As VivaTech 2026 approaches, our yearly Barometer takes you inside the boardroom to reveal what tech leaders and business executives are really betting on this year. Far from slowing down, investment in AI and robotics is accelerating, alongside a renewed commitment to national sovereignty and the human talent that will shape the next decade of innovation.
AI and robotics continue to shine for investors and executives
Despite ongoing speculation about an AI bubble, the view from the C-suite tells a different story. Investment in artificial intelligence and robotics continues to lead corporate agendas, but the nature of this spending has evolved from pilot projects to core infrastructure. Currently, 87% of companies are planning to increase their AI investment, with a significant 53% committed to substantial investment. This trend is mirrored in the robotics and robotic process automation (RPA) sectors, where 80% of executives anticipate growth. This sustained investment is fueled by a fundamental shift in perception. About 88% of execs now report an improved view of how new technologies safeguard their company’s competitiveness, an increase from 81% the previous year. Cybersecurity and AI stand out as the dual pillars of this protective strategy. As digital threats become more sophisticated, 77% of leaders are scaling their security budgets alongside their AI ambitions, recognizing that an intelligent enterprise is only as valuable as it is secure.
However, the investment into AI is slowing; is there a curve?
Geographically, we’re seeing a slight strategic pause. In France, the US, and Spain the investment focus AI has seen a slight contraction. France dropped their investment from 88% to 82%, the US from 87% to 85%, and Spain from 90% to 88%. In Italy the focus only went up one percentage point, from 83% to 84%. This shouldn’t be interpreted as a loss of focus, but rather as a transition from the “peak of inflated expectations” to the “plateau of enlightenment.” This plateau represents a period of financial introspection. After two years of aggressive, broad capital allocation, organizations are moving away from speculative spending and toward working around system integration, clean data, and internal governance. The data suggests that the initial “gold rush” of investment has reached its first summit; the next ascent will likely be driven by proven efficiency and measurable ROI rather than the fear of missing out. As budgets stabilize, the executive mission is shifting. It used to be a question of how much capital could be thrown at AI, but now it’s turning into how precisely can that capital be used to optimize the infrastructure now in place.
Skill still determines competitiveness
Despite the recent emphasis on automation and “AI-integrated everything,” the data suggests the main factor driving in competitiveness is still human talent. When asked what ensures competitiveness, executives did not point to their digitalization or software stacks first. Instead, human talent (54%, +9% YoY) came out on top as the primary driver. Followed up by reputation and international recognition (50%) and continuous R&D investment (42%), a position reversal but still the same runners up. This ranking suggests that technology is viewed as a force multiplier, not as a total replacement for human ingenuity. A company can purchase the same AI models as its competitors, but it can’t replace a culture of innovation or prestige. Demand is no longer just for general technical literacy, but for specialized experts who can bridge the gap between complex technical know-how and practical business strategy.
The apple doesn’t fall (too) far from the tree
One of the most significant shifts in this year’s data is the move toward national sovereignty. In an era of geopolitical uncertainty, shifting alliances, and tightening data regulations, 92% of execs now favor national or local providers when adopting new technical tools. For nearly half of these leaders (47%), local origin is not a preference; it’s actually a must for partnership. This trend is already being reflected in the public sector, as seen with the French government’s recent decision to generalize the use of Visio, a secure and sovereign videoconferencing solution designed to ensure independence of public officials. By prioritizing homegrown infrastructure, the state is reinforcing its commitment to protecting sensitive data from extraterritorial reach. This push towards sovereignty reflects a desire for more control over internal data and a reduction in dependency on foreign tech giants. By favoring local, companies are attempting to reduce the risk of cross-border data transfers and align themselves with regional regulations, like the EU AI Act. This “home-court advantage” mindset is reshaping the market landscape, giving domestic startups and regional tech hubs a significant tailwind.
Stability amidst stagnation: a paradox
The final takeaway from the VivaTech Confidence barometer is a complex picture of the global labor market. On the surface, the data is positive: 92% of execs are confident in their ability to maintain current employment levels over the next 12 months. However, this stability masks a growing frustration within the workforce. While companies are successfully retaining their existing staff, market observers have noted that hiring for new roles has slowed in the past year. Many people looking for jobs are experiencing the effects of “static employment,” as organizations focus on upskilling their current workforce to use new technologies rather than expand their headcount, now that the efficiency gains AI brings to the workplace are better understood. This creates a difficult environment for job seekers. The challenge for the coming year will be addressing this friction: how can companies remain competitive and stable while providing pathways for new talent to enter the ecosystem?
Come hear about what executives are saying in real time in Paris, this June 17-20 right here.