Countries

Switzerland is renowned for its sophisticated and inclusive approach to governance. The country’s framework is built upon democratic principles that prioritise multistakeholder participation, transparency, and protection of fundamental rights. This approach also extends to the governance of the internet; at a national level, Switzerland follows these three principles when developing and implementing governance frameworks that relate to the internet; at an international level, the country is a strong promoter of Internet governance approaches that are balanced, inclusive, and respects the diverse interests of all stakeholders involved.

Key Principles

Switzerland ensures that various stakeholders, including government bodies, private sector entities, civil society organisations, academic institutions, and technical communities are involved in the decision-making processes. This inclusive approach fosters diverse perspectives and solutions. Regular dialogues and consultations are held among stakeholders to address internet related challenges, ensuring that policies are well rounded and representative of different interests.

Switzerland promotes transparency by keeping stakeholders informed about the processes, decisions, and implementations of internet policies. Public consultations and forums are frequently organised to discuss policy proposals and their implications; the Swiss Internet Governance Forum is one example. Mechanisms hold governing bodies accountable for their actions and decisions. Regular audits, reports, and reviews are conducted to ensure adherence to established policies and principles.

The country places a strong emphasis on protecting fundamental rights, including data protection and freedom of expression. Switzerland has stringent data protection laws, including the Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP), which regulates the processing of personal data and ensures privacy rights of individuals. Policies and regulations are designed to protect freedom of expression online while balancing the need to prevent misuse of the internet for harmful activities.

Initiatives are in place to ensure that all citizens, regardless of socio-economic status, have access to digital technologies and the internet. Programmes to enhance digital literacy and provide affordable internet access are prioritised. Efforts are made to ensure that digital services are accessible to people with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity in the digital space.

Switzerland provides a supportive environment for startups and tech companies through funding, tax incentives, and a robust legal framework that encourages innovation. Investments in research and development are made to keep pace with technological advancements and to promote the development of cutting-edge digital solutions.

Key Institutions

Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM)

The Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) is the primary regulatory authority overseeing telecommunications, broadcasting, and postal services in Switzerland. Established under the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy, and Communications (DETEC), OFCOM’s mandate includes implementing federal policies, managing the radio spectrum, and ensuring compliance with telecommunications regulations.

OFCOM ensures fair competition in the telecommunications market, protecting consumer interests by addressing complaints and resolving disputes. It plays a pivotal role in licensing and regulating service providers, and overseeing the efficient use of communication resources. OFCOM also works on developing strategies and frameworks to enhance the country’s digital infrastructure and services, contributing to Switzerland’s reputation as a leader in digital innovation.

Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC)

The Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC) is the independent authority responsible for overseeing personal data protection in Switzerland. The FDPIC ensures compliance with the Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP) and monitors the application of data protection regulations across public and private sectors.The FDPIC’s responsibilities include advising individuals and organisations on data protection issues, investigating complaints related to data privacy violations, and conducting audits to ensure compliance with data protection laws. The commissioner also plays an educational role, raising awareness about data protection rights and best practices among the general public and businesses. The FDPIC collaborates with international data protection authorities to align Swiss data protection standards with global best practices and regulations, including the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

International Engagement

Switzerland actively engages in international forums and organisations to contribute to global internet governance processes and align its policies with international standards. Switzerland participates in the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), sharing its experiences and best practices in internet policies, and advocating for a multistakeholder approach and the protection of fundamental rights at the global level.

As a member of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Switzerland collaborates on the development of global telecommunication standards and policies. Switzerland actively participates in ITU conferences and working groups, contributing to the formulation of international telecommunication regulations. Switzerland is also an active contributor to a wide range of intergovernmental organisations dealing with various internet-related policy issues, from the WTO to WIPO, and from CSTD to UNESCO.

Although not an EU member, Switzerland aligns its internet-related policies with EU initiatives to ensure harmonisation of standards and regulations. Switzerland cooperates with EU countries on digital policy issues, cybersecurity measures, and data protection regulations.

