Innovation

Innovation is essential for realising a future-proof and competitive industry in our region. New technologies, smart processes and groundbreaking collaborations form the basis for the transition to a climate-neutral, sustainable and circular economy. Within Smart Delta Resources, innovation is not a goal in itself, but a structural part of the way in which we collaborate on themes such as hydrogen, electrification, circularity, heat, water and CO₂ reduction.

Innovation is of strategic importance for our region. The region is home to a versatile industrial ecosystem with room for experimentation, scaling up and knowledge sharing. By actively connecting innovation with existing infrastructure, industrial activities and logistics networks, the potential for sustainable growth is maximised.

Successful innovation requires more than just technology. Preconditions such as targeted investments, a stimulating regulatory framework, access to talent and active public-private partnerships are crucial. By bringing these elements together, the region functions as a testing ground and accelerator of industrial solutions that are also valuable internationally.

North-C-Innovation Hub (NCIH)

The North-C Innovation Hub (NCIH) was established as a follow-up to the ad hoc initiative of the North-CCU Hub. That initiative was a collaboration in which governments, knowledge institutions and local companies worked together to set up a carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) network. After completion of that project, the collaboration was expanded to include all SDR themes. 

Today, the NCIH connects our members with current research topics and, in collaboration with CAPTURE, the City of Ghent, the Province of East Flanders and POM, works to disseminate the latest scientific insights within the SDR community.