Mon Sep 23 15:15:34 UTC 2024: ## France Appoints New AI Secretary, Vows to Lead in Tech

**Paris, France** – France has taken a significant step towards becoming a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) by appointing Clara Chappaz as the new Secretary of State for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies. The former ministry for digital transition and telecommunications has been renamed to reflect the government’s focus on AI.

Chappaz, a 35-year-old veteran of the French tech startup scene, emphasized the need to “guarantee France’s future in tech” and ensure AI becomes a tool for “social inclusion and equality.” She also highlighted the upcoming Paris AI Action Summit in February 2025, which aims to shape global AI governance.

“The AI race is on and we need to keep up with its pace,” Chappaz said during a handover ceremony on Monday.

Her key priorities include training researchers and engineers and building bridges between the economy and research. Chappaz’s appointment is seen as a recognition of the strategic importance of AI.

Julien Jay, communications manager for OVHcloud, a leading French cloud computing company, remarked that the appointment signifies “recognition of the strategic importance of AI.”

The move also marks a shift in the organizational structure of the ministry, with the AI portfolio now falling under the Ministry of Higher Education and Research. Telecommunications, previously part of the digital transition portfolio, will now be managed by the Ministry of Economy.

While experts see the close collaboration between the public, private, and research sectors as positive, there remain logistical challenges in coordinating between national authorities and the European Commission to implement EU and French digital laws.

The new French government, led by Prime Minister Michel Barnier, has signaled its commitment to maintaining the pro-Macron agenda while making concessions to the far-right Rassemblement National. The appointment of Chappaz and the government’s focus on AI are expected to be key components of this agenda.

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