Partners

• 

  The LED network is one of the projects with which the provincial authorities put into practice their ‘Economic Impulse Plan 2007-2012’, and more in particular the measure to stimulate the development of new knowledge centres and the distribution of knowledge.

• 
  

  The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) provides funding for projects that reduce inequalities between regions, boost competitiveness, create employment and reinforce cohesion between the regions. 
The LEDs were approved in June 2008 as an Objective 2 project within the call for knowledge economy and innovation. 40% of the costs are borne by the ERDF.

• 

  The LEDs are also co-financed by Flemish Minister for Economy Kris Peeters for 18.7% of the costs through the HERMES fund.

• 

  University College West Flanders (HOWEST) is a fast growing institute with several campuses in West Flanders. HOWEST offers a total of 22 bachelor programmes and 7 master programmes. Because of its international industrial and academic network, the research groups of HOWEST are called upon for product and process-innovations by the profit as well as the not-for-profit sector. The incubator of HOWEST (www.thestudios.be) houses several start-ups in the domains of productdesign, multimedia and 3D-technology; the start-ups are furthermore supported in their search for international business partners and venture capital.

• 

  Katholieke Hogeschool Zuid-West Vlaanderen is the largest institution of higher education in West Flanders with four campuses in Kortrijk, Roeselare, Tielt and Torhout. The university college offers 18 professional bachelor programmes and 2 master programmes in cooperation with Katholieke Universiteit Leuven.

• 

  Katholieke Hogeschool Bruges Ostend features four departments offering some 40 programmes in four areas of study: Health Care, Commercial Sciences & Business Administration, Teacher Training and Industrial Sciences & Technology. Except for the IS & T department in Ostend, all campuses have recently been brought together in the brand-new complex along Expresweg in Bruges.

• 

  Centre of Entrepreneurs Kortrijk was established with the mission to stimulate and support entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity. Within this scope the organization develops projects for 3 target groups: pre-starters (education), starters and established entrepreneurs. In addition, Centre of Entrepreneurs Kortrijk takes care of the practical coordination of the LED project.

• 

  The Innovation Centre of West Flanders aims to stimulate innovation in West Flanders. The Innovation Centre concentrates on West Flemish SMEs, West Flemish starters and retailers, sheltered workshops and institutes of higher education. The services offered include the organization of information sessions and creativity sessions and the provision of subsidy guidance and  strategic guidance.