This project supports Belgium’s ambition to become a globally competitive Smart AI Nation by generating actionable evidence on how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the economy and labour market, contributing to the objectives in Belgium’s National Convergence Plan for AI Development. Responding to the request for scientific evidence on AI-driven productivity, employment, job quality, and working conditions, the project combines economic and labour market analysis in a coherent, policy-oriented framework. It investigates how AI adoption affects firms, occupations, and workers, ensuring that competitiveness and workforce resilience are considered jointly rather than in isolation.
The research follows a three-pronged approach. First, it delivers a comprehensive state-of-play analysis of Belgium’s AI ecosystem. This includes mapping AI research, innovation, investment, and industrial strengths, identifying gaps in adoption and knowledge diffusion, and analysing workforce exposure across sectors, occupations, and demographic groups. Belgian trends are systematically benchmarked against European and global developments.
Second, the project conducts targeted causal deep dives. At firm level, it assesses whether AI adoption raises productivity and how firms adjust their workforce through training or hiring. At occupational level, it analyses how AI reshapes skill requirements. At worker level, it examines bottom-up AI use and job crafting, focusing on autonomy, efficiency, and job quality.
Third, the project translates its empirical findings into evidence-based policy recommendations through close collaboration with policymakers, social partners, and industry. The resulting guidance balances innovation with social inclusion, supporting AI diffusion while mitigating labour market and job quality risks.
