Greater Paris Region Seeks Strategic AI Partnership with Taiwan Tech Sector

Valérie Pécresse, President of the Île-de-France region, recently led a high-level technology delegation to Taiwan to explore potential collaborations in AI and deep tech. In an interview, Pécresse highlighted the region's goal to build 'sovereign AI,' which requires control over AI models, computing power, data, and critical supply chains.

Highlighting the importance of autonomy, Pécresse stated that relying solely on dominant powers like the U.S. or China creates risks. She identified Taiwan as a trusted partner that can provide the reliable supply chains necessary to support France's technological independence.

During the visit, the delegation—featuring firms such as quantum leader Pasqal and high-performance computing expert Bull—engaged with Taiwanese giants including ASUS, BenQ, and Hon Hai (Foxconn). Pécresse noted that the Île-de-France region offers significant advantages for investors, including a stable, carbon-free energy grid supported by nuclear power and competitive electricity rates.

Currently, while Greater Paris hosts significant research and development clusters, it lacks local manufacturing capacity for the hardware underpinning AI. Pécresse is actively inviting Taiwanese companies to establish 'Made in Greater Paris' facilities, aiming to complete the region's AI ecosystem. She confirmed that industrial sites are already prepared for potential investors interested in scaling their European presence.