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In the first part of the ERNACT led Interreg Europe funded ENAIBLER project, partners have been working in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Context Analysis of the partner regions. Regarding of France, Region Bourgogne Franche-Comté is rapidly evolving as an important player in the AI sector, driven by both public and private investments. This rural region, while traditionally known for its agriculture and industry, is leveraging artificial intelligence to fuel innovation in healthcare, education, and regional development.
Key AI Institutions and Research Hubs
Several major universities in the region are at the forefront of AI research. These include the University of Burgundy, University of Technology Belfort-Montbéliard (UTBM), and the University of Franche-Comté. These institutions lead the charge in developing AI applications across various sectors, particularly in distributed artificial intelligence, image processing, and medical AI. Projects like the automatic segmentation of kidney tumours in children highlight the region’s focus on healthcare innovation.
Public Sector Initiatives and Funding
ENAIBLER project partner Region Bourgogne Franche-Comté is gradually integrating AI, with projects focusing on areas such as healthcare and smart city management. For example, hospitals in Chalon-sur-Saône and Dijon are experimenting with AI to enhance patient care, developing systems to monitor food intake and predict emergency response needs.
To support AI initiatives, ARNia (Regional Agency for Artificial and Digital Intelligence of the Burgundy-Franche-Comté region) was established in 2022 to promote digital inclusion and support the digital transformation of local industries. Additionally, the region has earmarked €47 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for digital development between 2021-2027, part of which will finance AI-based projects.
Next Steps
Looking ahead, Region Bourgogne Franche-Comté plans to launch its Regional Strategy for Data and AI (SRDIA) in 2024/2025, which will outline priorities for further AI development. With ongoing investment, education programs, and public-sector interest, Bourgogne Franche-Comté is poised to become a critical AI hub in France.
As the region advances in its digital transformation, the collaboration between the public and private sectors, along with strong academic support, will help build a successful AI ecosystem.