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CrossRoads

CrossRoads Vlaanderen-Nederland

Project Objectives

than just funding; it’s about mindset. Ellen and Bram agree that encouraging companies to think beyond their national borders and to seek partnerships in neighboring countries is key to unlocking new growth and resilience.

Highlighting Success Stories

Fueling Innovation Across European Borders Building bridges across borders, the CrossRoads Vlaanderen-Nederland project is helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Belgium and the Netherlands overcome barriers to innovation. We spoke with Ellen Theeuwes, Chairwoman of CrossRoads, and Bram De Kort, Director at Interreg Vlaanderen-Nederland, about the initiative’s growing impact. Cross-border cooperation has long been a cornerstone of the European Union’s vision for unity and progress. In the region connecting Belgium and the Netherlands, this ambition takes shape through CrossRoads-a flagship initiative backed by the Interreg Vlaanderen-Nederland programme. The project empowers SMEs on both sides of the border to collaborate, innovate, and grow in a competitive landscape. Through targeted funding, strategic matchmaking, and a shared commitment to a borderless European economy, CrossRoads is driving breakthrough advancements in healthcare, energy transition, industry 4.0, and climate resilience. “In simple terms, CrossRoads exists to support knowledge and innovation in the cross-border region,” Ellen Theeuwes explained. “We want to stimulate innovation, improve the regional economy, and prevent innovative companies from looking elsewhere (in this case other continents).” Historically, SMEs located in border regions have faced unique challenges. Unlike their counterparts in national centers, these companies often encounter additional hurdles when it comes to finding partners, entering new markets, or securing research collaborations. Although the Maastricht Treaty of 1992 laid the foundation for the European Union and aimed to promote greater economic integration, true seamless cooperation remains elusive for many businesses operating along national borders. Despite many harmonization efforts, cross-

border barriers persist, particularly for SMEs. CrossRoads plays a vital role in overcoming these obstacles by connecting entrepreneurs with complementary strengths across the region.

A Hands-On Approach to Supporting SMEs The CrossRoads project operates through a practical, hands-on approach. Business Development Managers, with strong technical expertise and local knowledge, proactively scout for SMEs with promising ideas. They offer guidance at every step of the journey: helping companies formulate strong project proposals, facilitating crossborder partnerships, supporting the innovation process, and assisting in market validation after prototypes are developed. “Our goal is to take companies by the hand,” Ellen said. “We want to make sure their projects succeed, not just in technical terms but also commercially.” The support extends beyond funding and paperwork, focusing not only on helping companies create prototypes but also on ensuring that these innovations find real markets and customers. Commercialization is considered just as important as technical development, and CrossRoads actively works to bridge the gap between invention and market success. Furthermore, CrossRoads has emphasized simplifying the application processes, offering a streamlined and transparent procedure that

significantly reduces the barriers for SMEs to access funding and mentorship. Through frequent workshops, matchmaking events, and direct one-to-one sessions with Business Development Managers and the Interreg program joint secretariat, the program ensures continuous engagement with the SME community. The role of the Business Development Managers cannot be overstated; they act as bridges between companies and innovation opportunities, embodying the spirit of collaboration that defines the CrossRoads initiative. By fostering these relationships early and offering tailored support, CrossRoads ensures that even the smallest companies can dream big and achieve meaningful change.

Building a Borderless Innovation Ecosystem European investment through Interreg is critical for projects like CrossRoads. By facilitating a seamless flow of ideas, products, and services across national borders, Interreg aims to create a truly unified European economy. CrossRoads is one of its most successful models, and its influence is spreading. “Our model is now being replicated in other European border regions,” Bram highlighted. “From the Belgian-French border to Croatia, there is growing interest in using CrossRoads as a template for stimulating cross-border SME innovation.” At its core, CrossRoads is about more

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This initiative targets sectors crucial for Europe’s future competitiveness: energy transition, healthcare, Industry 4.0 and climate change. These domains are ripe for innovation but often require cooperation across industries and borders to bring new solutions to market. Selecting only a few standout successes from CrossRoads’ extensive portfolio is no easy task, given the remarkable breadth of innovation it has fostered. Among the many noteworthy examples, one project eloquently captures the transformative potential of crossborder collaboration. The “Spinal” project - a partnership between Dutch and Flemish SMEs in one of the earliest CrossRoads frameworks -later expanded into two subsequent “Prosperos” projects, involving more SMEs

