• Cluster Cap Construction : https://clusters.wallonie.be/cap-construction/fr
• Cluster Eco-construction : https://clusters.wallonie.be/ecoconstruction/fr/
• Cluster Equisfair : https://clusters.wallonie.be/equisfair/#redirected
• Cluster H2O : https://clusters.wallonie.be/h2o/fr
• INFOPOLE Cluster TIC : https://www.infopole.be/
• Cluster Plastiwin : https://clusters.wallonie.be/plastiwin/fr
• Cluster TWEED : https://clusters.wallonie.be/tweed/fr
• Cluster TWIST : https://clusters.wallonie.be/twist/fr/

Note that in English, clusters are referred to as business clusters.