Artificial Intelligence is deeply transforming many sectors in France. Discover in this article how this revolutionary technology will shape the country’s future and what new support programs are now available to accompany this transition.
A national commitment to Artificial Intelligence
Just before the Viva Technology show held at the end of May in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Artificial Intelligence talents to the Élysée Palace to reaffirm the strategic priority of AI in France. A funding of 2.5 billion euros has been allocated as part of the France 2030 plan, underscoring the importance of this technology for the country’s future.
A resounding success for VivaTech 2024
The 8th edition of VivaTech brought together all the French and international players in new technologies, welcoming more than 165,000 visitors and 13,500 startups. This event, which defines itself as “the leading European event for startups and technology”, facilitated business relationships in more than 25 sectors and connected with over 2,000 investors.
A national strategy in two phases
Starting in 2018, thanks to a favorable context, Artificial Intelligence has been at the heart of a national strategy outlined in the France 2030 plan. Here are the two phases that structured this strategy:
- First phase: structure the existing national ecosystem to make France the leading ecosystem for AI in Europe. Today, France has a globally recognized research and technology ecosystem.
- Second phase: spread AI throughout the economy to improve industrial competitiveness and collective well-being, with public funding of 560 million euros dedicated to strengthening institutions of excellence in AI.
Concrete and promising results
President Macron’s latest statements are in line with this second phase. The strategy has already borne fruit by developing a network of interdisciplinary AI institutes, supporting chairs of excellence, and funding doctoral programs. The new directions aim to transform France into an AI powerhouse capable of attracting top talents and securing the necessary infrastructure.
- Announcement of nine laureates from the call for expressions of interest for AI clusters, supported by 360 million euros.
- New programs to enhance state support for AI, including calls for projects for generative AI, programs for evaluating advanced AIs, a European center of expertise in generative AI, and initiatives to adapt cultural sectors to AI technologies.
Key figures for AI in France
Some figures provided by the Ministry of Research and the Presidency illustrate the vitality of AI in France:
- 80 research laboratories are focusing on AI.
- Over 600 startups are working on AI, with a growth of 24% between 2021 and 2023.
- 76 startups dedicated to generative AI (sound, text, video, image).
- 13,500 jobs created in the sector.
- 3.2 billion euros raised in 2022 by AI companies.
Thanks to these initiatives, France has become the leading country in Europe for foreign investment projects in AI and the main host for research and decision-making centers in AI from global leaders.
