Education is the best provision for old age. Aristotle (384 BC - 322 BC) © www.douglasmoors.be CHAPTER 7 Education The Belgian Knowledge Economy Professor Marc Vervenne, Rector University of Leuven Education © Juhanson

During the “March 2000 Summit” in Lisbon, and economically relevant activities have to the currently dominating growth poles of the European Heads of State and the obviously been attested. Many regions in Leuven, Ghent, Louvain-La-Neuve and Liège. Government leaders accepted the challenge Europe, the United States, and increasingly It is clear that the present economic of transforming Europe into the world’s in Asia claim to have a regional competitive development takes place in close connection leading knowledge economy by 2010. advantage to become successful poles of to the Belgian universities, research centres Indeed, innovative knowledge will be the growth. Also in Belgium, various regions and technical institutions. They play a key driving force for prosperity and wellbeing in are clearly demonstrating the ambition to role in the diffusion of the “state of the art” this new millennium. The speed and intensity play a dynamic and leading role in building of the scientific and technical knowledge at which new scientific and technological up the European knowledge economy of in, among others, information technology, developments are transformed into socially the 21st century. Reference can be made bio-medical sciences, nanotechnology

134 Best of Belgium Professor Marc Vervenne Rector University of Leuven (K.U.Leuven)

- presence of an entrepreneurial climate, with entrepreneur role models; - presence of a legal framework for exploitation of scientific research; - clear policy and incentives to encourage research groups to actively seek knowledge transfer opportunities; - presence of a professional interface unit (transfer cell) providing an integrated approach of research valorisation, which can result in spin- offs, contract research and creation of patents (intellectual property); - presence of sufficient seed and venture capital; - clear ownership of intellectual property; - increased awareness among federal, state and local stakeholders; - presence of excellent networks; and genomics. This knowledge is diffused capital, are be required. In the maturity - enthusiasm and a high quality of life. throughout the existing Belgian industry, stage, some of the new innovative and it also generates more and more companies go for an initial public offering. In conclusion, I would like to state that several high-tech start-ups.For success in these From the “Leuven Knowledge Economy regions in Belgium fulfil the aforementioned new endeavours, we not only need to Model” we have learned that the success criteria and can, therefore, position train scientists and engineers, but also of the knowledge economy regions largely themselves as outstanding “Knowledge experts in legal aspects, management, depends on the following parameters: Economy Regions” on the European map. intellectual property, marketing and sales. Moreover, expertise in novel ways - presence of a critical mass of high Professor Marc Vervenne of financing, such as seed and venture quality research sources; Rector University of Leuven (K.U.Leuven)

Best of Belgium 135 AIS: Leading Education in an Expanding Expat Community Antwerp offers expat families a wealth of advantages, from Education convenient commutes, to affordable housing, to a welcoming international community. Education is, of course, a top priority for expats, so the Antwerp International School is a keystone in Antwerp’s position as a growing expat destination.

Family concerns are one of the top Located a few kilometres north of Antwerp’s academic accreditation from the European determiners of the success or failure of city centre, it provides a top-level, English- Council of International Schools, and later an expat experience, and schooling for language learning environment to students became the first school in the world to be children is at the centre of this issue. from pre-school through grade 12, offering accredited three times by the Council. This That’s why a school like the Antwerp both a standard high school diploma and constant evaluation ensures that AIS remains International School—which focuses the International Baccalaureate diploma. a high quality school, and that transcripts on both the academic and personal Established in 1967, AIS is one of four and diplomas are recognised universally. development of each child—is such international schools in Belgium, and the The 80 faculty members represent 10 a critical factor in how attractive a only one in the important expat community different nationalities, in a 1:9 teacher- potential new city is for expatriates, of Antwerp. Over the years, it has grown to-student ratio. With the school’s six and therefore for their companies. from 67 students to its current population of buildings housing 45 classrooms, four In 2007-2008, the Antwerp International 600 students from 35 nationalities. In 1972, science laboratories, a library, three School celebrated its 40th academic year. the school was the first institution to receive computer centres, English as a Second

136 Best of Belgium Language and Learning support classrooms, counsellors’ offices, nurses rooms, a new gymnasium complex, a Fine Arts Centre and an attached theatre with music classes, a large multi-purpose area, a kitchen and cafeteria and three playgrounds on its ten- acre campus, expats children can also maximise the opportunities of living abroad. AIS’s dedicated staff members ensure that each child receives the personal attention he or she needs. Children are valued as individuals and taught to work together in a multi-cultural atmosphere of mutual respect and tolerance. The learning approach is student-centred, and the curriculum focuses on teaching the importance of understanding, academic discipline, service, the arts and good health. Students have opportunities to work level” subjects with 150 hours of teaching. benefits from an excellent transport both individually and collaboratively, in All diploma students take Theory of infrastructure and ideal location. Brussels is order to learn to solve problems, meet Knowledge as a seventh subject. only 45 kilometres away, while Amsterdam, challenges and develop respect for the IB candidates also have 150 hours of Düsseldorf, Cologne, Luxembourg, perspectives of others. Students’ social, Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) over London, Strasbourg, and Paris are all physical, emotional and intellectual two years. This is an integral part of the IB less than 500 kilometres away. The city is development are all addressed. program, providing a balance with academics within easy reach of numerous motorways The school takes full advantage of the to enable students to express values such connecting it to the rest of Europe. Two diversity of the student and faculty bodies. as caring, commitment, generosity and international airports (Zaventem/Brussels Every other year, on International Day, solidarity. Students are encouraged to take and Antwerp) are within a 30 minute drive. each nationality shares its culture, food, part in artistic and sporting activities and in One of the greatest strengths of the local customs and costumes with each other. community service, at home and abroad. AIS workforce is its language skills. According The school encourages an active offers the CAS program from the 10th grade. to Antwerp Chamber of Commerce, most Parent Teacher Organisation (PTO). The IB candidates also complete a 4,000 of the city’s workers speak English, French, PTO assists new families to integrate into word research essay on a subject of their German and Dutch, making it even easier the community, thanks to conversation choice. Each student has a supervisor who for expats to fit in immediately. With over groups, sports and other classes, and assists him or her in developing a hypothesis 3,000 restaurants and bars, and about 35 social and networking events. and who follows through in the research museums, 6 concert halls and 29 theatres, To prepare students for continuing process. Diploma students find the essay and, of course, the Antwerp International education anywhere in the world, AIS one of the most valuable parts of their School, Antwerp offers a very high quality offers the International Baccalaureate (IB). preparation for their continuing education. of life for all members of the expat family. These high quality international education AIS’s location in Antwerp is no accident. programs connect AIS to a worldwide “In Antwerp, we are in a unique position community of over 2,300 schools in 128 to take advantage of the cultural heritage countries. IB retains an important function of Belgium and the adjacent countries, to VZW Antwerp International School in providing access to an internationally promote an understanding and respect Veltwijcklaan 180 recognised curriculum around the world. for other cultures and customs,” notes 2180, Ekeren-Antwerp Diploma students take six core subjects MS and HS Principal Steve Petra. BELGIUM over two years. They choose three The city’s convenient position and Tel. +32 3 543 93 00 “higher level” subjects comprising 240 excellent standard of living make it a Fax +32 3 541 82 01 hours of teaching, and three “standard desirable destination for expats. Antwerp E-mail: [email protected]

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