There are many factors involved in presenting the Innovation Champions Award, which was presented by the American Consumer Technology Association (CTA.tech), the organizer of CES 2023. Among other things, the judges look at how governments themselves adopt new technologies or innovative business models.

There must also be a climate that encourages innovation. A wide variety of additional criteria are important in this regard: the speed and cost of broadband internet, the local tax system, environmental standards for technology as well as diversity and gender equality in the workplace and freedom of expression all play a role.

“Belgium has succeeded in combining all those factors,” explained Gary Shapiro, CEO of CTA.tech, during the awards ceremony. “Belgium has implemented policies that fuel innovation and allow entrepreneurs to develop technologies that improve the lives of millions of people.”