Lionel BONJEAN, Director General of SPW Economie Emploi Recherche, will close the plenary session of Circular Wallonia Days on 21 May at the Van Der Valk Hotel & Congress in Mons.

Lionel BONJEAN, Director General of SPW EER: A Key Driver of Wallonia’s Competitiveness

As Director General of SPW Economy, Employment, Research (SPW EER), Lionel BONJEAN plays a pivotal role in shaping Wallonia’s economic landscape. He is at the forefront of supporting innovation, guiding businesses, promoting applied research, managing employment support schemes, and coordinating European funding. His mission is to ensure SPW EER acts as a powerful catalyst for business growth, job creation, and digital transformation, all while upholding economic and social regulations.

Lionel is a strong believer in the power of collective intelligence. “It’s the Walloon Smart Specialisation Strategy, the S3, that brings stakeholders together and makes innovation a key driver of regional competitiveness,” he explains. He points out that Wallonia displays more R&D investments than the European average, which cements its reputation as a leading region for innovation.

A Career Built on Public Sector Leadership and Innovation

Before taking the helm at SPW Economy Employment Research, Lionel BONJEAN spent seven years as Managing Director of ETNIC, the public agency for new information and communication technologies under the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles. This role placed him at the heart of the digital transformation of public services, deepening his expertise in managing complex projects and leading organisational change. Lionel holds a degree in political and administrative sciences, specialising in European and international affairs. He has further enhanced his credentials with a business management certificate and an inter-university Executive Master’s in public management. This blend of academic knowledge and hands-on experience gives him a broad and strategic perspective on economic and social challenges.

A European and Sustainable Vision

Convinced of the importance of aligning regional policies with European ambitions, Lionel BONJEAN is committed to ensuring Wallonia plays an active part in the European Research Area, while addressing the challenges of globalisation, digitalisation, and the green transition. Dedicated, optimistic by nature, and firmly focused on the future, Lionel is widely recognised as one of the key architects of Wallonia’s transition. His impressive track record in public service and acknowledged expertise in management make him an indispensable figure in the region’s development.

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