AI Implementation Challenges and Strategies in Dutch Organizations
Amsterdam, Wednesday, 22 October 2025.
Recent insights reveal only 12% of Dutch organizations extensively apply AI, highlighting challenges such as integrating with legacy systems and gaining organizational buy-in. Strategic planning is key for success.
Current State of AI in Dutch Organizations
As of 2025, only 12% of Dutch organizations have moved beyond pilot stages to extensive AI application, a figure that is double the rate found in neighboring Belgium. Despite AI’s potential for innovation and efficiency, many companies remain entrenched in experimental phases, largely due to challenges such as the integration of AI with existing legacy systems, which 33% of organizations identify as a significant hurdle [1].
Challenges in AI Implementation
The journey toward successful AI integration is fraught with obstacles. Key among these is the shortage of data scientists and AI specialists, which hampers the realization of AI ambitions and results in isolated, non-structural experiments. Furthermore, a lack of clear governance and organizational buy-in often relegates AI initiatives to the IT department alone, creating compliance risks and inefficiencies. Additionally, 38% of organizations cite a lack of transparency in AI operations as a source of distrust, underscoring the need for clearer communication and trust-building measures [1].
Strategic Approaches to Overcome Barriers
One of the strategies gaining traction is the BDO Digital AI workshop, designed to demystify AI through plain language explanations and interactive sessions that identify concrete opportunities within organizations. This approach not only boosts internal awareness and buy-in but also results in a prioritized list of feasible AI ideas and a concrete action plan for implementation. Workshops like these are critical in bridging the knowledge gap and aligning AI projects with broader organizational goals [1].
The Role of EU Policies and Initiatives
The European Union’s AI strategy emphasizes excellence and trust, aiming to position Europe as a global leader in human-centric AI. The European AI Act introduces a risk-based framework to ensure AI applications are safe and trustworthy. Moreover, the recent AI Continent Action Plan, launched in April 2025, seeks to enhance competitiveness while safeguarding democratic values, reflecting a comprehensive approach to fostering AI innovation across member states [2].