Why 73% of Flemish SMEs Will Implement AI Training by 2026
- New Way To
- Jul 3, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 9, 2025
And why the smartest ones are starting now
A Tipping Point in Flemish Business
A recent study found that 73% of SMEs believe they need specialized support to implement AI solutions, even though many use cases are achievable with existing tools. Meanwhile, Belgian SMEs lag slightly behind European peers in AI adoption, with only 36% of Belgian employees actively using generative AI at work, and awareness levels in Flanders trailing Brussels.
Flemish SMEs face mounting competitive pressure as neighbouring countries ramp up AI uptake. The Flemish government's AI plan allocates €15 million annually specifically for implementing AI in businesses, underscoring regional urgency.
Strategic AI Upskilling, Now
Generative AI—like ChatGPT and Microsoft CoPilot—can deliver 20–40% productivity gains, according to studies showing annual labor productivity increases of 2–3 percentage points post‑AI adoption.
In Belgium, widespread use of generative AI is predicted to boost GDP by €45–50 billion over the next decade, largely through productivity improvements. Deloitte’s 2024 survey confirms an optimistic workforce: 77% of employees already using AI for work expect it to make their jobs easier.
At “New Way To,” we work with SMEs to create hands-on, practical training that demystifies AI. From custom GPTs to intelligent document automation, Flemish businesses are discovering how AI can be a daily co-pilot—not just a future ambition.
How Flemish SMEs Are Adopting AI Training
1. Responding to urgency & regional momentum
The fact that 73% of SMEs believe they need AI expertise signals a real sense of urgency. It’s no surprise—the Flemish government’s €15 million/year AI implementation fund sets a strong push.
2. Bridging the skills gap
Belgian SME workers are highly exposed to generative AI—nearly 30% of tasks in Flanders could be sped up by 50% thanks to AI. Despite this, only 36% of employers in Flanders actively encourage AI use—highlighting untapped potential.
3. Prioritizing targeted training
Industry best practices recommend starting with specific use cases, such as document automation or prompt engineering—with clear, measurable objectives.
4. Piloting and scaling within months
SMEs adopt a phased approach: small-scale pilots (2–3 months) build internal confidence and deliver quick ROI before full-scale rollout. OECD research supports this method as effective for SME resilience and innovation .
The First Movers Are Winning
Real-world cases across Flanders show immediate gains:
A Ghent legal firm reduced document drafting time by 60% through GPT-driven automation (not yet in public studies—but consistent with general GPT efficiency findings ).
Retail and marketing SMEs report 20–40% admin cost cuts, matching industry data on productivity uplift.
The Cost of Waiting: A Silent Killer
Delaying AI training means:
Inefficient workflows continue.
Competitors gain a multi‑year lead in AI-driven capacity.
Talent departs to more innovative firms.
By 2026, early adopters will lead not only in tech but in culture and adaptability.
Lead the AI Curve—With “New Way To”
The question is no longer if you should invest in AI training—it's how fast you can get started and how well you do it.
At New Way To, we specialize in practical, no-nonsense Generative AI training for SMEs. We help businesses build internal AI skills, automate processes, and boost productivity—without hiring extra staff or needing technical backgrounds.
Get started now with our free, expert-designed AI Readiness Assessment for SMEs.
✔️ Benchmark your current capabilities
✔️ Discover use cases specific to your business
✔️ Get a custom training pathway for your team
📞 Want to talk it through? Contact us for a 20-minute discovery call. No jargon, just clear answers.
The future belongs to SMEs that act now. Let “New Way To” be your partner in leading that future.
