Speaking at the ai-Pulse conference in Paris, France's Secretary of State for AI and Digital Affairs Clara Chappaz outlined her country's vision for becoming Europe's AI powerhouse while championing a distinctive approach to artificial intelligence development that balances innovation with ethical considerations.
Chappaz's vision positions France as a bridge between Silicon Valley's purely market-driven approach and China's state-controlled model. This "third way" emphasizes ethical development, environmental sustainability, and broad access to AI benefits while maintaining strong innovation, she said.
"We're trying to find the best way between promoting innovation and making sure this technology can bring all the potential of progress that we need in healthcare, climate change, and culture," Chappaz explained. "We like to call it the 'third way'" – distinguishing France's approach from those of the United States and China.
Chappaz identified several key factors driving France's emergence as Europe's AI capital. First and foremost is talent: "When you look at AI research teams around the world, there's one nationality you will always find – French people," she noted, crediting the country's exceptional education system, particularly in sciences, and research institutes like École Polytechnique, INRIA, and CNRS.
Infrastructure forms the second pillar of France's AI strategy. Companies like Scaleway are providing the essential computing resources that AI developers need. Crucially, France's nuclear-powered electricity grid offers a significant advantage.
"We have one of the greener energy sources in the world," Chappaz said. "More and more important will be how we feed these models with energy that is green. How do we make sure that we continue fostering the use of this technology without damaging the planet?"
The third element is active government support. France launched its first national AI strategy in 2018, taking a comprehensive approach that includes funding research, providing computing infrastructure, and attracting private investment. The government's commitment is reflected in Chappaz's very title – she is one of the world's first cabinet-level officials specifically focused on AI.
Looking ahead, France will host the International AI Action Summit in February 2024. Unlike the UK's previous AI Safety Summit, Chappaz said that France wants to focus on concrete actions and inclusive development. "We want to bring everyone to the table, not just have a few countries or companies taking advantage of most of the value that AI is bringing to the world," she said.
On regulation, Chappaz acknowledged the challenge of balancing innovation with protection, referencing a recent report warning that Europe risks missing out on the AI revolution. "Europe cannot let its future be in the hands of swing state voters in Pennsylvania, Georgia, and North Carolina," she said. "If we want to be serious about sovereignty, we need to wake up."
While supporting the EU's AI Act, Chappaz cited the need for practical, uniform implementation across Europe. "The last thing we need is having each country within Europe having their own position, and for companies to have to adapt to every country's regulations," she cautioned.
The minister outlined four key ingredients for maintaining Europe's competitive edge in AI:
- Continuing to develop top-tier research and talent
- Building necessary infrastructure
- Ensuring appropriate state support
- Securing adequate financing for long-term projects
As artificial intelligence continues its rapid evolution, Chappaz believes that France's balanced approach – combining strong government support with ethical considerations and environmental consciousness – could provide a template for other nations seeking to develop AI capabilities while maintaining their values and sovereignty.
"This is critical because it's not just a question of economic opportunity," she said. "It's also a question of vision. How do we want to be more independent and make sure the vision we've been building remains as strong as it has been"?"