Switzerland has implemented a comprehensive set of digital strategies aimed at fostering innovation, ensuring digital inclusion, and maintaining its competitive edge in the global digital economy. These strategies are designed to address various aspects of digital transformation, including infrastructure development, e-government, cybersecurity, data protection, and fostering a digitally literate society.

Digital Switzerland Strategy

The Digital Switzerland Strategy serves as a key framework for the country’s digital transformation efforts. Launched by the Federal Council, this strategy outlines the vision and priorities for leveraging digital technologies to drive economic growth, enhance societal well-being, and ensure sustainable development.

Key objectives of the Digital Switzerland Strategy include:

1. Digital infrastructure: Ensuring the availability of high-quality, high-speed digital infrastructure across the country to support economic activities and social inclusion.
2. E-Government: Promoting the digitalisation of public services to enhance efficiency, accessibility, and transparency. This includes the development of user-friendly e-government services for citizens and businesses.
3. Digital skills and education: Enhancing digital literacy and skills among the population to ensure that everyone can participate in the digital economy. This involves integrating digital education into the school curriculum and offering lifelong learning opportunities.
4. Innovation and competitiveness: Creating a conducive environment for innovation by supporting startups and tech companies through funding, tax incentives, and regulatory support.
5. Cybersecurity: Strengthening cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure, businesses, and citizens from cyberthreats. This includes establishing robust cybersecurity frameworks and promoting collaboration among stakeholders.
6. Data protection and privacy: Ensuring the protection of personal data and privacy through comprehensive data protection laws and regulations that align with international standards.
7. Sustainable development: Integrating digital strategies with sustainable development goals to ensure that digital transformation contributes to environmental sustainability and social equity.

E-Government Strategy Switzerland

The E-Government Strategy Switzerland (Digital Public Services Switzerland strategy for 2024-2027) aims to digitise public administration services, making them more accessible, efficient, and transparent. 

Key components of the E-Government Strategy include:

1. Online services: Expanding the range of available online public services, including tax filing, business registration, and access to public records.
2. Interoperability: Ensuring that different government systems and services are interoperable, allowing for seamless data exchange and collaboration across various public administration levels.
3. Citizen engagement: Promoting citizen participation in the development and improvement of e-government services through feedback mechanisms and public consultations.

Data security: Implementing robust data security measures to protect sensitive information and ensure the integrity of digital public services.

The country’s cybersecurity strategy is comprehensive and involves multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector entities, and the civil society. Switzerland places a strong emphasis on international cooperation, ensuring that its cybersecurity measures are aligned with global standards and best practices.

Swiss National Cyber Strategy (NCS)

The Swiss National Cyber Strategy (NCS) serves as the blueprint for the country’s cybersecurity efforts. The strategy, which is periodically updated to address emerging threats and technological advancements, outlines the key objectives and measures to enhance cybersecurity across various sectors.

Key objectives of the NCS

1. Protection of critical infrastructure: The NCS prioritises the protection of critical infrastructure, including energy, finance, transportation, and healthcare sectors. Measures are implemented to ensure the resilience and security of these infrastructures against cyberthreats. This includes the development of cybersecurity standards, regular risk assessments, and the implementation of protective measures.
2. Incident response: Efficient incident response mechanisms are crucial for the detection, response, and recovery from cyber incidents. The NCS outlines the establishment of incident response teams and protocols to manage and mitigate the impact of cyberattacks. Coordination among different stakeholders is emphasised to ensure a swift and effective response.
3. Public-private partnerships: Collaboration between the public and private sectors is a cornerstone of Switzerland’s cybersecurity strategy. Information sharing, joint exercises, and collaborative initiatives are promoted to enhance the cybersecurity capabilities of all stakeholders. Public-private partnerships are essential for addressing complex cyberthreats that require coordinated efforts.
4. Cybersecurity education and awareness: Raising awareness and educating the public, businesses, and government employees about cybersecurity is a key focus of the NCS. Initiatives are undertaken to promote cybersecurity best practices, increase awareness of cyberthreats, and provide training and resources to enhance cybersecurity knowledge and skills.
5. International cooperation: Cyberthreats are global in nature, and Switzerland actively engages in international cooperation to address this aspect. It participates in various international forums and collaborates with other nations to share information, develop common strategies, and align its cybersecurity measures with international standards.