Bigger Dreams and Greater Impact Looking ahead, the team behind CrossRoads is ambitious. They want to deepen their impact in several ways. First, by attracting more projects in the energy transition domain, a field critical for addressing climate change and achieving European Green Deal targets. Second, by increasing participation from less active regions through targeted promotional campaigns, matchmaking events, and expanded outreach initiatives. Another major goal is to further simplify administrative procedures, making funding access faster and easier for SMEs. “We’ve already made funding processes much simpler, but we’re committed to cutting even more red tape,” Bram emphasized. The focus is on allowing companies to concentrate fully on innovation and business growth. Sustainability also remains a cornerstone of CrossRoads’ vision. “Looking ahead, I expect that future CrossRoads initiatives-as well as broader Interreg and EU programmeswill increasingly focus on green innovation, circular economy models, and boosting

“We want to stimulate innovation, improve the regional economy, and prevent innovative companies from looking elsewhere.” as well as academic partners. This initiative achieved a groundbreaking medical innovation: the development of biodegradable prosthetics that stimulate natural bone growth, offering patients a safer, more sustainable alternative to traditional metal implants. It stands as a powerful testament to the life-changing impact that small-scale, cross-border collaborations, nurtured by CrossRoads, can achieve. “Without the initial support from CrossRoads, such high-risk, high-reward innovation would have struggled to get off the ground,” Bram highlighted. “Especially in healthcare, the ‘valley of death’ between invention and commercial viability is very deep.” These success stories are not isolated. CrossRoads facilitates the creation of ecofriendly materials from recycled jeans, developed innovative airbag systems for cyclists, enables an automated vaccination process - examples that showcase the versatility and transformative power of cross-border SME collaborations.

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Europe’s self-sufficiency in key resources,” Bram noted. “These are essential areas if we want to leave a positive, long-term legacy for both the economy and the environment.” Looking ahead, CrossRoads aspires not only to remain a flagship Interreg project but also to inspire similar initiatives across Europe. Its broader mission is to help build a deeply connected, innovation-driven region where SMEs can thrive without borders, driving a stronger, greener, and more competitive Europe. For companies considering whether to apply to CrossRoads, the message is both clear and encouraging: take the first step. “Don’t hesitate to reach out,” said Ellen. “Even if you don’t yet have a partner across the border, our Business Developers are here to help you find the right match and support you throughout the journey.” The CrossRoads team is ready to assist, providing expert guidance throughout the journey - from shaping the initial idea to achieving market success and sustainable growth.

CrossRoads Flanders - The Netherlands stimulates cross-border cooperation between SMEs in Flanders and the South of the Netherlands (Zeeland, North Brabant, Limburg and South Holland). The project supports companies in finding a partner across the border and subsidises product or process innovations with a focus on sustainable entrepreneurship, sustainable energy, industry 4.0 and health.

Project Funding

• Total European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) subsidy €12.932.210,09 • Budget € 25.864.420,02

Project Co-financiers

Flemish Government (VLAIO) • Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs • Province of East Flanders • Province of West Flanders • Province of Antwerp • Province of Flemish Brabant • Province of Limburg (BE) • Province of Limburg (NL) • Province of North Brabant • Province of Zeeland • Province of South Holland

Project Partners

Interreg Vlaanderen-Nederland • VLAIO • LIOF • InnovationQuarter • Impuls Zeeland, • Brabantse Ontwikkelingsmaatschappij (BOM) • REWIN West-Brabant

Contact Details

Jordy Verdickt Project Coordinator Interreg Vlaanderen-Nederland Britselei 23-5 2000 Antwerpen T: +32 472 66 16 65 E: crossroads@interregvlaned.eu W: https://interregvlaned.eu/crossroadsvlaanderen-nederland/contact

Bram De Kort Ellen Theeuwes

Ellen Theeuwes is driven by her goal to lead the transition to a sustainable society. She has expertise in business development, stakeholder management, partnerships and coaching. She has chaired the CrossRoads programme since 2016. Bram De Kort is the director of Interreg Vlaanderen-Nederland. He’s a Dutchman that moved to Flanders, after his studies at Radboud University Nijmegen in The Netherlands. With 20+ years living and working in both regions, his CV breathes cross-border cooperation through roles at Euroregion Scheldemond and the Interreg programme.