Faced with precarious research in France and the domination of GAFAM, brilliant French AI specialists are increasingly tempted by a career in the United States. A “brain drain” which threatens the future of French research in artificial intelligence. Deciphering a worrying phenomenon.
“It’s here in the United States that it’s all happening.” This is the conviction with which Julien, a brilliant 26-year-old from Normal University specializing in artificial intelligence, packed his bags for the American East Coast last September. Like him, more and more young French AI researchers are attracted by the American El Dorado, to the detriment of France. A worrying phenomenon which weakens French research in a highly strategic field.
The American temptation for French AI specialists
For many young French talents in artificial intelligence, the United States represents a unique opportunity to evolve at the heart of the global AI ecosystem. Incubators of excellence like the Courant Institute of New York University attract the best people through particularly attractive conditions: according to our information, doctorates there are fully funded for 4 years. Enough to make the cream of French mathematicians and computer scientists dream.
This brain drain can also be explained by a much more dynamic job market across the Atlantic. American tech giants like Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon are investing massively in AI research and offering sky-high salaries to young graduates, with the promise of working on cutting-edge projects.
France lagging behind in terms of investments
Faced with this, France is struggling to retain its talents. According to a confidential study that we were able to consult, France would invest 3 to 4 times less than the United States in artificial intelligence research, for comparable wealth. A delay which results in limited resources and an increasing precariousness of young French researchers.
If we’re not there, we’re offside. In France, a post-doc costs 2000 euros per month for a fixed-term contract of 12 to 18 months. In the United States, it is more than triple, with visibility over several years.
-A young AI doctor who preferred anonymity
A sovereignty issue for France
Beyond the financial aspect, it is a real issue of sovereignty that is at stake for France. Because letting your best elements slip away in AI means taking the risk of being left behind in the global race for innovation, but also of seeing technologies developed by French minds first benefit American companies.
Faced with this alarming observation, the government is trying to react. In 2024, an investment plan of 2 billion euros over 5 years was announced to support the French AI sector. But the accounts are not there according to most experts, who are calling for a much more proactive policy to avoid a devastating “brain drain”.
Urgent awareness is needed
Because time is running out. According to our sources, several dozen young French high-level AI researchers have already chosen to emigrate in recent years. A trend which could quickly worsen if nothing is done to make careers more attractive in public research and in business.
- Significantly increase salaries and resources allocated to young researchers
- Develop ambitious partnerships between public research and businesses
- Create a stimulating ecosystem for start-ups specializing in AI
These are some of the avenues put forward by players in the sector to stem this drain of French talent. Because the challenge is none other than preserving France’s place in the artificial intelligence revolution. Political awareness seems more urgent than ever. Without rapid reaction, there is a great risk of seeing the gap widen irreparably with the United States and China on what appears to be the next great technological frontier of our century.
