Engineer · innovator · coach · author
About Eric Sleeckx
I turn complex questions about innovation, policy and human behaviour into clear ideas that people and organisations can put to work.
My story
More than four decades where technology, policy and people meet
My career began as a mechanical engineer in biomechanics, designing custom hip prostheses and providing technical support during complex orthopaedic procedures. From there, I moved into product development at Philips, technology research and industrial services at Sirris, and a long career in Flemish innovation policy.
At IWT and later VLAIO, I worked on innovation programmes, evaluation, strategic analysis and organisational development. As an adviser to Flemish government ministers, I covered portfolios spanning the economy, innovation, science, industry and European programmes. From 2020 to 2024, I headed VLAIO’s Business Support division, leading more than one hundred people and overseeing an annual support budget of approximately €650 million.
That breadth of experience has reinforced one conviction: lasting progress happens when technical knowledge, sound policy and a realistic understanding of human behaviour come together.
Experience
From research to practical change
Technology and product development
From biomechanics and medical applications to consumer electronics and industrial innovation projects.
Innovation policy and public management
Designing, delivering and evaluating support programmes with a focus on effectiveness, public value and the realities businesses face.
Leadership and organisation
Extensive experience leading multidisciplinary teams, improving processes and connecting strategy with day-to-day execution.
Coaching and evaluation
Today I support entrepreneurs, organisations and students, and assess innovation and learning projects as an independent expert.
What I explore
Making complexity understandable and useful
Innovation and strategy
Turning a strong idea into an approach that is workable, measurable and relevant.
Decision-making
Handling uncertainty, cognitive traps and difficult choices with greater confidence.
People and organisations
Understanding how people actually work, collaborate and adapt to change.
Science communication
Translating research into clear language, recognisable examples and practical methods.
Author
Books for people who want to think clearly and make things work
My books combine research with first-hand experience. Their purpose is not theory for its own sake, but a reliable way to understand difficult problems and move from insight to action.
Built to Be Used
Why people work around the systems organisations build, and what those workarounds teach us about making change succeed.
Before Harm Happens
A practical guide to Medical FMEA and the prevention of avoidable harm in healthcare.
Blijf bij je verstand
A Dutch-language guide to keeping the brain sharp, creative and resilient throughout life.
Beslis met vertrouwen
A Dutch-language book about doubt, intuition and making decisions with greater calm and confidence.
My Dutch-language work also includes Ruzie zonder brokken, on turning conflict into connection, and Tweedehands met meerwaarde, a practical guide to smarter and more sustainable reuse.
Today
Sharing experience while continuing to test new ideas
As a senior consultant, I advise companies and organisations on strategy and innovation. At KU Leuven, I coach students in the Innovative Entrepreneurship master’s programme.
I also serve as an external evaluation expert for Leerpunt and VLAIO. Writing, investigating and sharing knowledge connect all of these activities.
Keep exploring
Curious about the ideas behind my work?
Explore my books and articles on decision-making, organisations, innovation, safety, the brain and the practical realities of change.