The UK is fully committed to AI with an ambitious strategic plan that supports investment in AI research, infrastructure and talent. Belgium is lagging behind in this race. If, as a country and region, we want to keep playing along at the top level, it is time to accelerate our efforts in AI innovation and training.
The AI gap: where are we now?
Belgium is among the European leaders in AI adoption within companies, but lacks an overarching vision for AI development and infrastructure. Unlike countries such as the UK and Germany, it lacks a coordinated national AI plan with structural investments in research and talent development.
Challenges for Belgium
1. Lack of AI talent
Several reports show that Belgium is facing a shortage of AI specialists. This shortage hinders companies in their digital transformation and implementation of AI solutions. It is essential to train and recruit more professionals to meet the growing demand.
2. Need for comprehensive AI training
There is an urgent need for AI training at various levels. Both basic and advanced training are necessary to give employees the skills needed to work with AI technologies. Providing such training can help reduce the shortage of qualified personnel.
3. Relatively low public investment in AI
Public investment in AI development in Belgium is limited. By way of example, France recently announced a €109bn investment in AI to strengthen its position in this sector. To remain competitive, Belgium should consider significantly increasing its investment in AI.
Why AI is crucial for the Flemish economy
AI is not hype, but a strategic technology that will shape the economy in the coming years. Sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics can benefit enormously from AI. Flemish companies that invest in AI today will reap the benefits of increased efficiency and competitiveness tomorrow.
According to experts, Belgium risks being left behind if there is no structural investment. For example, the UK has announced billions to invest in AI research every year, while Belgium is still mostly dependent on European initiatives.
What needs to change?
Making Belgium and Flanders AI-ready will require some structural interventions:
- More AI training and continuing education courses so that both students and workers can integrate AI into their professions.
- Incentives for AI investment, such as grants for SMEs wishing to implement AI.
- Public-private partnerships to bring AI research and applications to market faster.
- International cooperation, with Belgium joining European AI coalitions to benefit from large-scale innovations.
Conclusion: Belgium needs an AI action plan
If Belgium and Flanders want to strengthen their economic position, a proactive AI policy is indispensable. The UK shows how a national AI strategy can transform businesses and economies. If we want to remain at the European AI summit, we need to accelerate now.
Of course, the real proof will ultimately lie in the implementation of the plan, but it is time for Belgium to follow suit, building on the existing AI strategy report. Not with declarations of intent, but with a serious, ambitious and concrete plan that puts us in the middle of the AI race. Without action, we risk a position at the back of the European AI market, while other countries are investing heavily in research, talent and infrastructure. Belgium has the knowledge, companies and academic institutions to become a strong AI player – now it is time to effectively play those assets.
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