Ann Overmeire

I'm COO at Blue Cluster, a Belgium-based cluster focused on sustainable blue economy with over 180 industry members and 17 public funded partners. Recognised as a spearhead cluster by the Flemish government, Blue Cluster has a dedicated budget for innovation projects. I engage with the members and stakeholders and am responsible for the networking agenda as well as the international projects. I assist our CEO in the daily management of the cluster organisation.

I have a long experience in cluster management and regional development policies. As innovation coordinator of the Regional Development Agency of West-Flanders, I was the co-founder and manager of Flanders’ Maritime Cluster, which connected businesses, research institutes and governmental agencies active in the blue economy, with a particular focus on offshore wind, coastal protection and marine aquaculture. Before that, I was environmental consultant in soil and groundwater investigation and remediation, environmental due diligence audits and compliance audits. I hold a master’s degree in chemical engineering from Ghent University (Belgium).