Gilles Cremers (20) is studying Public Administration at Ghent University. As a third-year undergraduate, he undertook a three-month placement at IDEA Consult. He investigated the extent to which local authorities were required to make savings when drawing up the 2026–2031 multi-year plan, and how they went about tackling this challenge. We spoke to Gilles about his first steps in research and consultancy.

In June, the IDEA team proudly received the SDG Champion certificate from CIFAL Brussels. A meaningful recognition of the sustainability efforts we have made as an organisation over the past years. But what does that mean exactly?

At IDEA Consult, investing in learning isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s part of who we are. Knowledge is our greatest asset and forms the foundation of the value we bring to clients and society.

Have you already been introduced to ‘IDEA Digital & data analytics‘?

IDEA is not an IT company, but data and digitalisation are so important that we invested the past years in data and digital experts to perform advanced analyses and design customised digital tools for evidence-based policy. We are pleased to introduce you to our team ‘IDEA Digital and data analytics’.

We sat down with two former trainees who successfully transitioned from an in-depth traineeship to a fixed position within IDEA. Their stories reflect the value of our investment in young talent — and how a well-guided start can lead to lasting impact.

The Vanguard Initiative is a unique collaboration of some of the most advanced industrial regions in Europe, aimed at stimulating industrial innovation and building European value chains based on complementarity in regional smart specialisation strategies. Senior expert Jean-François Romainville has been working on the Vanguard Initiative 3DP Pilot project at IDEA for 10 years now. We asked him about the many insights he has gained from this.

We are very eager to announce that IDEA is now a Friend of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) Community!

In 2024, there was again a lot going on at IDEA. We welcomed new faces, took on new challenges and realised new plans. We would like to look back with you on a beautiful, eventful year. Watch our annual review here.