As businesses around the world increasingly integrate AI into their operations, skills related to this technology have become crucial for workers looking to stay competitive in the job market.
French reluctance to adopt generative artificial intelligence poses significant challenges, both economically and socially. The fear and anxiety expressed by a large number of employees and consumers can indeed hinder the development and integration of these technologies, crucial to maintaining competitiveness in a globalized economy.
The challenges of French reluctance to AI
➤ Economic impact
According to the Kinsey Global InstituteAI could boost the global economy to the tune of $13 trillion by 2030, but for this to happen, broader adoption is needed.
France, however, shows slower adoption compared to other advanced economies. This slow pace could limit economic growth and innovation in the country, reinforcing a cycle of technological backwardness and low productivity. For example, companies that fail to adopt AI risk losing a crucial competitive advantage in industries such as manufacturing, logistics and financial services, where automation and data analysis are gradually becoming the norm ( “ Algorithms, soon to be masters of the world? », by Aurélie Jean, ALT, 2023).
➤ Cultural and educational barriers
This hesitation is partly due to cultural and educational barriers. France strongly values academic excellence and respect for regulated professions, which can lead to distrust of technologies deemed disruptive. Additionally, a lack of training and awareness of AI limits understanding of these technologies, fueling fear of the unknown. Integrating AI education from an early age and into continuing education could help overcome these obstacles.
➤ Social challenge and employment
Fear of job loss due to automation is another critical aspect of AI hesitancy. While AI can create new job opportunities, it can also make some jobs obsolete.
This transition can be particularly difficult in an economy where unemployment rates are already high. It is therefore essential to develop transition strategies for affected workers, by offering retraining and training programs that prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow.
➤ Divergences in adoption between sectors
There are also significant divergences in the adoption of AI across different economic sectors in France. While industries such as information and communications technology are rapidly adopting these tools, other sectors like utilities and agriculture are lagging behind. This disparity can lead to a fragmented economy where some businesses and industries thrive while others stagnate.
These challenges highlight the importance of a national strategy to encourage the adoption of AI, reduce apprehensions and maximize the benefits of these technologies for the French economy and society.
The benefits of adapted individual training
➤ Increased job security
Individuals who are proficient in AI and its applications are more likely to keep their jobs and advance in their careers. For example, roles that require oversight and improvement of AI-based systems are less likely to be automated and require a nuanced understanding of these technologies (“ Practical guide to artificial intelligence in business: anticipating transformations, implementing solutions », by Stéphane Roder, Éditions Eyrolles, 2019).
➤ Higher salary potential
AI skills are among the most sought-after in today’s job market. According to a PwC survey, professionals trained in AI can expect significantly higher salaries due to the growing demand for these specialized skills. Indeed, the study shows that 72% of business leaders consider AI as a “business advantage” (“ AI: fears or opportunities for industrial employment? », by Stéphanie Villers, PwC, 2023).
In this context, AI-trained workers can expect not only better job security, but also higher salaries and more valued career opportunities.
➤ Better flexibility and enhanced adaptability
AI training also allows workers to quickly adapt to changes, move easily from one sector to another, and seize new opportunities as they arise. This is especially valuable in an ever-changing job market, where the ability to learn and adapt can determine long-term success.
According to the World Economic Forum, 83 million jobs are at risk of disappearing by 2027, due to a transfer of tasks between human capabilities and those of machines. However, this transition could also create 97 million new jobs (“ Future of Jobs Report », by Attilio Di Battista, Sam Grayling, Elselot Hasselaar, Till Leopold, Ricky Li, Mark Rayner, and Saadia Zahidi, WEF, 2023).
Continuing AI training allows workers to adapt and prepare for these new roles, reducing the risks of technological unemployment.
➤ Reduced anxiety about automation
Understanding artificial intelligence helps demystify its impact on employment, thus reducing associated fears.
By understanding how machines can support rather than replace human labor, employees are better equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing technological environment.
The need for a national acculturation and training strategy
To respond to these challenges, it is imperative for political decision-makers to develop a national strategy around AI, including professional education and training.
Countries like Finland were pioneers and implemented national initiatives as early as 2019, such as the AI Challenge which aimed to train 1% of the Finnish population in AI, demonstrating a proactive commitment to preparing society for the AI era.
The French reluctance to adopt generative AI, despite its potential benefits, poses significant challenges that require a coordinated response involving awareness-raising, training and innovation support efforts. If not addressed effectively, this reluctance could not only hinder the country’s economic development, but also limit opportunities for French workers in a changing job market.
Faced with an uncertain professional future and the rapid evolution of technologies, individual training in AI is more than an option, it is a strategic necessity for any professional aspiring to remain employable.
By engaging in lifelong learning and adopting a proactive attitude towards AI education, workers can not only secure their professional future, but also open the door to new career opportunities suited to the contemporary world.
In a world where artificial intelligence is rapidly redefining the boundaries between technological and traditional sectors, the need to train in these technologies is emerging as a strategic imperative.
According to a study by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), France stands out for its growing anxiety regarding generative AI. In fact, 31% of French employees express concerns about its use in the professional context, compared to a global average of 15%. This figure positions France as the most pessimistic country on this subject. This reluctance is also observed in daily life, with 48% of French consumers saying they are concerned, compared to 29% globally (“ Consumers Know More About AI Than Business Leaders Think », by Nivedita Balaji, Aparna Bharadwaj, Jessica Apotheker and Megan Moore, BCG, 2024).
