History
The idea to set up an organization such as Ex-Change in Flanders which followed the example of PUM (experts exchange program) in The Netherlands, originated from Karel Huysmans, the ex-president of Ex-change. The idea to set up a Flemish variant of PUM stemmed from the difficulties experienced in providing the Dutch operating base solutions to Belgium-specific problems.
Through successive contact with Kauri and Incofin, the foundation for Ex-Change (then still called PUM Belgium) was laid. The Flemish government quickly showed an interest in the project. As a result, we started to compile current as well as new initiatives situated in the same sphere.
From there, contracts were made with SVC (Flemish Senior Consultants) and VIK (Flemish Engineers Chamber), who jointly drove the project. In 2001, the first subsidy agreement with the Flemish government was signed and the administrative support of Incofin was obtained. Thanks to the personal and voluntary dedication of many interested people, both the set up of a vzw and its operational structure were prepared and given shape.