Xebia and Data Expo Release Data & AI Monitor for the Benelux Region

August 24, 2026 – Xebia, in collaboration with Data Expo, has released the Data & AI Monitor 2026/2027 Benelux Edition, a companion to the global flagship market research report that pulls back the curtain of the hype surrounding artificial intelligence. Built on insights from frontline professionals, the report delivers an in-depth view into how organizations work with data and AI today, where the momentum is, what the major hurdles are, and how leaders navigate complexity at scale.

Key Takeaways from the 2026 Benelux AI Readiness Report

Based on a 56-question survey of 415 professionals across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, the report represents sectors including finance, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, media, and public services. Participants range from C-level executives to data scientists, architects, and product managers, those closest to execution. 

The findings reveal a region that has decisively moved past the question of "if" to adopt AI, and now faces a harder challenge: proving that adoption actually pays off. While 74% of organizations now actively work with generative AI assistants and 59% are confident in their AI strategy, this widespread adoption is not reflected in realized value. Only 24% of organizations believe they are fully harvesting and tracking the value AI brings.

Closing the execution gap starts with leading for value: giving AI clear ownership, decision rights, and measurable definitions of success. It requires building trusted foundations by improving data quality, governance, architecture, and operational control, so that AI systems rest on reliable ground. Organizations must also choose tools deliberately, in order to create a coherent tool strategy that retains room to change direction as the market evolves.

Mariam (Petrosyan) Halfhide

Principal Consultant Data & AI Strategy, Xebia 

The inability to track value is compounded by a lack of trust. Only 21% of respondents trust an AI model's output as much as a human colleague's judgment. This deep-seated skepticism prevents organizations from integrating AI into critical, high-stakes business decisions.

The rapid proliferation of AI tools has also created a new challenge: Shadow AI. A significant 69% of Benelux organizations report concern over unsanctioned AI use, as employees adopt tools like ChatGPT without formal oversight. This is a direct byproduct of adoption speeding past governance structures. The concern is most acute in highly regulated sectors like Healthcare & Life Sciences (88%) and Public Services (84%).

While a striking 85% of organizations believe Europe should form a stronger front against American Big Tech dominance, action lags far behind conviction. Only 15% have taken concrete steps towards implementing sovereign or European-first infrastructure, despite 82% agreeing that Big Tech holds too much power in Data & AI. This reveals a critical gap between strategic aspiration and operational reality.

The findings highlight a clear shift in the market: organizations are no longer struggling to access AI technologies, but to realize measurable business value from them. Data quality, governance, and the growing complexity of the vendor landscape have become defining challenges. At the same time, organizations are becoming increasingly dependent on technology partners while finding it more difficult to navigate an ever more crowded market. Data Expo was created to address exactly these challenges by bringing together decision-makers, end users, technology providers, and thought leaders.

Davy Zwegers

Manager Partnerships, Data Expo

The Data & AI Monitor 2026/2027 Benelux Edition provides a crucial benchmark of AI readiness and trust across industries. It highlights what is working and what needs focus, while giving leaders the insights they need to move from experimentation to scalable, governed, and business-aligned AI systems.

About Xebia

Xebia is a global AI-first, digital transformation, and engineering partner. With over 25 years of experience and a team of 4,500+ professionals across 16 countries, Xebia specializes in artificial intelligence, data and cloud, intelligent automation, and digital products and platforms. With a strong focus on engineering excellence and a people-first culture, it equips organizations to apply emerging technologies that accelerate business innovation and drive sustainable competitive advantage. Xebia leads with a responsible and human-centric approach to AI, ensuring organizations shape a better tomorrow for all. 

About Data Expo

Data Expo is the platform where data and AI professionals come together to share knowledge, ideas, and innovations. Specialists from different data disciplines and levels meet to share insights, making complex data issues understandable and applicable. Bringing tech and business together creates not only depth of content but also practical applicability. Data Expo offers a unique environment for data projects to succeed.