Create sustainable added value
Cooperation
Partnerships and strategic cooperation are indispensable if we are to maximise our positive impact on society.
Why is this important?
Transforming sustainably, together
Technological progress is accelerating, but not every organisation can keep up with the pace. That’s why collaboration is essential. By sharing knowledge and co-creating, we strengthen each other’s capabilities and build the industry of the future. Sustainable transformation requires partnerships that drive innovation, enhance skills and create social value. In this way, we can achieve our sustainability ambitions and increase both our economic and environmental resilience.
Initiatives of Agoria btween 2023 and 2025
TECH BELGIUM: one ecosystem, endless connections
With TECH BELGIUM, Agoria launched a unique ecosystem that brings together innovation, collaboration and growth. The platform is open to companies within and beyond the technology industry, knowledge institutions, investors and public organisations that want to contribute to a future-oriented economy. The goal? To accelerate innovation, expand networks and tap into new markets, both locally and internationally. TECH BELGIUM transcends sector boundaries and creates new business opportunities. Together, we are building a stronger, smarter and more sustainable Belgium.
House of Manufacturing (Kortrijk): smart assembly and disassembly
In September 2024, Agoria, together with Sirris, POM West Flanders and PTI Kortrijk, opened the brand-new House of Manufacturing: an expertise and meeting centre for the manufacturing industry. The centre supports companies in their transformation towards Industry 4.0 and 5.0. The goal is to assist companies through test facilities, knowledge sharing and tailored guidance.
A6K E6K (Charleroi): 5G and high-performance computing on a circular campus
In 2024, expansion began at the A6K E6K campus in Charleroi, with the construction of a 20,000 m² site for technological and digital training. The project is supported by the Belgian Recovery Plan (PRR) and stands as a model of circular construction, featuring bio-based materials and a 300-metre-long green façade. The goal is to train 10,000 students and professionals annually in digital and technological skills by 2026. .
Thor Park (Genk): energy innovation for advanced manufacturing
Agoria and Sirris relocated to the new FacThory building at Thor Park, an innovation hub with modular labs, test facilities and offices. The focus lies on Smart Energy solutions for industry. The goal is to accelerate the energy transition in the industrial sector through collaboration, knowledge sharing and technological innovation.
Collaboration between government, education and businesses is crucial to address the shortage of technically skilled staff and to accelerate innovation.
Johan Eyckmans, KU Leuven
Structural ties between universities and companies are essential to sustainably anchor the circular economy and technological progress.
Johan Eyckmans, KU Leuven
Without European cooperation, we remain vulnerable to the dominance of large tech companies and to geopolitical risks in the supply chain.
Johan Eyckmans, KU Leuven
The future of the manufacturing industry depends on strong partnerships — within the value chain and with knowledge institutions.
Johan Eyckmans, KU Leuven
Collaboration is not only a lever for innovation but also for strengthening ethics, inclusion and well-being in the sector.
Nele Roekens, Enia
Our engagements
We take on our role in the quadruple helix, both nationally and internationally.
Waar staan we vandaag al?
Since early 2023, 121 unique collaborations have already been recorded within the HOM network, many of which are directly linked to the Kortrijk ecosystem. With the official opening of the House of Manufacturing in September 2024, this initiative has evolved into a vibrant hub for collaboration, innovation and industrial anchoring in West Flanders.
The opening brought together 400 visitors from across the regional ecosystem: companies, public authorities, research institutions and educational organisations. Within the building, the Sirris lab alone welcomed 100 companies that explored demonstrators on topics such as smart assembly, operator support, automated supply and fully digital production flows.
But it didn’t stop at a festive launch. In the months following the opening, the ecosystem expanded further through a series of inspiring activities, including:
- The Excellerator Challenge, connecting companies and schools
- 0 Made Real sessions by Sirris
- Thematic events on topics such as cybersecurity (NIS2), SME training and getting started with digitalisation
- Monthly breakfast sessions “Stuutje met…”, where a West Flemish industrial leader engages in dialogue with the network
These initiatives show that the ecosystem in Kortrijk is not only physically anchored but also growing in content and impact. It has become a lively meeting place where companies, education and technology reinforce one another to build a future-oriented manufacturing industry.
Since its launch in January 2025, TECH BELGIUM has grown into a network of 997 memberships, representing 618 unique companies actively participating in the Agoria Clubs. These figures show that collaboration is not a side activity but a structural part of Belgium’s innovation approach. TECH BELGIUM acts as a catalyst for knowledge sharing, cross-sector connections and collective progress.
The cross-pollination between industry and education within the House of Manufacturing is already bearing fruit. The PTI (Provincial Technical Institute) has recorded twice as many enrolments for September 2025 compared to the previous year, and registration is still open.
This increase is directly linked to the shared location and close collaboration between companies and education. By literally sharing one roof, visibility, inspiration and engagement have all grown. More enrolments in technical fields ultimately mean more technical profiles for our members.
In short: collaboration drives inflow, and inflow strengthens the future of West Flanders’ manufacturing industry.