The SPW is the administration body of the Walloon Government. Its legal organisation in charge of funding applied research for industries, academia and research centres, as well as of related international scientific cooperation now belongs to the Directorate general for Economy, Employment and Research (DGEER or DGO6). Its main objectives are:

• the promotion of economic return of research projects ;
• the development and use of novel technologies by promoting collaboration between universities, research centres, higher education centres and enterprises ;

• the insertion of Walloon scientific and technological potential in the European and international efforts.

The DGO6 is also in charge of co-ordinating the Walloon policy related to international R&D programmes and tools.