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 the Digital Economy, unveiled the “Osez l’AI” program, the government’s latest AI initiative. This announcement marks a key milestone in the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (SNIA), launched in 2018 by the President of the Republic.
While major corporations began their transition to algorithms several years ago, small and medium-sized businesses 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 French government aims to boost the competitiveness of French companies, encourage local innovation, and increase the country’s technological independence, amid growing global competition in the field of artificial intelligence.1.
A plan structured around four pillars of action
The “Osez l’IA” initiative is based on four complementary pillars, designed to address the challenges identified in the field:
- Training and onboarding: online modules and workshops will be offered to 30,000 microbusiness and SME managers by 2026.
- Customized diagnostics and support: accredited consulting firms will help companies identify relevant applications of AI.
- 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 established 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.
Specific use cases to improve operational performance
The plan aims to promote simple, high-return applications tailored to the specific needs of each sector. Examples include
- Retail: product recommendations and sales forecasts.
- Logistics: optimizing inventories and delivery routes.
- Industry: predictive maintenance and automated quality control.
- Services: automated responses to customer inquiries via AI assistants.
According to France Stratégie, companies that have implemented at least one AI application report an average 18% increase in productivity within two years2.
Gradual adoption, but still mixed
Despite the proven benefits, only 28% of French SMEs reported using AI solutions at the start of 2025, compared with more than 50% in Germany or the United States3. This delay is notably linked to a lack of skills, visibility regarding solutions, and financial resources.
Through the "Osez l’IA" initiative, the government aims to bridge this technological 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 designated service providers will be required to commit to upholding the principles of the future European AI Act, including transparency, non-discrimination, data protection, and auditability.
Ethical self-assessment tools and practical guides will be made available to help companies implement AI in a controlled manner. The message is clear: responsible AI builds trust, and therefore customer loyalty.
What will the company of tomorrow look like with AI?
The integration of artificial intelligence into small and medium-sized businesses goes far beyond simple technological modernization. It paves the way for a profound transformation of the value chain, from customer relations and logistics to product design and human resources management.
The company of tomorrow will be able to rely on predictive tools to anticipate market trends, automate certain repetitive tasks, and redirect employees toward high-value-added tasks. It will also be able to tailor its offerings with greater precision and become more resilient through the continuous analysis of its data.
A long-term strategy for a more competitive economy
The “Dare AI” plan is a milestone in France’s strategy to make artificial intelligence accessible to everyone. By focusing on technological inclusion, training, and local support, it tackles the main barriers to adoption.
But this momentum can only bear fruit if it is followed by the sustained mobilization of industries, regions, and innovation stakeholders. The digital transformation of French companies will depend on their ability to experiment, collaborate, and train collectively in AI. In this regard, “Osez l’IA” is not an end, but a beginning.
References
1. Ministry of the Economy. (2025). Launch of the “Dare AI” 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
