François de Canson: 'A combat dynamic for Artificial Intelligence in the Région Sud'
On February 14, following the AI Action Summit held in Paris at the initiative of the President of the Republic, the...
COMBAT DYNAMIC The Minister of Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, Forest, Sea and Fisheries visited the Naval Group site for discussions focused on the role of AI at sea. AI is a strategic and major challenge for business competitiveness, since only 19% of French companies currently use AI, whereas the Union européenne aims to increase this figure to 75% by 2030. or China, France must accelerate to remain competitive.
A theme to which François de Canson, vice-president of the Région in charge of attractiveness, is sensitive. Participating in the ministerial visit, he recalled the Région's commitment to this global battle: 'We are driving a combat dynamic for Artificial Intelligence in the région Sud. Thanks to its geographical positioning and its defense/sea status, our region has an ecosystem at the cutting edge of embedded Artificial Intelligence.'
The visit of the Minister of Ecological Transition to the Naval Group premises in Ollioules is a strong signal for our territory. Today, the question is no longer whether we are for or against AI, but rather how to adapt to the wave that is sweeping over us and that will impact the way we operate. AI in the région Sud represents 500 researchers in 42 teams dedicated to AI, 14 laboratories, and world leaders including IBM's AI Lab, Accenture's generative AI center, and SAP Labs France's customer experience center.'
MASSIVE INVESTMENTS François de Canson continues: 'These massive investments prove the effectiveness of the action of the Région Sud, risingSUD, and their partners in identifying, convincing, and supporting strategic AI projects for the regional territory by highlighting its assets and creating development opportunities.' At the heart of the Méditerranée, the région Sud is a strategic gateway to Afrique, the Moyen-Orient, and Asie, with world-class infrastructure.
Marseille is today the 6th global Internet hub, now ahead of Hong-Kong in the Telegeography ranking. 99% of Internet traffic thus passes through the 18 submarine cables connecting the Phocaean city to 57 countries and more than 5 billion users. Thus, regarding the development of internal uses for the administration, the Région is far ahead of all public players and many companies.
Furthermore, as of December 15, 2023, the Région made a point of integrating climate issues into digital development by giving priority support to the solutions that consume the least energy, promoting sustainable technologies, and seeking to implement actions to reduce the carbon footprint, as is the case, for example, with the future Digital Realty data center in Marseille. Its River Cooling system is 30 times more energy-efficient than a conventional cooling solution. • Facing countries like the États-Unis, Inde 6 new cables are soon to connect Marseille to Amérique du Sud and strengthen its exchanges with Afrique and Inde.
The vice-president of the Région added: 'With President Muselier, we have adopted an ambitious plan of €70 million for the development of AI over 5 years (2024-2028). This plan has 3 priorities. Indeed, the Région Sud wishes to position itself as the leader in AI. It is already recognized by Microsoft as the most advanced region in Europe.'
We are determined to leave no one behind and to ensure that everyone can benefit from AI.'
Photos Philippe OLIVIER.