#Paris #France #AI Investment #VivaTech #Technology Trust

Overview of the 2026 VivaTech Confidence Barometer

Released by VivaTech and conducted by OpinionWay, the 2026 Confidence Barometer offers a deep dive into how executives perceive the evolving landscape of technology adoption, particularly in relation to sovereignty and cybersecurity. In an age where digital advancements are rapid, understanding stakeholder trust becomes paramount amid a backdrop of geopolitical tensions.

Methodology

The survey encompasses responses from executives across seven nations, primarily from Europe (including France, Germany, the UK, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands) and North America (the United States). Their insights touch on critical issues such as AI adoption, national sovereignty in technology, and investment strategies.

Key Insights

In an interesting paradox, 92% of executives revealed a preference for tech partnerships with companies from their own nation, highlighting a concerning trend of national allegiance in technology adoption. Interestingly, this preference is particularly pronounced among executives from anglophone countries where 57% of respondents from the US and the UK emphasize this factor as crucial in their decisions. In contrast, about 63% of EU executives view this similarity as an added benefit rather than a necessity.

Concerns Over Sovereignty

Furthermore, 63% of those surveyed expressed apprehension regarding a potential loss of national sovereignty linked to technological progression. This sentiment reflects growing trepidation within the technological community about ceding control to foreign entities, particularly in impactful sectors such as cybersecurity and AI.

The Geography of Trust

The geography of technological trust is becoming increasingly important, with 86% of executives stating that the origin of technological solutions significantly impacts their level of trust. Nearly half (47%) noted a marked preference for solutions developed within their own nations, underscoring a desire for localized technological partners.
- American Executives: These respondents showed a 51% trust in local solutions with an overall North American trust rate rising to 62%.
- European Executives: Within continental Europe, 43% exhibit a preference for their own solutions. Particularly, France leads with 63% favoring homegrown technological innovations.
- UK Perspectives: Executives in the UK showed robust trust in their domestic capabilities (56%) while equally valuing solutions from the rest of Europe (53%).

The AI Trust Paradox

In a twist, while there is overwhelming confidence in AI—89% believe it should inform critical business decisions and 83% trust in its sustainable investment potential—there remains a caution about its speculative risks. Surprisingly, 40% admitted to using AI tools without full confidence, sharing sensitive information despite their reservations.

Investment Trends

With investment in AI and cybersecurity at an all-time high, 87% of executives plan to up their spending in AI initiatives, while 77% are likely to enhance their cybersecurity budgets. This trend indicates a robust belief in technology as a pillar for economic resilience and development moving forward despite the overarching concerns.

Conclusion

The insights from the 2026 VivaTech Confidence Barometer illustrate a complex interplay between trust, national identity, and technological advancement. As technology continues to evolve amidst geopolitical challenges, both trust and national sovereignty will require careful navigation by leaders in the tech landscape. With executives leaning towards local solutions, it suggests a future where partnerships are crucial for maintaining trust, fostering innovation, and advancing responsible technology adoption.

The findings from this survey serve as a critical reminder of the importance of security, familiarity, and trust in technology adoption across the global marketplace, shaping future trajectories towards sustainable growth and collaboration.