Regional development

ULB plays an active role in the economic, social, and cultural development of the two regions it calls home: Brussels-Capital Region and Wallonia, especially around Charleroi.

Its immediate economic impact is as an employer: it is the largest employer in the Brussels-Capital Region and a major source of employment in Charleroi. It also has a high indirect economic impact through the students activities and the numerous scientific meetings or congresses of all sizes.

The University also plays a major role as a source of technological innovation, particularly through the range of regional programmes organised in partnership with industry: the Innoviris programme in Brussels and the Marshall Plan 2.Vert competition clusters in Wallonia, as well as joint research projects with businesses. This role is evidenced through the patents held (168 patent families held by ULB), the businesses created (28 spin-offs), the incubators present (EEBIC, Solvay Entrepreneurs Accompagnement, Biopark Incubator), as well as an investment fund, Theodorus.

The university also acts as an adviser to government, provides continued professional development directly linked to research, notably through Biopark Formation, organises cultural events and disseminates scientific knowledge in an accessible manner.