Johan Hanssens

Flemish administration

Secretary-general of the Department of Economy, Science & Innovation

Johan Hanssens has been Secretary-general of the Department of Economy, Science & Innovation within the Flemish administration since 1 December 2015. In the past, he was (deputy) Head of Office to former minister for Economy Patricia Ceysens and to former Vice-Minister-President of the Government of Flanders Annemie Turtelboom. In the latter function he was competent for economy, innovation, work matters and Flanders foreign affairs. He holds master’s degrees in economic  sciences and law.

Johan Hanssens strongly believes in cooperation as an answer to the huge societal challenges. According to him “3 processes are key in innovation-driven economies such as the Flemish economy, viz. entrepreneurship, innovation and internationalisation. Systematic feedback and coordination and dynamic interaction are essential to achieve sustainable solutions throughout these processes”.