Composed of executives, experts, and decision-makers from various sectors, this steering committee was tasked with scrutinizing the trade show’s strategic priorities. But very quickly, the discussion moved beyond the scope of the event itself. It became a broader assessment of the state of maturity of the French and European tech industries. One conclusion became clear: the time for promises is over; now is the time for proof.

From Experimentation to Measurable Impact

For several years, innovation in AI was driven by experimentation. Pilot projects, proofs of concept, and innovation labs were hallmarks of dynamism.

This cycle is changing.

Today, executives expect tangible results: production-ready use cases, clear KPIs, and well-considered cost-performance trade-offs. Experimentation without a clear path toward industrialization is no longer enough.

The question is no longer “Can we do it?” but “Should we implement it, at what cost, and with what level of control?”

Sovereignty: A Topic That Has Become Operational

Sovereignty remains a central issue for 2026. But it can no longer be addressed merely through declarations.

Dependence on suppliers, data location, cloud choices, regulatory exposure: these decisions are now very concrete. The issue is not ideological; it is strategic and operational.

In a context shaped by the AI Act, NIS2, and DORA, sovereignty is measured by the ability to implement policies and the consistency of technological choices.

Governance and Accountability: A Foundational Imperative

Another key topic of discussion: governance.

One idea in particular stood out in the discussions: even if AI takes action, the responsibility remains with humans.

This involves clarifying the boundaries between R&D and production, establishing a structured risk management framework, and precisely defining responsibilities. AI can no longer be separated from a framework for oversight, control, and dispute resolution.

By 2026, governance will no longer be a secondary issue. It will be a cornerstone.

Three simultaneous constraints

Leaders face a threefold challenge:

· Economic pressure, with a strong emphasis on cost control and ROI.

· Regulatory pressure, with an increasingly prescriptive legal framework.

· Environmental pressures, particularly regarding energy and infrastructure.

The energy impact of AI and data centers can no longer be ignored. It is becoming a strategic factor.

Putting People at the Heart of Decision-Making

Finally, leadership and skills transformation were discussed at length.

COPIL members expressed a need for concrete feedback, particularly from SME leaders who can share real-world trade-offs they’ve faced. The HR issue is becoming central: How can we support employees, develop scientific literacy, and instill AI skills in every line of work?

Technological transformation is, first and foremost, an organizational and human transformation.

A Key Question for 2026

Underlying it all, one question runs through the entire discussion:

How can we balance strategic autonomy, measurable performance, regulatory accountability, and rapid technological advancement, while keeping human responsibility at the center?

It is around this tension that the main themes of Tech Show Paris 2026 will take shape.