Belgian and Dutch firms lag in AI integration despite near‑universal optimism

A 2026 AI Benchmark survey of 150 professionals from Belgium and the Netherlands found that 95% of respondents fear their organisations will fall behind without artificial intelligence, while only 6% have integrated AI broadly across processes. Most AI use is limited to text‑generation and content tasks (92%), with smaller shares for data analysis, software development and decision‑support.

Despite the enthusiasm, the study highlights deep organisational gaps: only 13% of firms have a formal AI strategy, 41% lack an appointed AI owner, and 37% have no AI governance guidelines. Experts stress that successful AI transformation requires dedicated AI boards, clear ethical policies, employee training, and a solid business case to turn pilot projects into sustainable value creation.