During her opening speech at the World AI Cannes Festival (WAICF) 2025, Clara Chappaz, Minister Delegate for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs, highlighted France’s ambitions in this rapidly expanding field. Between massive investments, structuring innovation ecosystems, and a vision of ethical and inclusive AI, France is asserting its technological leadership while consolidating its role in regulation and innovation.
AI as a Driver of Territorial and Economic Transformation
Right from the start of her address, Clara Chappaz emphasized the importance of AI within territories. Contrary to popular belief, AI is no longer limited to major metropolitan areas like Paris but is actively progressing throughout the country. She particularly highlighted the role of Université Côte d’Azur, which has become a center of excellence in AI thanks to state funding of 20 million euros for the development of specialized training programs.
One of the key aspects of this dynamic relies on building appropriate infrastructure. AI, which demands significant computing power, requires modern and efficient data centers. In this regard, the minister welcomed the announcement by Swedish company Evroc, which plans to install a large-scale data center in Mougins. Other similar projects are underway in Nice and Cannes, demonstrating the growing appeal of southern France for technology investors.
Strategic Investments to Accelerate Innovation
AI has become a matter of technological sovereignty. Since 2018, France has invested massively in the field, and this trend is strengthening. Earlier this week, the President announced a budget of 109 million euros to be allocated to building AI-dedicated infrastructure, to ensure an environment conducive to the emergence of high-performance models.
Education is also a major focus of this strategy. Starting in September 2025, mandatory courses on AI will be integrated into school curricula for students aged 9 to 14. The objective is twofold: to raise young people’s awareness of the challenges posed by this technology and to provide them with the necessary tools to use it responsibly. This initiative also aims to support teachers in using AI in their teaching methods.
On the economic front, adopting AI in public services is another priority. A partnership between France Travail and Mistral AI illustrates this commitment: AI will be used to optimize job offer management and improve support for job seekers. The goal is to free up time for staff so they can focus on the human aspect of their mission.
A Balanced Regulatory Framework Between Innovation and Ethics
AI regulation in Europe is generating considerable debate. The minister emphasized the importance of a regulatory framework that ensures both security and innovation. “Regulation is essential for building trust,” she stated, while specifying that Europe should not limit itself to this role. She reminded that competitiveness and innovation must remain at the heart of member states’ concerns.
France advocates for a balanced approach, combining regulatory requirements with support for research and development. This vision has been shared by Ursula von der Leyen and Emmanuel Macron, who wish to position Europe as a leading player in the AI race.
With this in mind, France is actively committed to promoting open source, to make AI advances accessible to a greater number of countries and companies. Open source is a key lever for democratizing access to technologies and fostering equitable AI development on a global scale.
AI: An Opportunity and a Societal Challenge
Clara Chappaz also addressed a central question: AI’s impact on society. She sought to deconstruct fears related to this technology, often perceived as a threat to employment and privacy. According to her, AI should not be seen as a factor replacing humans, but as a tool for optimization and improvement of working conditions.
However, she acknowledged concerns related to data manipulation and disinformation risks. To address these challenges, France is emphasizing transparency and understanding of AI mechanisms. Clear and inclusive governance is necessary to ensure responsible and ethical use of these tools. The minister emphasized the role of companies in this transformation. Startups and large enterprises must commit to developing AI solutions that respect European values and focus on the public interest. AI can thus play a decisive role in key areas such as health, education, and ecological transition.
France: A Key Player in International Dialogue on AI
One of the major aspects of the AI Summit 2025 was the international dimension of the discussions. More than 60 countries gathered in Paris to debate AI challenges, demonstrating France’s central position in this global dynamic. Clara Chappaz recalled that AI should not be a privilege reserved for technologically advanced countries, but an opportunity shared by all.
In this context, France wishes to strengthen international collaborations to promote inclusive AI that benefits the entire global population. The minister particularly emphasized the importance of cooperation in research and innovation, stressing that only a collective approach will maximize AI’s potential.
The objective is to build a global framework that promotes both innovation and citizen protection. To achieve this, France will continue to play a driving role in defining international standards and implementing policies that foster ethical and responsible AI development.
A Promising Future for AI in France and Europe
Clara Chappaz’s speech at WAICF 2025 clearly affirmed France’s determination to establish itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence. Through massive investments, an ambitious education policy, and a balanced vision between regulation and innovation, France is positioning itself as a key player in global digital transformation. AI represents a tremendous lever for growth and societal improvement, provided it is managed responsibly. France intends to meet this challenge by emphasizing transparency, accessibility, and international cooperation. As the AI race intensifies, the country is giving itself the means to remain at the forefront while ensuring that this technological revolution benefits everyone.
