Monday, May 4, 2026
The keynote address by Philippe Aghion, winner of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Economics, at SIDO 2024
Philippe Aghion, winner of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Economics, spoke at SIDO 2024 about the conditions for the responsible deployment of AI The entire SIDO team congratulates Philippe Aghion on winning the 2025 Nobel Prize in Economics! We had the pleasure of welcoming him to the SIDO 2024 stage to share his vision of artificial intelligence as a driver of growth… provided it is intelligently regulated.
The auditorium was packed. SME leaders, public officials, innovation leaders, and researchers: all had come to hear the man who, for more than two decades, has been shaping economic policy in France and Europe. SIDO is delighted to have hosted this leading figure in global economic thought, whose voice will undoubtedly help shape a competitive and responsible European AI. A professor at the Collège de France, internationally recognized for his work on growth and innovation, he reflected on the strategic mission he co-chaired in early 2024 alongside Anne Bouverot. This national commission on AI, mandated by the President of the Republic, conducted 600 interviews and 25 expert meetings—including with Yann LeCun, Joël Barral, and Arthur Mensch—before submitting a report that was unanimously praised for its ambition. The report proposes, in particular:
a public investment plan of 5 billion euros per year over five years to support AI research and adoption in France;
measures to expand access to data;
an increase in the computing power available across the country;
and, above all, a more dynamic competition policy to prevent excessive concentration in the sector.
“AI is neither a threat nor a panacea—it all depends on the institutions”
In analyzing the history of artificial intelligence, Philippe Aghion noted that the current disruption is not only technological but also economic. Unlike previous industrial revolutions, AI automates both the production of goods and the generation of ideas, making it an unprecedented driver of innovation. The numbers speak for themselves: in a U.S. company studied recently, the introduction of generative AI led to a 14% increase in productivity in one month and a 25% increase in two months, without any loss in quality. By extrapolation, the economist estimates that AI could increase France’s growth rate by 0.7 to 1.3 percentage points per year for ten years, representing an additional 250 to 400 billion euros in GDP by 2034. But this potential can quickly turn into a trap. The example of the GAFAM companies—initially drivers of growth but later obstacles due to excessive concentration—should serve as a warning. Without an appropriate regulatory framework, AI could become a factor in economic isolation rather than a driver of sovereignty.
Employment: A Mixed but Overwhelmingly Positive Impact
Contrary to alarmist claims, AI is not leading to massive job losses in the labor market. A survey of 9,000 French companies shows that those adopting AI create, on average, more jobs than others. Administrative and repetitive jobs are the most at risk, but managerial and creative roles are being strengthened. “AI frees workers from routine tasks so they can focus on higher-value-added activities,” explained the economist.
Three key points to keep in mind for a successful transition
Regulate competition to prevent a few dominant players from taking over the market.
Strengthen the educational foundation to enable everyone to develop their skills.
Establish a genuine flexicurity system that combines employee protection with support for transitioning into new careers.