Prenormative research

Prenormative research enables the acquisition of the necessary scientific and technical bases for the development of relevant standards.

The standards developed on these bases, and the performance standards in particular, increase the innovation and competitiveness of our companies.

Prenormative research at collective research centres is supported financially by the FPS Economy. Subsidies are provided for 50% of all research.

The role of the FPS Economy

Depending on budget margins, the FPS Economy oversees distribution of these subsidies based on the following criteria:

• the scientific and technical importance of the research programme;
• the economic potential and financial value of the research;
• compatibility with the Minister for the Economy’s policy, in particular on:

• innovation potential;
• SMEs;
• sustainable development;
• cross-sector policy.

Performance standards and descriptive standards

Performance standards are technology-neutral standards that define the performance levels that a product must achieve. They describe the characteristics and requirements for providing goods and services without defining how they are delivered. They are linked to testing standards.

Descriptive standards cover the technical aspects of creating a product.

Performance standards enable innovation, since they allow freedom regarding the resources used in order to achieve the required performance. Therefore prenormative research to develop performance standards is encouraged.

Collective research centres

Collective research centres are research centres established on a sectoral basis.

They are created to promote and coordinate technical progress in their sector, particularly regarding SMEs.

Their activities are threefold:

• collective research;
• miscellaneous scientific and technical services provided individually to their members;
• dissemination of technical information, training etc.

Belgian collective centres have their roots in the Decree-Law of 30 January 1947, commonly known as the ‘Groote law’. This law gives them special status. Any business in the sector is required to become a member and to pay membership contributions.

There are 9 centres that have adopted this special status in the following sectors:

• ceramics and glass – BCRC ;
• cement – CRIC ;
• construction – BBRI ;
• highway construction – BRRC ;
• technology industry – Sirris ;
• textiles – Centexbel ;
• wood processing – CTIB ;
• breweries and malthouses - CBM ;
• the diamond industry – CRSTID;

Other centres have been created with the same objectives, based on a voluntary membership and membership fees. They cover the following sectors:

• steel – CRM ;
• coatings and paints – CoRI ;
• welding – BWI [only available in French];
• the electrical industry – Laborelec.