Belgium is the fifth most innovative country in Europe

According to a comparative study by the European Commission, Belgium moved up one place on the Innovation Union Scoreboard in 2011.

Belgium placed fifth, just behind Sweden, Denmark, Germany and Finland, which remain at the top of the class in 2011. It is followed by the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Austria, Luxembourg and France.

The study, which is based on 24 research-related indicators, identified an attractive research system and a good level of training as Belgium's main strengths, while its biggest weakness is still a low level of investment by companies. Overall, Belgium's performance is above the European average.

You can find more information about the Innovation Union Scoreboard on the European Commission's website.