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Based on a study on the strengths and weaknesses of the economy of our region, REBAK, a local platform for regional policy on the sustainable development of the region, presented in the beginning of this year a strategy for the South-West-Flemish economy. In total it consists of 18 priorities in order to transform our region in a networking, permanent learning, creative and innovative region that pushes back frontiers and that has an attractive climate for living and working.
Kortrijk is an important industrial region. Its key sectors are textile, wood industry, machinery and steal industry and audiovisual applications. Main services are large distribution companies, banks and insurances. Research mainly focuses on low tech manufacturing and not enough on high tech manufacturing and services. Companies dont work together in research and dont outsource their research. Given the demographic development, a shortage of workforces is predicted before 2010.
Strenghts in the region are motivated and dynamic people, geographical position and small scale economy as well as client-oriented services, knowledge of languages and professional skills and expertise, but we have to face weaknesses as narrow-mindedness, low scale economy ( strength and weakness ) and overestimation.
Priority 17 ( create a technological university ) and priority 18 ( create employment for vulnerable target groups ) are also actions within the local projects of VISP in Kortrijk.
Valerie Lambertyn, City of Kortrijk
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