Belgium – and, by extension, many European countries – does not possess an abundance of natural resources. We cannot rely on oil, gas, or rare metals to fuel our economy. What we do have is knowledge. Our economy runs on ideas, innovation, and expertise. And that is both our vulnerability and our greatest strength.
Today, everyone is talking about artificial intelligence. What can AI do? Which jobs will it change? How can we apply it? Much of the debate centres on “being human”: empathy, creativity, morality. That’s an important part of the story. But in my view, a crucial element is often overlooked: entrepreneurship.
There is no doubt that AI performs repetitive tasks better and faster than humans. Administrative processes, data handling, standard analyses: these are all domains where machines excel. They require little insight, only efficient execution.
We are witnessing a transformation comparable to the leap from horse and cart to the automobile. A fundamental shift that changes how we work and think, but also a reminder: the horse did not disappear; it simply took on a new role. The same will be true for AI: it will take over tasks, but it will never replace the human mind.
Recently, I watched an episode of Topdokters van morgen (“Tomorrow’s Top Doctors”). It showcased the development of an innovative ventilation device, not by a multinational, but by a young student who took the initiative. He combined his medical training with practical experience at the Flemish Red Cross and transformed his knowledge into a concrete product that can save lives, even in conflict zones.
Could AI have come up with this idea? Most likely not. The concept emerged from practice, empathy, and the entrepreneurial instinct to create something no one had thought of before. And that is exactly where our true strength lies.
Taking initiative automatically means seeking freedom and autonomy. It is about having the space to think critically, to apply existing knowledge in new contexts, and to experiment with fresh ideas.
That requires proactivity: starting to build, test, and improve before anyone even asks. It is a form of natural-personal leadership. Strong profiles feel this urge naturally because they want to learn, push boundaries, and explore what lies beyond.
But entrepreneurship can only thrive when the environment supports it. Companies and organisations must make room for independent thinking, creative experimentation, and autonomous action. Only then will they retain top talent and ensure that AI remains a tool, not a replacement.
AI will undoubtedly transform the way we work. But our real strength lies elsewhere: knowledge translated into entrepreneurship and initiative. That requires freedom, creativity, and autonomy … qualities no machine can replicate.
If we continue to provide that space, our knowledge economy can evolve into something that cannot be copied: a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Our greatest export? Not natural resources.But new ideas and applications the world has yet to see. That is where our competitive advantage lies.
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