#Paris #France #Cybersecurity #AI Adoption #Tech Confidence

Overview of the 2026 VivaTech Confidence Barometer

In a world increasingly influenced by technology, the VivaTech 2026 Confidence Barometer sheds light on how tech executives perceive sovereignty, artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, and cybersecurity. Conducted by OpinionWay, the survey encompassed responses from executives across seven countries, including major players from Europe and North America. This third edition of the barometer presents a snapshot of the sentiments that define the current technological landscape.

Key Findings on Technological Sovereignty

One of the most striking insights from the barometer concerns the importance of national identity in technology partnerships. A solid 92% of executives expressed a preference for future technology partners from their own country. Even more revealing, almost half (47%) cited this as a decisive factor in their selection process. This trend is particularly pronounced in English-speaking countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, where 57% of respondents believe that national alignment is essential. On the other hand, most EU countries regard it as beneficial but not critical.

In light of this, 63% of executives voiced concerns about the potential loss of sovereignty that could accompany advancing technology, indicating a growing apprehension about foreign dependencies in tech solutions.

The Geography of Trust in Tech Solutions

Trust is a crucial element in technology adoption, and the geographical origin of solutions heavily influences it. A notable 86% of executives indicated that the source of technology significantly affects their trust. When asked about their trusted technology sources, nearly half (47%) pointed to their own country, while a significant portion of North American executives—62%—expressed confidence in North American solutions.

Conversely, European executives displayed a strong preference for technology developed on the continent, with 43% favoring solutions from Europe. Specifically, in France, a striking 63% trust local European tech solutions the most. Meanwhile, those from the United Kingdom find themselves balancing between national pride (56% trust in UK tech) and European options (53% trust).

Navigating the AI Paradox

The survey reveals an intriguing paradox regarding AI: while 89% of executives trust AI to inform their organizational decisions, there is a significant concern about its safe implementation. About 83% believe in the sustainable development of financial investments in AI, with only 17% fearing a speculative bubble. Interestingly, despite the confidence in maintaining employment levels over the following year (92%), 40% still admit to sharing company information with AI tools they do not fully trust.

Investment Trends Driven by AI and Cybersecurity Initiatives

As the tech landscape evolves, so does the appetite for investment in cutting-edge technologies. In the coming year, a staggering 87% of executives plan to boost their investments in AI technologies, complemented by a 77% increase in cybersecurity measures. This signals a clear intention to not only harness AI's potential but also to bolster defenses against cybersecurity threats.

Conclusion

The 2026 VivaTech Confidence Barometer serves as an insightful lens into the complex interplay of technology adoption, trust, and sovereignty amid a fractured geopolitical environment. The findings highlight a cautious optimism regarding technological advances, set against a backdrop of national loyalty and security concerns. As global executives navigate this shifting landscape, their strategies will undoubtedly reflect these prevailing sentiments.