According to research by Dataiku, the platform for "Everyday AI," Dutch companies are leading the way in using data and AI compared to other EMEA countries. The survey, conducted in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and the UAE, was conducted among more than 700 senior decision-makers from companies actively using established data science platforms to build and maintain AI models.
Across EMEA, an increasing trend of non-technical users working with data and AI to make critical business decisions was seen, with 47 percent of organizations reporting that their non-technical users have full access to these data and AI capabilities. In the Netherlands, companies appear to be at the forefront of this trend, with 54 percent of organizations indicating that their non-technical users have full access to data and AI. In addition, 84 percent of EMEA companies say they use no-code and low-code platforms to achieve AI goals. Dutch companies also score slightly higher on this with a score of 87 percent.
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The vast majority of Dutch organizations (89 percent) say they are taking full advantage of the potential of AI. In this, the Netherlands scores a good 10 percent higher than the EMEA average of 79 percent. In addition, 30 percent of Dutch companies say they invest a majority of their tech budget (51-75 percent) in AI. The EMEA average is 26 percent.
It also emerges that AI is seen by Dutch companies as an opportunity to drive growth and not just a way to cut costs. Asked about the reason for getting started with AI, Dutch companies replied: To accelerate business growth (58 percent), to stay ahead of the competition (33 percent) and to cut costs (8 percent). Compared to EMEA averages of 50, 36 and 13 percent, respectively.
Asked what business goals AI is being used for, Dutch companies cited innovation (65 percent), increased revenue (54 percent) and saving time (46 percent) as the top three. Across EMEA, the most important business goals were innovation (59 percent), cost savings (49 percent) and higher revenue (48 percent).
European AI Act
The survey also examined how companies view the upcoming European AI Act. This regulation will require any company introducing an AI system as a service or product into the European market to conduct a risk assessment to identify the risks associated with all AI systems within the organization. This includes all risks related to data quality, transparency, human oversight and accountability.
While there has been criticism of the potential impact of the EU AI Act and its effect on AI innovation, the survey found that nearly 80 percent of Dutch respondents believe the law would not hinder innovation, but rather will create new opportunities.
The survey also revealed that Dutch organizations are well prepared for the new law. For example, 74 percent say they are fully aware of the new requirements the law will bring, compared to the EMEA average of 68 percent.
