LSG #3 in Belgium by Designregio Kortrijk

On June 10th, 2025, Designregio Kortrijk (DRK) hosted the third Local Stakeholder Group (LSG) meeting at Hangar K in Kortrijk, as part of its monthly Coordinating Meeting series. These gatherings are designed to unite professionals across sectors—sharing insights, fostering dialogue, and nurturing new collaborative opportunities.

Hangar K, a dynamic incubator for startups, scale-ups, and recent graduates, proved the perfect venue for the event. With a strong focus on digital innovation, EdTech, gaming, and design industries, the location underscored the entrepreneurial spirit and interdisciplinary energy of the CCSI4CCSI project.

The meeting’s focal point was an in-depth presentation of the CCSI4CCSI project, delivered by DRK Managing Director Stijn Debaillie. Stakeholders were briefed on the current status of the project, its evolving methodology, and the initial outcomes to date.

Project Highlights

• Attendees received a recap and key takeaways from the recent Exchange of Experience event in Kolding (March 2025), available here.
• Ongoing policy discussions are underway between DRK and the City of Kortrijk to identify design thinking challenges that can enhance policies supporting the Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries (CCSI).

What’s Next

• A new methodology to uncover CCSI trends will be rolled out in the coming weeks. DRK and the City of Kortrijk will begin desk research informed by existing Flemish and regional reports.
• Preparations are ongoing for benchmarking the region's networking and support structures.
• Initial planning has started for the next Exchange of Experience, taking place from October 21–23, 2025, and aligning with the WONDER Creativity Festival in Kortrijk.

The meeting offered a valuable platform to exchange ideas, deepen stakeholder engagement, and collect immediate feedback—ensuring the project continues to evolve with broad community input.