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The field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is of great importance in Brussels.
65% of our country's employment in this sector is located within the region of Brussels,
of which 65% are located in the city of Brussels.
Together with the government we have been aiming at becoming a center of reference
and excellency, here in the capital of Europe.
A wide range of initiatives have been put in place, 50% of our research funds are allocated to the ICT sector.
We have set up business clusters for ICT,
and AGORIA - The Federation for the Belgian Technology Industry - has done the same.
We additionally established an incubator
a location to host young businesses - spin offs -- active in the field of ICTs.
All in all, a wide range of initiatives have been put in place
to ensure that Brussels is recognised on the international level within the ICT sector.
An important challenge is to ensure that our Small and Medium Enterprises (SME)
take a greater part in European programmes.
There are financial means available, yet too little SME's are engaging.
In the framework of the European 'Horizon 2020' programme
we must truly engage this economic sector in Brussels.
The second main challenge is training.
Today, AGORIA and other stakeholders will tell you that we are lacking qualified staff.
It is for this reason that we must keep on developing trainings
and ensure that our younger generations acquire sufficient skills for jobs in the ICT sector.
Furthermore, in school we must make the youngest generations aware of jobs in scientific fields.
Lastly, we are supporting a series of congresses and forums to create this awarness raising,
and we have similarly provided our support to today's conference.
New means of communication have completly modified the ways in which us politicians communicate.
Today, we are in direct contact with the population thanks to Facebook.
I have more than 7000 Facebook friends, and also use Twitter and e-mails.
Communication is truly instantanous, and you need to be very fast,
but it is also very intersting as we receive offers and suggestions,
and we can test drive ideas amongst the population, and we receive reactions almost instantly.
I would say that similar behaviors are noticable within business,
where behaviours and management methods have evolved following the advent of these new technologies.
These are the topics you will be discussing today, and I wish you a fruitful day of reflection.
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