BOM - Catalyzing change
What are you looking for?

CrossRoads Flanders-Netherlands

CrossRoads Flanders–Netherlands is a project within the European Interreg Flanders–Netherlands programme that promotes cross-border collaboration between Flemish SMEs and small to medium-sized enterprises in the southern Netherlands. The initiative provides funding for product and process innovations that contribute to major societal transitions, including sustainable entrepreneurship, renewable energy, Industry 4.0 and healthcare.

Accessible support

Unfortunately, the network of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often stops at the national border. Through CrossRoads, Interreg Flanders–Netherlands, REWIN, the Brabant Development Agency (BOM), VLAIO Team Business Trajectories, Economic Impulse Zeeland, LIOF and InnovationQuarter give a strong boost to the existing potential in the border region. They do this by supporting SMEs in their search for the ideal cross-border partner and by subsidising their joint innovations.

CrossRoads Flanders-Netherlands

Would you like to know more?

Please contact us.

Mwelvaarts bom nl

Marjan Welvaarts

Programme Manager

Addressing societal challenges

CrossRoads Flanders–Netherlands focuses on innovations that respond to societal needs. The added value of these innovations for both Flemish and Dutch citizens is central. Attention is given to the societal transition priorities that are high on the agenda in both member states, with digitalisation serving as a supporting process:

  • Sustainable entrepreneurship
  • Renewable energy
  • Industry 4.0
  • Healthcare

Matchmaking, funding and guidance

The planned innovation trajectories run for up to two years, with a maximum grant of €250,000 from ERDF, covering 50% of the total eligible costs. Each collaborative project includes at least one Flemish SME and one SME from the southern Netherlands. The ambition is to select at least 50 innovation projects involving a minimum of 125 companies. The first call is expected after the summer.

The CrossRoads consortium also assists in finding cross-border partners and provides guidance during and after the innovation project. More information about the funding and regional contact persons can be found here.

Background

CrossRoads Flanders–Netherlands builds on the success of its predecessors: CrossRoads, CrossRoads2, and CrossRoads2 Sustainable Energy. These projects enabled dozens of innovations through partnerships between Flemish and Dutch companies, helping to bridge the Flemish-Dutch border in terms of innovation. In CrossRoads2 alone (2016–2020), 202 companies participated in 118 innovation projects. The total investment of €7 million in grants resulted in an estimated economic added value of €16 million per year. CrossRoads2 Sustainable Energy delivered an estimated CO₂ reduction of 375,000 tonnes for the period 2023–2027.

64c11909cc79a