The region is located in Belgium within Flanders and the province of West-Flanders. It is close to major European capitals and part of the cross-border Eurometropolis region. The region has a strong creative culture and expertise in mechatronics, digital imaging, plastic processing, and lighting technology. Small and medium-sized enterprises are the economic backbone of the region's specialized industry clusters and knowledge economy. The region also has outstanding international accessibility and a dedicated knowledge infrastructure where research and education meet professional needs.