Belgium wants to become European leader in AI

To ensure Belgium remains at the forefront of technology, health, pharma and AI, the federal government has approved a national convergence plan for the development of artificial intelligence. The plan, with nine working objectives and around 70 lines of action, should make our country a European leader in AI, says state secretary for Digitalisation Mathieu Michel.

The objective is to develop a data-driven economy and powerful infrastructure, to put AI in the service of health and more sustainable mobility, protect the environment and provide better services and protection for citizens.

The main focus of the national plan will be the pharma and health sector. Artificial intelligence is the source of a lot of medical advances, especially in predictive medicine. It also accelerates drug research and optimises manufacturing processes.

"This plan unites small start-ups working with AI, but also large companies or the public sector," says Mathieu Michel.

The national plan should bring together actions and ambitions that are currently somewhat fragmented by the division of powers between the federal level, the regions and the communities.

^{State secretary of Digitalisation Mathieu Michel ​ © BELGA PHOTO}