Digitalization of SMEs: Belgium among the best in Europe

In Belgium, the majority of SMEs have integrated the basic digital tools into their daily operation. However, the adoption of more advanced technologies, such as cloud, data analysis or artificial intelligence, remains strongly conditioned on the size of the company. The positive point is that Belgian SMEs obtain clearly better results than the vast majority of EU SMEs technologically. The lack of human and technical resources, as well as investment costs, still too often slow down the digital transition of the smallest structures.

According to the latest data from the SPF Economy, the vast majority of Belgian SMEs now have a basic digital infrastructure. In almost all companies with more than 10 workers, and in more than 95 % of micro-enterprises (from 2 to 9 people), part of the staff uses a computer connected to the Internet for professional purposes. High speed, fixed or mobile connections, have also become the standard in medium -sized companies.

This form of basic digitalization is also reflected in a widespread use of the cloud and remote meetings. Two thirds of medium-sized companies use Cloud Computing, mainly for file storage, email management and database accommodation. In terms of teleworking, more than 90 % of companies with more than 10 workers now offer digital remote access tools.

Beyond conventional tools, the integration of more advanced digital solutions is still limited. Data analysis is increasing, but remains concentrated in larger companies: 65 % of medium-sized SMEs use it, compared to only 20 % of micro-enterprises. Their use goes from the analysis of customer behavior to the exploitation of data from sensors or intelligent devices.

As for technologies such as 3D printing, robotization or artificial intelligence, they remain less used, especially in small structures. Only 17.8 % of medium-sized SMEs say they use robots, a figure that drops to 2.3 % in micro-enterprises. Artificial intelligence is present in 16.4 % of SMEs in 2024, an upward increase but still modest.

Although there is still a strong growth potential for advanced technologies, Belgian SMEs display results significantly higher than those of the majority of EU countries. Thus, our country occupies the 4^e place in the EU for the use of artificial intelligence by small businesses and the 3^e Place for medium -sized businesses. Companies mainly use AI for accounting management, internal processes and, more recently, commercial functions.

The lack of qualified personnel, the insufficiency of internal resources in information and communication technologies and the technical complexity of certain technologies constitute major obstacles to the use of digital technologies by SMEs. The use of AI raises concerns in terms of data protection and legal uncertainty. Finally, the compatibility of systems and initial investment costs are also an obstacle.