The creation of a co-working and fab lab space in Vendôme, in the Centre-Val de Loire region

The goal of the Outremer project is to encourage and promote entrepreneurship by setting up support services provided by an economic development officer for companies, self-employed people and business leaders who use the co-working area or visit the fab lab. In addition, it aims to foster and encourage the development of remote working in a professional location. 

The project also aims to promote and disseminate digital technology in the Vendôme region through the creation of a local fab lab. Spearheaded by the metropolitan community, the Vendôme Atelier Numérique (VAN) association was created to manage the fab lab and its activities for professionals, companies, young people and the general public.

Fitting out premises and implementing communication campaigns

As of 2014, elected representatives have shown the political will to work on these issues. An open collaborative working group was set up, with help from a specialist recruited through a call for tenders.

The project then received a real estate opportunity. In fact, the metropolitan community owned a building located in the immediate vicinity of the Vendôme-Villiers TGV rail station. The layout of the premises allowed for the creation of a co-working area, a fab space, meeting rooms and a chill-out area. 

The fab lab supports the VAN association by promoting and deploying its actions throughout the inter-municipal territory. It has also led to the acquisition of specific equipment, such as a laser cutting machine. Communication campaigns have been carried out to publicise the place.

The Fab Lab supports the creation and development of companies with its partners (CCI, CMA, BGE ISmer, ILC 4, etc.) by hosting breakfasts and information evenings, and by organising or co-organising economic events such as business meetings and co-lunches/dinners with co-workers and VAN members present. These events are designed to encourage synergies between co-workers that are members of Outremer and local economic key players.

Promote synergies between companies

Two employees from the community are assigned to the project: a reception officer, present on site during hours when the co-working area is open, and an economic development officer. The latter provides support for the creation and development of companies and implementation of events and activities related to digital technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Outremer supports regional development through VAN and events organised either by the metropolitan community or in partnership with economic players around the themes of digital technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. The region has integrated the regional network of co-working spaces created under the spearheading efforts of Gip-Recia.

The project also helps companies outside the region by offering their employees residing in the inter-municipal territory the possibility of working remotely. Local businesses have access to the fab lab and the possibility of attending and participating in events organised by Outremer. They can benefit from synergies and networking between companies.

Finally, the project helps individuals by offering employees who work remotely, entrepreneurs and the self-employed an open space for co-working and for meetings. Every Tuesday evening, Fab Lab workshops are open to individuals and companies.

Total investment and European funding

The ‘Outremer, digital space: co-working and Fab Lab’ project received a total investment of EUR 161 688, with the European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 80 844 under the ‘OP ERDF for the Centre-Val de Loire Region’ cooperation programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the ‘Digital Single Market’ priority.