The crisis is over

Flanders is one of the most prosperous regions in the world. But are we also crisis-proof? Can our companies withstand a major economic crisis? Will we weather the storm well? Can we also come out of it as winners?

One thing is certain. We will only become a European top region by 2020 if we can continue to count on top entrepreneurs, excellent companies, global players in Flanders. On companies that excel in talent development, innovation and international entrepreneurship. On companies that create high-quality jobs that provide many derivative jobs in the service sector. On companies that actively and proactively prepare the transformation.

Transformation is a critical skill for a successful enterprise in the global knowledge economy of the twenty-first century. Those who do not anticipate, who do not radically redefine their future at regular intervals and in a timely manner, may fail. Transformation is the preventive recipe against crisis.

What applies to a company also applies to a region. Flanders is also facing an important turning point. Our region also urgently needs to work on its transformation.

We need a triple transformation: an economic breakthrough plan that profoundly renews the economic DNA of our region, a new architecture for our solidarity systems and a profound state reform that gives each region the tools to do what is necessary.

This book provides a blueprint for transformation, both for Flemish companies and for the Flemish region. So that we emerge from the crisis as winners.