Belgian companies embracing open innovation to accelerate AI journeys

A new study shows Belgian companies are keen on working with other firms and startups in order to accelerate their AI journeys. That is despite companies in Belgium placing the least priority on AI integration among several European countries probed.

Much like a majority of organizations in other parts of Europe, Belgian organizations show an enthusiasm for ‘open innovation’, a strategy of working with external partners and prioritizing the sharing of knowledge. That is according to a report from Sopra Steria, a major European IT consultancy, which uncovered a generally positive attitude towards open innovation among organizations in Europe.

Across the 12 European countries assessed, 80% of respondent organizations said that startup collaboration is important for their strategy. In Belgium, that number was more pronounced, at 90%.

This firm of open innovation is especially valuable when it comes to artificial intelligence (AI). The majority of European corporates surveyed (70%) said that working with AI-savvy startups is a vital part of their overall AI strategies.

Despite the positive attitude towards open innovation from the firms that embrace AI, only 41% of Belgian firms believe that it is important to integrate AI into business functions, the lowest ranking in Europe. Norway placed the most importance on the topic (76%), followed by the Netherlands and Sweden (70%).

“The concept of open innovation isn’t new. But the urgency to adopt it, especially in the age of AI, is imperative. Forward-thinking organizations recognize its potential, and as such it is now the norm rather than the exception” said Hans Cromphout, business unit director at Sopra Steria’s Brussels office.

Collaboration on AI

Across the continent, there are a lot of collaborative projects focused on diagnostic AI, with Belgium in pole position in this area. A total of 67% of Belgian companies said they were looking into a diagnostic AI project, compared with only 30% in the Netherlands, and a 34% average among all countries surveyed.

Over half of Belgian companies are either busy or planning to launch initiatives using Generative AI, with the technology forecasted to boost Belgium’s economy by up to €50 billion over the next 10 years according to a recent report commissioned by Google.

To gain a competitive edge from AI, the Sopra Steria analysis emphasized that companies need to make open innovation a central part of their overall technology strategy. European businesses are becoming more skilled at establishing and nurturing these shared projects, which in turn helps them fast-track innovation and navigate a fast-changing environment. There is more to be gained from sharing notes than keeping secrets.

“As Belgium continues to lead in open innovation, its ability to fully capitalize on AI will depend on whether it can bridge the gap between experimentation and strategic adoption,” noted Brussels-based Cédric Genin, Consulting Director for Aerospace, Defence & Security at Sopra Steria.