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Artificial Intelligence in France: A Dynamic Research Landscape with a European Focus
France’s AI ecosystem is well-developed, supported by both national and European initiatives. The recent AI Action Summit in Paris highlighted the urgency of sharing a vision for a sustainable and inclusive AI and taking action within a European framework.
The recent AI Actions Summit and the AI, Science Society conference, have provided a unique opportunity to assess the state of artificial intelligence (AI) research in France. These events highlight the importance of a European approach to AI research, fostering stronger ties with centers of excellence.
France has established itself as a key player in AI thanks to a rich research ecosystem supported by both national and European initiatives. In a world where AI is a driver of innovation and competitiveness, collaboration with other European countries is essential to ensure an inclusive and ethical approach.
Major AI Research Structures in France
Interdisciplinary Institutes of Artificial Intelligence (3IA)
Launched in 2019 as part of the national AI strategy, the establishment of Interdisciplinary Institutes of Artificial Intelligence (3IA) aims to position France at the forefront of global research. Four institutes have been created:
- 3IA Côte d'Azur (Nice): Focused on healthcare and territorial development.
- ANITI (Artificial and Natural Intelligence Toulouse Institute) (Toulouse): Concentrated on transport, environment, and healthcare.
- MIAI@Grenoble-Alpes (Grenoble): Specializing in healthcare, environment, and energy.
- PRAIRIE (PaRis Artificial Intelligence Research InstitutE) (Paris): Focused on healthcare, transport, and environment.
These institutes promote an interdisciplinary approach, combining fundamental research and industrial applications.
AI Priority Research and Equipment Program (PEPR)
Launched in March 2024 under the France 2030 plan, the PEPR AI aims to structure research communities around major scientific challenges and foster breakthrough technologies. With a budget of €73 million over six years, it mobilizes around fifty French research teams.
Saclay-IA Platform
Université Paris-Saclay has established the Saclay-IA platform to equip the scientific community and the industrial ecosystem in Île-de-France with advanced computing resources, essential for AI research and deep learning. This initiative aims to enhance international competitiveness by providing material and software resources tailored to the specific needs of AI algorithms.
Inria: A Key AI Research Player
The National Institute for Research in Computer Science and Automation (Inria) is a cornerstone of AI research in France. As the coordinator of the National AI Research Program, it plays a central role in talent development, specialized training, and cutting-edge research support. Inria is also involved in international partnerships, particularly with Germany and other European countries.
CNRS : Central role in a multidiscplinary approach
Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), which plays a central role in fundamental and applied AI research across multiple disciplines. CNRS collaborates with universities, industry, and international partners to advance AI technologies and applications.
Hi! PARIS: An Interdisciplinary Approach
Founded in 2020 by HEC Paris and the Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Hi! PARIS is a research center dedicated to AI and data analytics. It promotes education, research, and innovation in these fields, with a strong focus on business and societal applications.
European Cooperation: A Strategic Necessity
Artificial intelligence is a field where the unification of European efforts is crucial to ensure competitive and ethical research. In this context, cooperation with Ireland and other European partners is essential.
Collaboration with Ireland
Ireland has a dynamic AI research ecosystem, driven by leading centers of excellence such as Insight, ADAPT, and CeADAR. Insight, Ireland’s largest data analytics research center, focuses on AI, machine learning, and big data, with applications in sectors like healthcare, finance, and smart cities. ADAPT specializes in digital content technologies, human-centric AI, and ethical AI, addressing challenges related to language processing, personalization, and AI governance. CeADAR, Ireland’s national center for applied AI, plays a crucial role in bridging research and industry, supporting companies in adopting AI-driven solutions. These research hubs, along with strong government and European support, position Ireland as a key player in AI innovation and responsible AI development.
This strong AI research ecosystem in Ireland complements France’s expertise in AI, creating opportunities for deeper collaboration between the two countries. France’s focus on AI governance, trustworthy AI, and large-scale European AI initiatives aligns well with Ireland’s strengths in applied AI, data analytics, and digital content technologies. The synergy between Irish research centers like Insight, ADAPT, and CeADAR and leading French institutions can foster joint projects in AI ethics, cybersecurity, and industry-driven AI applications. Strengthening Franco-Irish cooperation in AI will not only enhance innovation but also contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive European AI landscape.
Horizon Europe: A Lever for AI Cooperation
The European Union actively supports AI research through funding programs and initiatives designed to advance AI capabilities across Europe. Horizon Europe is the EU’s flagship research and innovation program, offering significant funding for AI projects under its Digital, Industry, and Space cluster. Additionally, the Digital Europe Programme provides resources to develop AI testing and experimentation facilities, while the European Innovation Council (EIC) supports AI startups and breakthrough innovations. Upcoming AI-related calls for proposals in 2025 will focus on trustworthy AI, AI-driven sustainability, and industrial AI applications, fostering stronger collaboration between European research institutions and industry leaders.
Several AI-related calls for projects are planned for 2025 to strengthen European AI cooperation:
Conclusion
France boasts a robust network of AI research structures, supported by ambitious national initiatives and strategic European collaborations. Events such as the AI Actions Summit and the AI, Science Society conference reinforce this dynamic by providing platforms for discussion and reflection on the future of AI in Europe.
Cooperation with European partners is essential to ensuring ethical, innovative, and competitive AI. With funding tools such as Horizon Europe, France and its partners have the opportunity to develop cutting-edge technologies that will benefit the entire continent.
Interested in connecting with the French ecosystem and/or developing a project within a European framework?
Feel free to contact me: Jean-Michel Portefaix, Jean-Michel.Portefaix@expertisefrance.fr
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