Key Institutions in Swiss Cybersecurity

National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC): The NCSC is the central body responsible for coordinating and implementing Switzerland’s cybersecurity strategy. It acts as a hub for cybersecurity information and expertise, providing guidance and support to various stakeholders. The NCSC is involved in monitoring cyberthreats, managing incident response, and promoting cybersecurity best practices.

Federal Intelligence Service (FIS): The FIS plays a significant role in identifying and addressing cyber threats that pose a risk to national security. It works closely with other government agencies and international partners to gather intelligence, analyse threats, and develop strategies to mitigate cyber risks.

Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM): OFCOM is responsible for overseeing telecommunications and ensuring the security and reliability of communication networks. It collaborates with the NCSC and other agencies to implement cybersecurity measures in the telecommunications sector.

The country has established itself as a hub for AI research and development, supported by a strong ecosystem of academic institutions, industry leaders, and government initiatives. Switzerland’s approach to AI emphasises ethical considerations, transparency, and collaboration, ensuring that AI technologies are developed and deployed responsibly.

Key Elements of the AI Landscape

Academic excellence: Switzerland is home to world-renowned universities and research institutions that contribute significantly to AI research. Institutions like the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH Zurich) and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) are at the forefront of AI advancements, conducting cutting-edge research in machine learning, robotics, and data science.

Industry leadership: Swiss industries are increasingly integrating AI technologies to enhance productivity, innovation, and competitiveness. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics are leveraging AI for various applications, including predictive analytics, automated decision-making, and personalised services. Leading Swiss companies and startups are making significant contributions to AI development and commercialisation.

Government initiatives: The Swiss government actively supports AI through various initiatives and policies aimed at fostering innovation and ensuring the ethical use of AI technologies.

The Federal Council made AI a core theme of the Digital Switzerland Strategy in 2018 and set up an interdepartmental working group under SERI guidance. In December 2019, the working group published a report showing that Switzerland is well positioned overall to meet the challenges of artificial intelligence. In 2020, the working group drew up guidelines on the use of AI within the Federal Administration.

The Federal Council adopted these guidelines in November 2020, which provide a general frame of reference for federal agencies and external partners entrusted with governmental tasks. The guidelines must be adhered to in the following specific contexts:

• When developing sectoral AI strategies;
• When introducing or adapting specific, sectoral regulations;
• When developing and using AI systems within the Federal Administration;
• When helping to shape the international regulatory framework on AI.

The guidelines are closely based on the broad discussion at national and international level.

Key Institutions and Initiatives

The Dalle Molle Institute for Artificial Intelligence Research (IDSIA) is a leading research institution in AI, machine learning, and optimisation. IDSIA conducts research on various AI topics, including neural networks, evolutionary algorithms, and reinforcement learning, contributing to advancements in AI theory and applications.

The ETH AI Center at ETH Zurich brings together researchers, industry experts, and policymakers to collaborate on AI research and innovation. The centre focuses on interdisciplinary research, addressing fundamental AI challenges, and developing practical AI solutions for various industries.

The Swiss Digital Initiative focuses on promoting digital trust and ethical standards in AI development. The initiative aims to ensure that AI technologies are developed and used in a manner that respects human rights, privacy, and ethical principles.

Switzerland released its Digital Foreign Policy Strategy 2021–24 in December 2020. The strategy is based on the  Swiss Foreign Policy Strategy 2020–23, which itself already paid explicit attention to digitisation as one of its four focus areas.

