Belgium Leads Europe in AI Adoption, But Faces Infrastructure Hurdles
Brussels, Belgium – In the race toward a digitally empowered future, Belgium is emerging as a frontrunner in Europe, embracing artificial intelligence (AI) at a faster pace than its continental counterparts.
According to a recent report by the Federal Public Service Economy, a significant percentage of Belgian companies are leveraging the power of AI. Remarkably, 12.5% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Belgium now utilize AI-based technologies, a significant jump from 9.3% in 2021. Large companies are even more deeply entrenched in the AI revolution, with nearly half (47.9%) integrating AI into their operations.
"The larger the company, the more it invests in digital technology," observed the FPS Economy, highlighting a trend mirroring global patterns.
While Belgium surpasses the European average for AI adoption, challenges remain. The most prominent obstacle cited by businesses is the lack of in-house expertise to effectively implement and manage these complex technologies. Other hurdles include high implementation costs, compatibility issues with existing systems, and access to reliable, high-quality data.
Interestingly, Belgium’s embrace of AI coincides
with a lagging rollout of crucial digital infrastructure. While neighboring nations have made significant strides in deploying 5G and fiber optic networks, Belgium trails behind.
Despite this gap, the future looks promising. Projections indicate that by the end of 2025, half of all Belgian homes are expected to have access to fiber optic connections.
The report also directly quotes the FPS Economy’s instight about internet connectivity:
"Nevertheless, the outlook is positive. It is expected that half of all homes will be connected to fibre optics by the end of 2025,”
This duality – a leading role in AI adoption coupled with lagging infrastructure development – presents a fascinating case study for the global technological landscape. It highlights the complex interplay between innovation and the essential foundations that enable its full potential.
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