We are not always aware of it, but artificial intelligence (AI) is gradually penetrating all areas of our lives and our economy. How should we deal with it? Five Flemish universities and 6 Flemish research institutes - KU Leuven, Universiteit Antwerpen, Universiteit Gent, Universiteit Hasselt, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Flanders Make, Sirris, VIB, VITO, ILVO and imec - form a consortium for strategic basic research in AI. The Flemish AI Research Programme is funded by the Department of Economy, Science and Innovation. It is part of a broader policy agenda that also stimulates the use of AI by businesses and organisations, and that focuses on awareness, training and ethical framing.