IBBT

Stimulating ICT innovation

IBBT (Interdisciplinary Institute for Broadband Technology) is an independent research institute founded by the Flemish government to stimulate ICT innovation. The IBBT team offers companies and organizations active support in research and development. It brings together companies, authorities, and non-profit organizations to join forces on research projects. Both technical and non-technical issues are addressed within each of these projects.

Mission

The mission of IBBT is the creation of highly competent human capital in different aspects of ICT through multi-disciplinary demand-driven research. IBBT carries out this multi-disciplinary research for the Flemish business community and the Flemish government. This includes all technological, legal and social dimensions of the development and exploitation of broadband services.

The Flemish government invests in multi-disciplinary broadband research. The objective: To make Flanders a leading and internationally recognized player, in the information society of the future.

The IBBT organization

  • The central staff of IBBT consists of 18 fulltime employees. They are responsible for operational support and external communication. More.
  • IBBT has an extended network of partners. Some of these partners are actively involved in determining the long-term vision and strategy of IBBT. More.
  • IBBT unites more than 600 researchers from various Flemish universities and knowledge centers. Each research group is specialized in one or more of the basic competencies of IBBT. The composition of the research groups is flexible and aligned to the evolving needs of companies and organizations. More.
  • The Board of Directors is made up of representatives from both the private and public sector. The 16 members ensure that all research programs meet existing needs. More.

The IBBT research domains

IBBT stimulates research that addresses current social and economic issues.

  • eHealth: ICT applications for the healthcare sector
  • New Media: exploring the possibilities of new communication media
  • Mobility & Logistics: research into ICT applications that enhance the mobility of people and goods
  • Enabling technologies: basic research into ICT support for a wide range of applications
  • eGovernment: ICT applications for public authorities

The environmental impact of ICT

Lots of products and processes tend to leave an “ecological footprint”. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a key enabler in lowering these effects. But as ICT uses up 4% of the total energy production (taking into account the complete ICT life cycle, from production to disposal) green ICT ‘on its own’ should also receive our specific attention.

To lower energy consumption, optimize the usage of materials  and enhance the quality of life is therefore one of the major challenges  at hand. Planet is one of the three P’s of the triple bottom line model (Savitz) next to People and Profit.

IBBT wants to help create a sustainable society by working on these social, environmental and economic aspects of ICT services. Thanks to our user-centric approach, we aim to offer new experiences while ensuring sustainable development. Find out more about the IBBT strategy for green ICT in our folder “Green ICT & ICT for Green”. 

Annual Reports

Folder

Tags: organisatie | onderzoekers | staf | Raad van bestuur | partners | eHealth | Nieuwe Media | Mobiliteit & Logistiek | Ondersteunende Technologieën | eGovernment