Belgian CIOs see AI and data as absolute top priorities, but are simultaneously concerned about dependence on non-European service providers.
The integration of AI into the IT environment is a top priority for Belgian CIOs, according to the annual priority survey by Beltug, the network of digital leaders. At the same time, CIOs are increasingly concerned about dependence on non-European service providers, influenced by the geopolitical situation. Data sovereignty is becoming imperative, and cybersecurity remains a constant in the list of priorities, in which more than 400 Belgian CIOs participated.
AI Dominates, but Raises Questions
The survey from last year showed AI scoring high on the priority list of Beltug’s Priorities Compass. This year, AI again tops the priority list. It’s the first time that three AI-related themes appear in the top ten.
However, this rise of AI also brings additional concerns: security, privacy, the upcoming AI legislation, and the use of Large Language Models (LLMs). How organizations handle data and how they deploy it with AI is therefore becoming even more relevant.
“More attention is being paid to the distinction between sensitive and less sensitive data. Who should and must have access, and what about third parties such as service providers?” states Ann Guinée, Communication Manager & Operations Lead at Beltug. “Additionally, the question arises of how to prevent cloud providers’ AI models from being trained on your company data.”
Digital sovereignty
The growing dependence on non-European and American technology companies is causing concern at the executive level. According to Beltug, digital sovereignty is a topic that belongs in the Board of Directors. Directors should be able to address questions such as: where is data stored, who has access, and how are risks mitigated?
Danielle Jacobs, CEO of Beltug: “The Board of Directors is responsible for risk management, strategy, finances, and the image of an organization. Digitalization is a game-changer in each of these domains. This means that directors will have to consider the (potential) impact of digitalization more often. AI, data management, dependence on major IT suppliers, and cybersecurity can no longer be ignored by the Board of Directors. They must, of course, have the necessary expertise.”
More and more players are therefore focusing on this digital concern. For example, SAP recently expanded its offering for digital sovereignty in Europe. Local players are also coming more to the forefront because of this.
Cybersecurity Always a Top Priority
Cybersecurity remains a constant on the priority list, just like last year. The introduction of the European NIS2 directive, which imposes stricter requirements on digital security in various sectors, is forcing organizations to review their approach.
Vendor management and compliance are also gaining importance, partly due to European legislation on AI and data use. IT managers want guarantees that their suppliers effectively comply with the rules. The need for overview and control over the entire chain is becoming increasingly important.
Finally, Beltug also points to the emergence of ethical issues and sustainability within digital strategy. Organizations are looking for ways to assess their IT operations using sustainability indicators and clear ethical guidelines for the use of AI.
According to Beltug, the results confirm that digitalization is no longer a purely technical domain. It is a strategic theme that companies must discuss at the executive level.