France is actively promoting itself as a center for artificial intelligence in Europe, supporting the technology’s rapid growth and increasing popularity.
“I think we are number one [in AI] in continental Europe, and we have to accelerate,” French President Emmanuel Macron told CNBC’s Karen Tso last week.
Many countries are striving to become AI centers due to its perceived revolutionary impact and strategic importance to governments globally. AI is expected to affect various industries, including finance and healthcare, but is also entangled in the overarching technology rivalry between China and the U.S.
The buzz surrounding AI has been attributed in part to the popularity of OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbot.
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The phrase “AI” was widely discussed at France’s annual technology conference Viva Tech, with participation from startups, established technology firms, and companies from various industries such as cosmetics and banking.
Macron, along with French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire and Digital Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, were present at the event to show support for France’s technology advancement.
“We will invest like crazy on training and research,” Macron told CNBC, adding that France is well-positioned in AI due to its access to talent and start-ups forming around the technology.
