Flanders is strongly focusing on AI as a driver for sustainable innovation in the construction and energy sectors.
Genk, 12 June 2025 – Flanders is making a clear choice for artificial intelligence (AI) as the driving force behind the transformation of its construction and energy sectors. While pioneering companies are already benefiting from smart applications, many others still face the challenge of successfully implementing AI. The partners of the European Digital Innovation Hub – Energy in the Built Environment (EDIH-EBE) are organizing an event today at Thor Park in Genk, together with VLAIO and Buildwise, where leading voices from EnergyVille, Buildwise, Embuild, Flux50, and VLAIO will share their insights on how Flanders can harness the opportunities of AI and what challenges still need to be overcome.
AI as a game changer for the energy and construction sector
AI technology offers unprecedented opportunities for both sectors. In the energy sector, AI has proven essential for managing complex, decentralized networks and integrating renewable energy sources. Advanced algorithms can predict and optimize energy consumption down to the level of individual buildings.
In the construction sector, digital twins and automated processes not only accelerate projects but also improve quality and safety, while autonomous machines help address shortage of personnel.
Flanders in European perspective
Flanders has strong research centers and innovative companies that are internationally recognized in the fields of digital twins and energy optimization. However, there is a need for greater collaboration between companies, knowledge institutions, and the government to bring the developed technologies more quickly to market and to strengthen the leading position in Europe.
Challenges: from data to cultural change
One of the biggest obstacles is the availability of standardized, high-quality data. Without accessible datasets, many AI applications remain stuck in the experimental phase. In addition, organizational and cultural factors play a role. The construction sector, traditionally somewhat conservative, faces a particular challenge where successful implementation requires not only technological investments but, also, a change in mindset.
For SMEs, the high initial investments and lack of specialized personnel pose additional barriers, even though they could greatly benefit from AI solutions for process optimization or predictive maintenance.
Support and Ethics
Government support through financial incentives, pilot projects, and training programs can make a difference. At the same time, experts emphasize the importance of ethical frameworks around data usage, transparency, and responsible innovation. AI development should be not only technologically advanced but also socially responsible.
Successful EDIH-approach Gets a Flemish relaunch
The EDIH-EBE has proven that a targeted approach for digitalization in the construction and energy sectors works. Thanks to concrete results and positive feedback from the field, the partners are working with the consortia of the other Flemish EDIHs on a relaunch that bundles the most successful activities into one powerful Flemish AI EDIH. This new hub expands into three crucial domains: construction, energy, and industry. With both European and Flemish funding, governments, knowledge institutions, and companies are joining forces to further accelerate AI innovation. This collaboration strengthens Flanders’ position as a European innovation leader and ensures an even greater impact for companies.
About EDIH-EBE
European Digital Innovation Hub – Energy in the built Environment (EDIH EBE) project no. 101083326. Funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Digital Europe Program. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. The project receives additional support from the city of Genk, the province of Limburg, the climate company Nuhma and the implementing project partners. The offered services are subject to the de-minimis legislation on state aid.