Belgium and the Netherlands will jointly organize the so-called European Big Science Business Forum (BSBF) in October 2026 at the MECC in Maastricht. An expected 1,000 participants from leading high-tech companies will meet the larger European research organizations at this conference to share knowledge about high-tech and innovation. They will also enter into collaborations in the field of research and development.
Belgium and the Netherlands already work together in many areas of technology. For example, in nuclear research, semiconductors, nanotechnology and photonics. Both countries also aim to bring the Einstein Telescope to the Euregio Maas-Rhein. The BSBF conference gives high-tech companies the opportunity to improve their knowledge position and use this to develop technological products in new markets.
The largest European research organisations - such as CERN, ESA, ESRF and Fusion4Energy - inform entrepreneurs during the biennial BSBF about new technological developments, issues, purchasing options and opportunities for cooperation. These European institutes together account for billions of euros in investment plans. This makes them interesting for the Dutch and Belgian high-tech business community to work with.
Minister Dirk Beljaarts (Economic Affairs):
There is a global technological race going on to find solutions for all kinds of social and economic challenges. It is not a given that we will remain at the top in terms of knowledge and innovation. While that is essential for, for example, our health, safety and our future jobs and income. That is why it is good that we stimulate and facilitate cooperation between (SME) entrepreneurs and large research institutes.