CEO's Blog - Opening up the data market: it takes (too much) time, but it pays off 

Just over a year ago, I joined Flanders Technology & Innovation with a bold mission: to spark innovation by unlocking distributed data for AI – not just for progress, but for the greater good.

In practice, that means turning vision into action: launching real-world use cases, breaking down barriers, making data flow where it can, and safeguarding it where it must, in close partnership with startups, scale-ups, companies, and governments.

One year in: the view from the trenches

This past year confirmed what I already knew as an entrepreneur: if you want to do something new, prepare for an uphill battle. The technology exists. The entrepreneurs are there. The willingness to collaborate is growing. But anyone trying to build ecosystems around data will run into silos and risk aversion; especially when it involves sensitive or personal data.

You can’t break into a market that doesn’t exist. You have to create it and that takes time. The path taken by Collibra, Belgium’s first unicorn, illustrates this well. They helped shape the market around data governance. In the beginning, it took relentless effort and repetition to gain traction. Success stories rarely appear out of nowhere.  

We are pushing further: making data collaboration possible across sectors. Our playing field today is even more complex: with more actors and stricter regulations.

From idea to action: lighting the fuse

The need for collaboration is greater than ever. Europe aims for more independence and needs to fast-track its data economy. So, we can’t afford to keep talking until everyone is ready. We believe in data collaborations that are built around data products – but to truly prove the value of AI through data sharing, the market expects concrete use cases. That’s why we actively co-create solutions across different sectors, acting both as catalyst and connector. We light the fuse and see who’s ready to ignite alongside us.

We don’t do this alone, but together with FTI Community members, through a process of ideation and co-creation that leads to a market-ready product.

Elli is our first use case – a toolset composed of wellbeing apps for the employee, actual wellbeing journeys offered by the Elli partners and a digital tool that acts like a virtual coach for HR managers, helping them design and improve workplace well-being programs using data insights. Just like a running app supports individuals in reaching their goals, Elli offers insights and practical guidance to help companies make well-being initiatives measurable and actionable – moving from intuition to a more informed HR strategy. The need is urgent: in 2023, the number of people on long-term sick leave in Belgium rose by 9.37% (Riziv). Organizations want to take action but often lack the right insights. Elli shows how smart data and collaboration can break that deadlock.

🥁Drumroll...in September, we’ll officially launch Elli on the market together with Golazo Energy. A preview of what data collaboration can deliver – and, quietly, a milestone in my first year at FTI.

Towards traffic flow optimization and disaster impact assessment

With Elli paving the way, we’re now exploring how similar data-driven approaches can address challenges in other sectors – from traffic flow optimization to disaster impact assessment.

Together with various partners, we explore new use cases. For example, predicting the impact of future natural disasters using digital twins, historical weather data, and risk models. Useful for insurers – but even more for Flanders as a whole.

Or another avenue: developing mobility models around economic hubs such as the Port of Antwerp and Brussels Airport.

Looking ahead: building what’s next

Keen to be part of this journey? Let me know. We’re always looking for motivated partners to join the ride.  

We’re rolling up our sleeves – together with the FTI Community, companies, knowledge institutions, and policymakers who are willing to think beyond the obvious. Because those who invest today in smart collaboration around AI and data are laying the foundation for tomorrow’s competitive edge and innovation.

After one year, I see more clearly than ever why this work is necessary and how much potential still lies ahead. I feel the urgency, but also the optimism. If enough of us join forces, Flanders can truly become a leader in smart, human-centered innovation.

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