The strategy outlines four priority areas: (a) digital governance, (b) prosperity and sustainable development, (c) cybersecurity, and (d) digital self-determination. These are further broken down into thematic areas. For example, digital governance comprises sections on a call for moderate regulation, capacity building, International Geneva, and science diplomacy.

Learn more about Swiss and other digital diplomacy initiatives.

Discover the fascinating world of Swiss diplomacy with our comprehensive mapping of diplomatic missions. See how Switzerland connects with the world and how the world connects with Switzerland!

Learn more at the Diplomatic Profile oof Switzerland including map of diplomatic missions to and from Switzerland.

Poland has been actively working on improving internet governance to ensure a safe, secure, and open internet environment. The country’s efforts are aligned with both European Union regulations and global internet governance principles.

Through various agencies such as the Office of Electronic Communications (UKE), the Polish government regulates the internet to ensure compliance with national and EU laws. This includes managing internet service providers, digital broadcasting, and telecommunications.

Following the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Poland has updated its data protection frameworks to ensure robust privacy protections. The Personal Data Protection Office (UODO) enforces these regulations.

In previous years, significant investments have been made to enhance broadband connectivity across urban and rural areas. Poland aims to provide high-speed internet access nationwide as part of the Digital Poland Projects Centre (CPPC) initiative, which focuses on reducing digital divides.

The government is also focusing on improving digital literacy and skills among the population. Initiatives like the Digital School program and various vocational training programs aim to prepare citizens for the demands, opportunities, and challenges of the digital world.

Poland has been improving the provision of digital public services. The ePUAP platform is a central point for accessing public administration services online, streamlining processes like filing taxes, registering residences, and more.

Polish stakeholders are active participants in various internet governance forums and initiatives at the regional and global levels. Polish stakeholders also participate in the Dialogue on Internet Governance (EuroDIG) events, which bring together stakeholders from the region to discuss digital policy-related issues and challenges. At the global level, Poland is also a member of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF).

Poland also has a national internet governance initiative called IGF Poland, which was established as a bottom-up, multistakeholder platform for discussing internet-related public policy issues within the country.

Poland is making significant strides toward enhancing its digital landscape through strategic initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth, improving public services, and bolstering digital literacy across the nation. These efforts are part of a broader commitment to leverage digital technologies to modernise various sectors and prepare the population for the demands of a digitally driven future.

A cornerstone of Poland’s digital strategy is the Integrated State Computerisation Programme, managed by the Ministry of Digital Affairs in collaboration with an array of public and private stakeholders. Launched in 2014 and set to continue through 2022, this initiative focuses on modernising public administration and enhancing the efficiency of state operations through innovative digital technologies. The programme’s overarching goal is to streamline the interaction between citizens and public administration, thus making governmental services more accessible and efficient.

Looking ahead, the Digital Competence Development Programme 2020-2030 sets an ambitious agenda to significantly enhance digital skills across various demographic and professional groups. This extensive initiative targets not only general citizens but also government employees, ICT specialists, and workers within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By doing so, it aims to equip a broad segment of society with the necessary skills to navigate and thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world.

The programme is structured to address the urgent need for increased digital fluency, ensuring that all layers of society are prepared for the technological advancements shaping modern economies. From basic digital literacy to more specialised technical skills, the initiative is a key component of Poland’s strategy to enhance its human capital in the digital age.

One of the foremost priorities in Poland’s digital strategy is the expansion and enhancement of digital infrastructure. This includes significant investments in broadband and mobile internet access, particularly focusing on bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas. The government aims to provide nationwide high-speed internet access, which is seen as crucial for enabling digital services and fostering economic growth. To this end, Poland has adopted ‘5G for Poland Strategy‘. The 5G strategy for Poland focuses on developing fifth-generation wireless communication networks as a high priority for the Polish government, aiming to significantly boost the economy. By 2025, the plan is to provide universal access to the internet with a minimum bandwidth of 100 Mb/s or higher for all Poles. 

