2026: Preparing for the new innovation framework, together

Wallonia is entering an important phase of renewal in its innovation system. This evolution is driven by Europe’s updated expectations and by the region’s ambition to make its support mechanisms clearer, more coherent and easier for innovators to use.

This transition is shaped by 3 factors:

• The next European programming period (2028–2034), for which Wallonia must prepare to remain fully eligible for European funding.
• The implementation of the Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3), which becomes the backbone of Wallonia’s innovation policy.
• The revision of the Research Decree, consistent with the Regional Policy Declaration and the need for greater coherence.

Europe now asks regions to focus on their strongest fields, organise support more transparently, and present consistent, well-defined priorities. Wallonia is adapting its framework accordingly.

The reform of the competitiveness clusters, adopted in October 2025, is part of this evolution. It simplifies the landscape, clarifies roles, reduces institutional overlap, and concentrates efforts on a limited number of strong sectors, including health.

For companies, hospitals, universities, and research centres, this means that project structuring, evaluation, and support will evolve. Funding will increasingly focus on strategic strengths and European alignment, with clearer entry points and a greater emphasis on collaboration.

As a result, 2026 will be a transition year – one that requires adaptation, but also one that can create new opportunities for those ready to position themselves early.

How BioWin supports its members through this transition

The Walloon health innovation ecosystem is built on solid scientific expertise, mature networks, and internationally recognised know-how across advanced therapies, nuclear medicine, clinical research, vaccines, and other health technologies. This strong foundation gives our community a strategic advantage in a context where Europe increasingly rewards excellence and focus.

Over recent years, BioWin and its members have shifted from isolated initiatives to a more coherent, collaborative approach. Our 2026–2028 strategy continues this evolution and concentrates on the domains where Wallonia is most competitive:

• advanced therapies
• nuclear medicine
• medtech
• biopharma (including clinical trial networks)
• health technologies with potential dual-use applications

These domains are not chosen arbitrarily. They reflect the areas that will guide project development, partnerships, and investment in the coming years.

Our commitment is simple: make the system easier to navigate, foster collaborations that bring real value, and support the development of innovations that benefit Wallonia and Belgium.

To do this, we are reinforcing several dimensions of our work:

• clear guidance on new regional and European funding schemes
• support in building and structuring consortia that match the new strategic priorities
• stronger dialogue with public authorities, ensuring members’ needs are understood during the transition
• enhanced European presence, opening doors to partnerships and opportunities beyond Belgium
• simplified access to expertise, thanks to a more efficient internal organisation

This transition is not about repositioning BioWin, it is about providing stability and clarity when the ecosystem needs it most.

A confident and ambitious outlook

BioWin is ready for this new chapter.
We will guide our members through the changing landscape, help identify emerging opportunities, and reinforce Wallonia’s position on the international stage.

The landscape is evolving, but our ecosystem has the expertise, the networks, and the ambition to turn this transition into renewed momentum.

Together, we will continue working toward an environment that allows health innovation in Wallonia to remain strong, visible, and resilient.

Learn more in L’Echo’s interview with Sylvie Ponchaut and David Honba. Read the article here.