French strategy forcloud computing & data sharing

The French national cloud strategy focuses on accelerating the development and adoption of cloud computing technologies within the country. The strategy is built on three key pillars:

1. ‘Cloud of Trust’ Strategy

This pillar emphasizes the importance of security and sovereignty in cloud services. The French government has introduced the SecNumCloud certification, awarded to services that comply with stringent IT security standards and protect against extraterritorial regulations. The aim is to ensure that cloud services are secure and that sensitive data is protected from non-European jurisdictions.

2. ‘Cloud First’ Policy

This policy mandates the use of cloud solutions for all new public digital projects. It aims to drive the digital transformation of government operations, enhancing user benefits while adhering to strict cybersecurity standards. Sensitive government data must be hosted on certified government clouds or commercial cloud services that have achieved SecNumCloud certification.

3. Industrial ‘Acceleration’ Strategy

This strategy is designed to bolster the growth of innovative French products, support the rapid scaling of companies in high-demand technologies like big data and collaboration tools, and accelerate the development of disruptive technologies such as edge computing. The ultimate goal is to position Europe as a leader in these areas by 2025.

Key initiatives under this strategy include:

• Funding and Support for R&D Projects: The government has allocated significant funding to support research and development projects, particularly those led by SMEs, start-ups, and research institutions. This includes efforts to develop new cloud and edge computing solutions.
• Technological Research and Innovation: Launching priority research programs and equipment dedicated to advanced cloud computing technologies, including hybrid and community cloud solutions, hyperscale data hosting, and edge computing.
• Sectorial Data Spaces: Investing in sector-specific data spaces to encourage the adoption of data-driven approaches across key sectors such as aerospace, construction, energy, finance, health, and smart manufacturing.
• Human Resource Development: Investing in education and training programs to ensure that the workforce is equipped with the necessary skills to adopt and implement cloud technologies.

Goals and KPIs by 2025

The strategy aims to:

• Double the revenue of the French cloud sector.
• Develop five new SecNumCloud-certified solutions.
• Double the number of large corporations using trusted cloud solutions.
• Establish 25 new sector-based data spaces.

Funding

The French government has committed up to €667 million by 2025 as part of the broader France 2030 investment plan, which allocates €56 billion to address major challenges such as ecological and digital transitions, and to support the emergence of future technological champions.

This strategic framework not only supports the development and adoption of cloud technologies within France but also seeks to position the country and Europe as leaders in the global cloud computing market.