In recent years, Poland has emerged as a focal point in the global landscape of cybersecurity. The onset of the Russian-Ukraine war has exacerbated the situation, leading to a significant uptick in cyber-attacks targeting the nation. These attacks are not only prevalent but also span a diverse array of sectors, including healthcare, finance, and government institutions, marking a critical era in Poland’s digital defence strategy.

In response to the growing cyber threats, the Polish government, spearheaded by the Ministry of Digital Affairs, has developed and implemented the Cybersecurity Strategy of the Republic of Poland for 2019-2024. This strategic document underscores the importance of resilience against cyber-attacks and the safeguarding of data across both military and private sectors. The primary objectives of the strategy include bolstering the national cybersecurity framework, enhancing the sharing of information pertaining to cyber threats, and refining the coordination among various law enforcement entities.

On the international stage, Poland is actively engaged in international cybersecurity collaboration, with the NASK Institute playing a pivotal role in both the research and implementation of effective cybersecurity measures. Poland has also ratified the Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime, commonly known as the Budapest Convention.

Poland has established several critical response units known as Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRT) and Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERT). These include:

• CERT.PL (CERT POLSKA): Operating under the Research and Academic Computer Network (NASK), it focuses on national cybersecurity threats.
• CERT Orange: Initially known as CSIRT Telekomunikacja Polska, this team caters to the cybersecurity needs of telecom service users.
• CERT.GOV.PL: Serving government agencies, this bilingual (Polish and English) team addresses cybersecurity issues pertinent to the government sector.
• Government Center for Security (RCB): This center plays a crucial role in the national security landscape, focusing on cybersecurity among other responsibilities.

In December 2020, Poland unveiled a national AI strategy with goals to transform the education system, foster the growth and innovation of AI companies, bolster national and international AI partnerships, develop a robust data ecosystem, and strengthen digital infrastructure.

Core Areas of Focus:

Society, Education, and Science:

• Educate the population on the benefits and necessities of AI.
• Overhaul the education system to enhance AI and digital literacy.
• Offer AI training programs and IT courses.

Economy and Public Affairs:

• Create a virtual research institute for AI in partnership with corporations, universities, and NGOs.
• Support AI research, development, and innovation across multiple facets.
• Implement AI technologies in the public sector to maximize their potential.

Regulation:

• Set up observatories and professorships to tackle ethical and legal issues in AI.
• Keep track of AI regulations both from European and international bodies.

Infrastructure:

• Develop a data policy that ensures the availability of high-quality data and enhances data sharing.
• Establish virtual data warehouses to facilitate industry data sharing among companies.

Societal Challenges:

• Fund AI projects that align with the objectives of the European Green Deal, which includes transforming energy production, advancing circular manufacturing, and cutting emissions.

The strategy’s overarching goals are to transform the education system, foster the growth and innovation of AI companies, bolster national and international AI partnerships, develop a robust data ecosystem, and strengthen digital infrastructure.

Internet governance in France involves a multi-faceted approach that encompasses regulation, policy-making, and international cooperation. It aims to balance the promotion of digital innovation with the protection of citizens’ rights and national security. The French government plays an active role in shaping the internet landscape through various regulatory bodies, legal frameworks, and participation in international forums.

Regulatory Bodies

1. ARCEP (Autorité de Régulation des Communications Électroniques et des Postes): ARCEP is the independent agency responsible for regulating telecommunications in France. It oversees the implementation of internet policies, ensures fair competition among service providers, and protects consumer rights.
2. CNIL (Commission Nationale de l’Informatique et des Libertés): CNIL is the French data protection authority. It enforces compliance with data privacy laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and ensures that individuals’ personal data is protected.

