AI is generating its first results in Belgium, and the tipping point is near
Companies report momentum in AI, but fundamental gaps in technology and, even more so, in skills are defining the next phase of progress
Data from the Kyndryl 2025 Readiness Report, based on a survey of 3,700 executives in 21 countries, reveals a moment of both momentum and reflection, as companies in Belgium report growing returns on their AI investments while facing increasing pressure to modernize infrastructure, advance innovation efforts, reskill workforces, and manage risk in an increasingly fragmented regulatory landscape.
“Belgian companies are clearly motivated by the promise of AI,” says Liesbet D’hoker, General Manager Benelux, Kyndryl. We see a strong desire to innovate and transform, but gaps in readiness remain…”
A deep commitment to modernization
Last year’s report revealed a critical gap between perception and preparedness: while 91% of business leaders in Belgium believed their IT infrastructure was first-rate, only 40% felt it was ready for future disruption. Although there has been momentum, this tension remains.
“The path forward requires more than just investment. It requires a deep commitment to modernizing infrastructure, aligning leadership, and developing the necessary skills of teams to thrive in a rapidly changing digital landscape.”
This year, pressure on ROI is increasing, with AI remaining in the experimentation phase. 61% of Belgian companies say they feel more pressure to prove the ROI of their AI investments compared to last year. However, 44% say their innovation often stalls after PoCs. And 50% agree that fundamental problems stem from their technology infrastructure.
Skills: a real concern
The report also shows that confidence continues to outweigh capability. Although Belgian companies are eager to innovate, fundamental challenges remain. 45% say they struggle to keep pace with technological advances; 34% cite the complexity of their technology environments as a barrier to scaling technology investments; 25% find it difficult to align sales and technical teams.
AI is driving workforce transformation, but skills gaps remain. 85% of respondents in Belgium say that AI will “completely” transform jobs within their organizations within twelve months. Yet 44% are concerned about the level of training and retraining for employees whose jobs are being replaced by AI. 39% are concerned about a lack of basic knowledge. And 35% cite gaps in the technical skills needed to harness the potential of AI.
