Is Belgium lagging in the field of artificial intelligence? Currently, there isn’t yet a Belgian AI solution, like a ChatBot comparable to ChatGPT, that is operational and publicly accessible.
However, the growing interest in this technology is leading to a rise in local players and strong adoption within businesses. Let’s look together at the main artificial intelligence players in the Low Countries.
No Belgian AI, but strong adoption
According to AI 4 Belgium, as early as 2023, 14% of Belgian companies had integrated AI into their daily operations. Among the companies leveraging AI, notable examples include:
- Robovision stands out with its computer vision technologies, designed to automate visual inspections and optimize quality control processes in various sectors such as automotive and agriculture.
- Inthepocket, for its part, develops AI-powered chatbots, deployed in several Belgian companies to offer tailored customer service.
- In the banking sector, KBC uses AI to detect and monitor fraudulent activities.
- ML6, an AI consulting firm, helps companies leverage machine learning algorithms in various fields such as finance, healthcare, and industry.
- Sentiance specializes in creating personalized experiences through contextual intelligence.
Is Belgium lagging in artificial intelligence?
On the political front, Mathieu Michel, Secretary of State for Digitalization, had presented a “National Convergence Plan for AI Development.” However, an investment of 20 million euros appears modest compared to other global players.
For example, large-scale initiatives like Donald Trump’s, who injected 500 billion into the sector, highlight the gap. Belgium has not yet established a funding plan of this magnitude, and implementing such a system seems difficult. Like other nations, it risks being quickly outpaced. We can also mention France, which saw its AI Lucie Chat benefit from significant state support.
But Belgium is organizing itself
Nevertheless, the country is organizing itself with the “AI 4 Belgium” initiative, which brings together players in the sector. According to the latest statistics, over 430 companies have made AI their main activity or use it intensively. However, still according to AI 4 Belgium data, a territorial imbalance is notable, with:
- 255 companies in Flanders,
- 88 in Brussels,
- 94 in Wallonia.
Can we expect a Belgian AI to make a splash one day or in 2025? While hope is permitted, France itself struggles to reach the top of global competition against industry giants like the GAFA. Consequently, Belgium could also face similar challenges on the international artificial intelligence scene.
Source: Bosa.gelgium.be