Key Policies and Legal Frameworks

1. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): As an EU member state, France enforces GDPR, which provides robust protections for personal data and sets stringent requirements for data handling by organizations.
2. Digital Republic Act (Loi pour une République numérique): This law, enacted in 2016, aims to promote digital inclusion, enhance data protection, and foster the digital economy. Key provisions include open data initiatives, stronger privacy protections, and support for digital innovation.
3. Hate Speech Regulation: France has implemented laws to combat online hate speech, including the Avia Law, which requires social media platforms to remove hateful content within 24 hours of notification. Although parts of the law were struck down by the Constitutional Council, it reflects France’s commitment to addressing harmful online behavior.
4. Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA): These EU regulations, which France supports and implements, aim to create a safer and fairer digital space. The DSA focuses on content moderation and platform accountability, while the DMA addresses competition issues and monopolistic practices by large tech companies.

International Engagement

France actively participates in international internet governance forums and organizations, such as:

1. Internet Governance Forum (IGF): France engages in the IGF to discuss global internet governance issues and promote its perspectives on digital policy.
2. Council of Europe: France contributes to the Council of Europe’s work on internet governance, particularly in areas such as human rights online and cybercrime.
3. European Union: As an EU member, France collaborates with other member states to shape digital policies and regulations that impact the entire region.

France has developed comprehensive digital strategies and policies to foster innovation, enhance digital infrastructure, promote cybersecurity, and ensure digital inclusion. These initiatives aim to position France as a leader in the digital economy while protecting the rights and privacy of its citizens.

Key Strategies and Policies

France Numérique 2020

• Objectives: Launched in 2018, this strategy aims to boost the digital transformation of French businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It focuses on increasing the adoption of digital tools, improving digital skills, and supporting digital innovation.
• Initiatives: The program includes financial support for digital projects, training programs, and the creation of digital hubs to foster collaboration and innovation.

National Broadband Plan (Plan France Très Haut Débit)

• Objectives: Launched in 2013, this plan aims to provide high-speed internet access to all French households by 2022. It seeks to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to digital services.
• Initiatives: The plan involves significant investment in fiber optic networks, subsidies for rural broadband deployment, and collaboration with local governments and private sector partners.

Digital Education Strategy

• Objectives: To integrate digital technologies into the French education system at all levels, from primary schools to universities. This strategy aims to enhance digital literacy, equip students with essential digital skills, and promote innovative teaching methods.
• Initiatives: Includes the deployment of digital devices in classrooms, development of digital educational resources, and training programs for teachers to effectively use digital tools in education.

E-Government Strategy (Action Publique 2022)

• Objectives: To modernize the French public administration by leveraging digital technologies to improve efficiency, transparency, and service delivery. The strategy focuses on providing citizens and businesses with easy access to public services online.
• Initiatives: Key initiatives include the development of a single digital portal for all government services, the implementation of electronic identification systems, and the digitization of administrative processes.

Digital Inclusion Strategy

• Objectives: To ensure that all citizens, including those in rural and underserved areas, have access to digital technologies and the skills needed to use them effectively. This strategy aims to bridge the digital divide and promote social inclusion.
• Initiatives: The strategy includes the establishment of digital inclusion hubs, provision of digital training programs for vulnerable populations, and subsidies for low-income households to access digital devices and internet services.

National Strategy for Cloud Computing (Cloud First)

• Objectives: To promote the adoption of cloud computing services in both the public and private sectors. This strategy aims to enhance data security, improve operational efficiency, and support digital transformation efforts.
• Initiatives: Key initiatives include the development of a secure and sovereign cloud infrastructure, support for cloud-based innovation projects, and guidelines for public sector cloud adoption.

France has developed a robust cybersecurity framework to address the increasing threats in the digital world. The country’s approach encompasses a wide range of strategies, regulations, and initiatives designed to protect its national security, critical infrastructure, and citizens’ data.

