A public initiative to accelerate the adoption of AI across the economy
On July 1, 2025, at an event held at Bercy, Clara Chappaz, Minister Delegate for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs, unveiled the “Osez l’IA” program, the government’s brand-new initiative in the field of AI. This announcement marks a pivotal step in the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (SNIA), launched in 2018 by the President of the Republic.
While large corporations began their algorithmic transition several years ago, small and medium-sized enterprises are still lagging behind when it comes to integrating artificial intelligence into their business processes. The “Osez l’IA” initiative therefore aims to accelerate this adoption on a national scale by providing tools, training, and targeted support, with the goal of making AI accessible, practical, and responsible for all economic actors.
Through this initiative, the government aims to strengthen the competitiveness of French companies, promote local innovation, and enhance the country’s technological independence, in an increasingly competitive global landscape in the field of artificial intelligence1.
A plan structured around four pillars of action
The “Osez l’IA” initiative is based on four complementary pillars, designed to address the barriers identified in the field:
- Training and onboarding: Online modules and workshops will be offered to 30,000 leaders of small and medium-sized businesses by 2026.
- Personalized assessments and support: certified consulting firms will assist companies in identifying relevant AI applications.
- Investment support: A budget of 250 million euros has been allocated to co-finance the integration of AI solutions.
- Shared platforms: “AI hubs” will be deployed in each region to provide technical resources (data, models, open-source tools).
The program also relies on the Public Investment Bank (Bpifrance) and the Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CCIs) for local implementation.
Real-world use cases that drive operational performance
The plan aims to promote simple applications that offer a high return on investment and are tailored to the specific needs of each sector. Among the targeted use cases:
- Retail: product recommendations and sales forecasts.
- Logistics: optimizing inventory and delivery routes.
- Industry: predictive maintenance and automated quality control.
- Services: Automated responses to customer inquiries via AI-powered chatbots.
According to France Stratégie, companies that have adopted at least one AI application report an average 18% increase in productivity within two years2.
A gradual adoption, but one that remains mixed
Despite the proven benefits, only 28% of French SMEs reported using AI solutions in early 2025, compared to over 50% in Germany or the United States3. This lag is primarily due to a lack of skills, visibility regarding the solutions, and financial resources.
With “Osez l’IA,” the government aims to bridge this digital divide by facilitating access to turnkey AI solutions, supported by a network of public and private partners.
Toward Responsible and Inclusive AI for All Businesses
One of the innovative aspects of the plan is its commitment to ethical and transparent AI. All certified providers will be required to commit to complying with the principles of the upcoming European AI Act regarding transparency, non-discrimination, data protection, and auditability.
Ethical self-assessment tools and practical guides will be made available to help companies adopt AI in a controlled manner. The message is clear: responsible AI builds trust, and thus fosters acceptance.
What will the business of tomorrow look like with AI?
The integration of artificial intelligence into small and medium-sized businesses goes far beyond a simple technological upgrade. It paves the way for a profound transformation of the value chain, from customer relations to logistics, including product design and human resources management.
The company of tomorrow will be able to leverage predictive tools to anticipate market trends, automate certain repetitive tasks, and refocus employees on high-value-added tasks. It will also be able to tailor its offerings with greater precision and become more resilient through continuous data analysis.
A momentum to sustain for a more competitive economy
The “Dare to Embrace AI” initiative represents a key milestone in France’s strategy to make artificial intelligence more accessible. By focusing on technological inclusion, training, and localized support, it addresses the main barriers to adoption.
However, this initiative will only bear fruit if it is followed by sustained engagement from industries, regions, and innovation stakeholders. The digital transformation of French companies will depend on their ability to experiment, collaborate, and collectively build expertise in AI. In this sense, “Osez l’IA” is not an end in itself, but a beginning.
References
1. Ministry of the Economy. (2025). Launch of the “Osez l’IA” program for businesses.
http://www.economie.gouv.fr/osez-ia
2. France Stratégie. (2024). AI and Productivity in French SMEs.
http://www.strategie.gouv.fr/publications/ia-et-pme
3. McKinsey & Company. (2024). State of AI in Europe.
http://www.mckinsey.com/ai-europe-2024
