The End of an Era: Digital Transformation is Yielding to Artificial Intelligence
In a significant shift within the tech landscape, the traditional dominance of digital technology is giving way to the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI). The newly established National Committee for AI and Digital Technologies (CIAN) marks this transition, stepping in as the successor to the previous National Digital Council (CNNuM). This reorganization comes amidst unprecedented technological and geopolitical changes shaping the modern world.
Officially announced through a formal statement by Clara Chappaz, Minister Delegate for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs, the creation of the CIAN signals a strategic overhaul. In her remarks, she emphasized that “the CIAN embodies a new chapter in our approach to technological governance,” solidifying its role in steering national policies in the realm of AI and digital innovation.
While the core mission of the CIAN remains aligned with its predecessor’s goal—“to inform public decision-making based on concrete expertise”—there are notable changes in its organizational structure. Unlike the previous council, which had 21 members, the CIAN’s team is reduced to 14, reflecting a leaner, more focused body. Its members are a blend of qualified specialists and parliamentarians, ensuring a mix of expertise and legislative insight. The specifics regarding the appointment of its members will be detailed once the decree officially establishing the CIAN is published, which, as of now, has yet to occur.
Regarding leadership, two co-presidents have already been appointed: Anne Bouverot, a special envoy for the AI Summit, and Guillaume Poupard, former Director General of the National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI) and now Deputy CEO of Docaposte. Their roles are set, and they will be supported by a dedicated secretariat, which Clara Chappaz described as being linked to the Digital Economy Department within the Directorate General of Enterprises. This administrative support aims to facilitate the committee’s functioning, ensuring efficient coordination and strategic guidance.
This reorganization signifies the end of the journey for the CNNuM, which was established in 2011 during Nicolas Sarkozy’s presidency, under then-Minister of Digital Affairs Éric Besson. Gilles Babinet, a prominent figure in France’s digital scene, initially presided over the council and resumed his leadership role a decade later, serving the current mandate. Under his direction, the CNNuM had seen periods of dormancy, notably not convening in plenary for over two years. The hiatus was largely due to the government’s delays in renewing the council’s mandate, which was officially set to conclude in September 2023.
Amid this stagnation, several initiatives emerged, such as “Cafés IA,” a series of events aimed at raising awareness among French citizens about the challenges and opportunities presented by AI. This campaign was launched at the behest of President Emmanuel Macron to reinvigorate public engagement around AI issues.
The transition from CNNuM to the CIAN also marks a broader strategic realignment towards harnessing AI’s potential while addressing the complex ethical, geopolitical, and technological stakes involved. The departure of the old council, once a cornerstone of France’s digital policy discussions, underscores the evolving priorities of the nation as it faces new global challenges and opportunities brought about by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence.
In this context, the establishment of the CIAN represents a decisive step toward consolidating France’s leadership in AI, ensuring that policymaking keeps pace with technological developments and that national interests are safeguarded in an increasingly interconnected and competitive world.
