Use of artificial intelligence by Belgian enterprises 2023, by company size

In 2023, over 40 percent of companies in Belgium employing 250 or more people were using artificial intelligence (AI), and around a quarter were developing it. In addition, around five percent of Belgian enterprises employing 20 to 49 staff were developing AI, while approximately 12 percent were using it. Like many other countries around the world, Belgium intends to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by AI.

AI and robotics skills in high demand

While the availability of workers with digital skills represents one of Belgium’s core advantages, the country is facing a gap in tech skills, particularly in areas such as AI and robotics –, a trend also observed at the global level. To tackle this shortage, Belgium is investing in various education programs, as well as in national and regional initiatives to bring together training providers, business associations, and IT companies. In addition, Belgium benefits from a positive AI talent immigration level, with around 5,000 skilled workers moving to the country to work in this sector in 2022.

A new hub for tech companies?

Out of the 33 startups with unicorn status in the Benelux region in 2022 – companies valued at over one billion euros – seven were based in Belgium. One of the primary drivers of technological industry expansion in Belgium is indeed the rise of start-ups. Thanks to its privileged position at the heart of Europe, the availability of funding, and policy incentives from the government, the country is poised to position itself as an innovation hub.