Only 20% of micro-enterprises engage in data analysis
November 2025 - Belgium is one of Europe's digital frontrunners. However, the smallest companies in particular are at risk of falling behind. Medium-sized SMEs are investing heavily in automation, data analysis, and artificial intelligence, while micro-enterprises are still too often hampered by practical and financial constraints.
According to recent figures from the FPS Economy, the vast majority of Belgian SMEs now have a basic digital infrastructure. In more than 95% of micro-enterprises, employees use a computer with an internet connection on a daily basis, and fixed or mobile broadband is available almost everywhere. The foundations have therefore been laid.
But when it comes to more advanced technologies, the difference between small and medium-sized companies becomes clear. Only 20 percent of micro-enterprises engage in data analysis, compared to 65 percent of medium-sized SMEs.
AI
For artificial intelligence, that share is even lower: barely 2.3 percent of micro-enterprises use robots and 16.4 percent are experimenting with AI applications. However, this puts Belgium in fourth place in Europe for the use of AI in small businesses — an indication that we are performing well internationally, but still struggling with inequality internally.
The causes are well known. A shortage of qualified personnel, limited ICT resources, and high investment costs are major obstacles. For small businesses, there is also the time pressure: the manager often has to take the lead on digitalization themselves, in addition to accounting, sales, and personnel management.
Government initiatives
The federal government recognizes these barriers and is trying to lower them with initiatives such as the e-commerce Toolkit and so-called regulatory sandboxes for AI — test environments in which entrepreneurs can try out new technologies without having to comply with all regulations immediately. “Digitization offers enormous opportunities for our SMEs, but the smallest businesses are at risk of falling behind due to limited resources and technical obstacles,” says Eléonore Simonet, Minister for the Self-Employed and SMEs.
The message is clear: Belgian micro-enterprises have the basics in place, but now need to take the leap to smart technology. Only with targeted support and practical guidance can they too reap the benefits of digital progress.
