(To be updated) The market for computer services in Belgium was relatively stable in 2002, with a continuing growth rate of 8%. The largest Information Technology (IT) spenders in Belgium are financial and other services sectors (36%), distribution (16%), public sector (15%), utilities (7%), chemical industry and transport sector (each 6%), manufacturing and steel (each 5%) and construction (3%). Public sector spending grew during 2002 and beyond, due to the implementation of e-government projects at all levels of the Belgian government. IT-departments buy less computer systems, but are looking for more global solutions.

There are more than 4,000 IT services companies and an additional 4,000 independent IT specialists active in the Belgian market. While most of these are small enterprises, 40% of the IT services market is controlled by medium and large-sized companies. Program delivery and systems integration are by far the most important activities of these firms. IBM Belgium, Econocom Group, Systemat, Banksys, PWC Consulting, Dolmen Computer Applications, EDS Belgium, Getronics Belgium, Unisys Belgium and Siemens Business Systems are the top players in the Belgian IT services market. Their market share is approximately 25% of the total IT market.

According to Insea, the Belgian Software and Services Industry Association, expenditures on project services, the largest segment in IT services, will continue to be the largest item in IT spending. It is expected to grow, rising at an annual average rate of 13.5 % to $2.70 billion in 2004. There is a trend in favor of fixed-sum contracts which is expected to become more marked. Another important trend is the resolute choice of IT managers for web-centered activities. Due to the many company mergers, investments in activities centered on "enterprise application integration" are growing in significance.

It is estimated that 44% of Belgians currently have access to the Internet, either at home or in the office. Approximately 730,000 Belgian surfers (36%) have already made an online purchase. In 2000, the e-commerce market in Belgium was worth $487.8 million and it is expected to grow to $13.8 billion by 2004. This growth will come predominantly from the Internet-savvy SME’s (Small and Medium-Size Enterprises) market. This business sector represents 73% of the country’s total employment and 66% of turnover. At the beginning of 2000, some 81% of small and 84% of mid-sized companies in Belgium were connected to the Internet. Furthermore, 22% of small companies and 28% of mid-sized companies in Belgium are considering hiring an ASP (Application Service Provider) in the next 18 months.

Source: Materials derived in part or whole by Eastern Michigan University and/or the US Department of Commerce Commercial Service and the Information Communications Technology Team.