Belgian companies are increasingly integrating AI into their operations, but a third see employees using AI tools without the knowledge of management. This increases risks related to data security, compliance, and continuity.
Belgian companies are deploying artificial intelligence more broadly, while control lags behind. This is according to research by Sharp. According to the figures, 70.8 percent of Belgian companies have AI deeply integrated into daily processes. This puts Belgium above the European average of 63.9 percent. At the same time, 34.4 percent of companies report that employees are subscribing to AI platforms without reporting this to managers, also known as shadow AI.
The Sharp survey was conducted among 2,500 business leaders from companies with 50-250 employees in Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Sweden, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
Confidence in AI
Confidence in AI is increasing. 82.8 percent of the surveyed companies say that AI feels more reliable than a year ago. The adoption seems to come mainly from above. Directors actively use AI in 59.2 percent of the organizations, and senior management in 65.2 percent. Usage is lower among junior employees, indicating an uneven pace within teams.
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Data and compliance
Shadow AI makes it more difficult for organizations to keep track of data flows. When employees use tools outside the intended channels, data can end up in environments that do not comply with internal rules. This also increases the risk of errors and can cause legal or compliance problems, especially when sensitive information ends up in external platforms.
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Rogier van Konijnenburg, Business Unit Manager IT Services at Sharp Benelux, states that adoption in many companies is growing faster than oversight. According to him, these figures call for governance, clear guidelines, and control mechanisms to limit risks.