Key Organizations

1. ANSSI (Agence Nationale de la Sécurité des Systèmes d’Information)
   • Role: ANSSI is the national authority responsible for cybersecurity in France. It plays a central role in the development and implementation of national cybersecurity policies and provides guidance and support to both public and private sectors.
   • Initiatives: ANSSI oversees the protection of government networks, conducts audits and assessments of critical infrastructure, and promotes cybersecurity best practices across various industries​ (AI Watch)​.
2. CLUSIF (Club de la Sécurité de l’Information Français)
   • Role: CLUSIF is a non-profit organization that brings together cybersecurity professionals to share knowledge and best practices. It plays a significant role in raising awareness about cybersecurity issues and promoting a culture of security within French organizations.
3. CERT-FR (Centre gouvernemental de veille, d’alerte et de réponse aux attaques informatiques)
   • Role: CERT-FR is the national Computer Emergency Response Team. It is responsible for responding to cybersecurity incidents, issuing alerts and warnings about threats, and coordinating responses to cyberattacks.
   • Initiatives: CERT-FR operates under ANSSI, providing critical incident response services, threat intelligence, and cybersecurity advisories to mitigate risks and manage incidents effectively​.

Key Strategies and Policies

1. National Cybersecurity Strategy
   • Objectives: To enhance the resilience of national infrastructure, protect critical information systems, and ensure the security of digital services. This strategy focuses on both defensive and offensive capabilities.
   • Initiatives: The strategy includes the development of a national cybersecurity certification framework, support for cybersecurity research and innovation, and strengthening international cooperation in cybersecurity efforts​.
2. Cybersecurity Act (Loi de Programmation Militaire 2019-2025)
   • Objectives: Part of the broader military programming law, this act includes provisions for enhancing cybersecurity capabilities within the French armed forces and protecting critical military and civilian infrastructure.
   • Initiatives: The law mandates increased investment in cybersecurity technologies, the establishment of cyber defense units, and the development of a national cyber defense strategy.
3. Cyber Campus
   • Objectives: Launched as a central hub for cybersecurity in France, the Cyber Campus aims to foster collaboration between government, industry, and academia. It serves as a center for innovation, training, and operational cooperation in cybersecurity.
   • Initiatives: The campus hosts various cybersecurity startups, research institutions, and public sector entities, providing a space for the development of new cybersecurity solutions and the sharing of best practices​.

International Cooperation

France actively participates in international cybersecurity efforts through collaboration with other countries, international organizations, and regional initiatives. This includes involvement in the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), NATO’s Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence, and the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise.

France is actively positioning itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) through strategic investments, robust policies, and international collaborations. The French government, academic institutions, and private sector are all contributing to the development and implementation of AI technologies.

National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Launched in 2018 and updated in 2021, the National AI Strategy aims to establish France as a leader in AI by focusing on research, ethics, and the application of AI across various sectors. The strategy was reinforced in 2021 with a second phase to increase the number of trained professionals and support sector-specific AI innovations.

• Funding: The strategy is backed by a significant investment, initially €1.5 billion over 2018-2022, with an additional €2.22 billion allocated for 2021-2025. This includes public and private funding aimed at enhancing AI research, development, and deployment.

Key Institutions and Initiatives

1. Inria (National Institute for Research in Computer Science and Automation)
   • Role: Inria is a leading institution in AI research and development in France, coordinating various AI projects and initiatives. It collaborates with other research institutions, industry partners, and international organizations.
   • Initiatives: Inria coordinates the 3IA Institutes (Interdisciplinary Institutes for Artificial Intelligence), which focus on advancing AI research and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration​.
2. ANR (National Research Agency)
   • Role: ANR supports AI research through funding and grants, fostering innovation and technological advancement.
   • Initiatives: The agency funds collaborative AI research projects, including the trilateral French-Japanese-German research projects on AI​.
3. AI for Humanity Initiative
   • Objectives: This initiative focuses on the ethical development and deployment of AI technologies. It emphasizes transparency, fairness, and the responsible use of AI.
   • Initiatives: Establishment of the Pilot National Digital Ethics Committee (CNPEN), which leads public discussions on AI ethics and governance.
4. AI France Hub
   • Role: The AI France Hub serves as a central point for AI research, innovation, and collaboration. It brings together startups, research institutions, and industry players to foster AI development.
   • Initiatives: The hub hosts various events, workshops, and training programs to promote AI adoption and innovation​.