Across Flanders, enthusiasm for artificial intelligence is unmistakable — both in professional and personal contexts. Businesses are exploring how AI can automate processes, improve decision-making, and deliver better customer experiences. From manufacturing plants to hospitals and logistics hubs, AI is increasingly seen as a key driver of competitiveness. 

Yet, many organisations feel they are not moving fast enough. According to a recent study by Cognizant, 59% of Benelux businesses believe they aren’t executing AI strategies quickly enough, despite strong ambitions to innovate. 

“Belgian companies are brimming with ambition when it comes to AI adoption,” says Koen Segers, Managing Director BeLux at Dell Technologies, “but many are held back by the lack of scalable foundations and the confidence to transition from pilot projects to full-scale production.” Legacy IT systems, fragmented data environments, and skills shortages can stall that progress. At the same time, misconceptions about AI — such as the belief that it requires a massive, upfront overhaul of the entire IT landscape — often create unnecessary hesitation. However, Segers notes that these challenges are increasingly manageable. With a clear strategy, the right technology, and a focus on incremental progress, organisations can start unlocking the value of AI much sooner than they might expect. 

From pilots to real outcomes

Companies that see the greatest impact from AI typically start with modernising their infrastructure. Secure hybrid environments, resilient storage, and well-governed data platforms make trusted data accessible across edge locations, data centres, and the cloud. That foundation allows AI initiatives to move beyond experimentation and deliver measurable business value.

Several sectors in Flanders are already showing what that looks like in practice. Manufacturing companies use AI for predictive maintenance, production optimisation, and quality control, helping reduce downtime and defects. Hospitals and research institutions leverage AI to accelerate diagnostics, streamline workflows, and generate insights faster, while still protecting sensitive data. Logistics companies are optimising inventory management and route planning, while financial institutions automate fraud detection, risk analysis, and service workflows. The result: lower operational costs and faster response times.

“AI success comes down to pairing the right use cases with the right foundation,” Segers explains. “The businesses seeing the most impact treat AI as a core capability — built on modern infrastructure, strong governance, and a disciplined approach to scaling what works.”

Dell Technologies has supported this approach with solutions like PowerEdge servers, AI-optimized PCs, and flexible consumption models through Dell APEX, allowing companies to access scalable AI-ready infrastructure without heavy upfront investments. These tools help organisations move quickly from pilot projects to enterprise-scale AI deployment, ensuring that the technology supports business goals rather than holding them back. 

A pragmatic, value-driven approach

In today’s society, AI adoption is becoming more pragmatic and outcome-focused. Rather than pursuing AI for its novelty, companies are increasingly focusing on clear outcomes and measurable value. According to Segers, 73% of Benelux business leaders now prioritise revenue-driven AI investments, reflecting a broader shift toward productivity and tangible business results.

At the same time, other priorities are shaping AI strategies. Energy efficiency, workforce development, and cyber resilience are becoming central pillars of this new approach. AI-driven insights help organisations optimise energy consumption and reduce their carbon footprint, while upskilling initiatives ensure that employees can effectively work with new technologies.

This broader perspective also influences the type of AI projects that companies pursue. Many organisations focus on practical use cases that improve operational efficiency while strengthening long-term competitiveness — from automating repetitive administrative tasks to improving supply chains and service delivery. By aligning AI initiatives with wider business goals, Flemish companies are not only increasing productivity but also building resilience in an increasingly digital economy. 

Security as an enabler, not a barrier

Security often emerges as a concern when organisations consider adopting AI. But according to Segers, it doesn’t have to slow innovation down. A common misconception is that AI systems are inherently insecure or require a complete overhaul of existing IT environments. In reality, AI security can often be integrated into existing infrastructure by combining strong prevention mechanisms with robust recovery capabilities.

“With the right approach, security becomes an enabler, rather than a roadblock,” - Koen Segers

Technologies such as Zero Trust architectures, immutable storage, and isolated cyber vaults help organisations protect critical data while still enabling AI workloads. In sectors like banking, healthcare, and research — where data sensitivity is particularly high — this approach allows companies to innovate while maintaining strict compliance and trust.

Security, in this context, is not just about protection. It’s about creating the right conditions for AI to scale safely, ensuring business continuity, and maintaining confidence among customers and regulators. When security is embedded from the start, organisations can move faster without increasing the risks. “With the right approach, security becomes an enabler, rather than a roadblock," Segers notes.

Turning AI into measurable impact

Employees using AI tools often see productivity improvements of 25–55%, freeing up valuable time for more strategic and creative work. Simultaneously, operations become more efficient, decision-making becomes faster, and product development cycles can shorten by 20–30%, enabling companies to bring new ideas to market more quickly.

These improvements translate into tangible financial results. Many organisations now achieve full return on investment for AI initiatives within twelve months, reinforcing the idea that AI is no longer experimental technology, but a core business capability. Executives are increasingly recognising this as well. Across industries, leaders are taking a more active role in driving AI adoption as part of their long-term growth strategies.

Looking ahead, AI is expected to become a cornerstone capability for businesses across Flanders, moving steadily from isolated pilot projects to organisation-wide deployment.

For leaders who remain hesitant, Segers offers straightforward advice: start small, modernise infrastructure step by step, integrate security early, and scale what works.

In a region known for its entrepreneurial spirit and technological expertise, the organisations that successfully bridge the AI preparedness gap today will help shape the next wave of innovation in Flanders.