Overview
- The Cour des comptes published a 104-page evaluation on November 19 that credits the national AI strategy with creating a real dynamic since 2018 and placing France at the front of the European pack, including in generative AI.
- The report highlights measurable gains in research and talent, citing more than 4,000 AI researchers, a rise from 13th to 5th in the Global AI Index within a year, and a doubling of French AI start-ups to over 1,000.
- It notes flagship start-up activity, including Mistral AI’s €1.7 billion raise and roughly €12 billion valuation, alongside increased investment and research efforts by large French companies.
- Despite progress, the court criticizes limited rollout in training, education, and public-sector transformation, and points to modest France 2030 funding of €1.3 billion for 2018–2022 and €1.1 billion for 2023–2025.
- It underscores a gap between President Macron’s €109 billion investment pledge in February and about €26 billion in confirmed projects nine months later, and recommends an ad hoc interministerial secretariat, stronger use of public procurement, improved data access, sovereign storage, and a realistic components strategy.