Factsheet for measure
BE-1991-1/2729
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Updated
– measures in Belgium
VOKA PLATO
VOKA PLATO
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Country
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Belgium
, applies regionally
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– BE1 RÉGION DE BRUXELLES-CAPITALE/BRUSSELS HOOFDSTEDELIJK GEWEST
– BE2 VLAAMS GEWEST
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Time period
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Open ended, started on 01 January 1991
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Context
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Restructuring Support Instruments
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Type
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Legislations or other statutory regulations
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Category
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Supporting businesses to stay afloat
– Other
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Author
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Dries Van Herreweghe (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven) and Eurofound
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Measure added
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11 July 2022 (updated 23 October 2024)
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Background information
VOKA PLATO (previously Plato Explore, previously Plato) is a General Management programme exclusive to managers of growing young companies that are between 2 and 8 years old and work with 3 to 10 employees.
This is available to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that have up to 250 employees and are based in the Flemish Region.
Content of measure
The main objective of this scheme is the transfer of management skills from professional (large enterprise) managers to SME managers. A group of about 15 SME managers receive mentoring support from two managers of large companies. These mentors counsel the group on all aspects of enterprise management.
The programme consists of monthly group sessions for one year. Besides, individual support is available as well. Twice a year, the different PLATO groups (of all participating regions) come together in larger sessions.
The trajectories are organised by VOKA and the different regional chambers of commerce with government support.
There are also longer variants of the trajectory available that take up to two-years.
The programme provides managers with a place to share their practical experience.
Funding is organised VOKA and the chambers of commerce.
Updates
The following updates to this measure have been made after it came into effect.
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01 November 2023
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In 2023, a new PLATO Advanced course was launched. It is intended for Experienced SME entrepreneurs who have previously participated in Plato and have achieved consistent business growth.
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Use of measure
Research of Vlerick Management School (2008) provides evidence that SMEs have more turnover growth and employment growth if they participated in PLATO.
According to the 2016 annual report of VOKA, since 1990 approximately 10,000 companies have been supported by PLATO networks. Each year approximately 1,000 company CEO's and professionals participate in the programme.
In 2021, 233 participants took part in the Plato programme and a total of 216 network sessions were organised.
Target groups
Actors and funding
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Actors
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Funding
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Local / regional government
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Regional funds
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Social partners
Social partners' role in
designing the measure
and form of involvement:
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Trade unions
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Employers' organisations
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Role
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No involvement
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Consulted
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Form
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Not applicable
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Direct consultation outside a formal body
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Social partners' role in the
implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:
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Only employers' organisations
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Main level of involvement: Regional or local level
Involvement
Voka, a (non-representative) employers' association has designed the trajectory as well as organises it.
Views and reactions
VOKA is a strong proponent of the trajectory, as they believe it is an important form of additional training for employers in Flanders.
Sources
