Paris AI Summit: A Pivotal Event in the Global AI Race

The Paris AI Summit was a significant event that underscored how artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved beyond mere technological advancement to become a central factor in strategic competition between nations. At this summit, France and the United States presented differing approaches to AI industry development and regulatory frameworks. France sought to foster AI innovation while maintaining balanced regulations, whereas the United States adopted a more aggressive stance, aiming for absolute dominance in AI technology. These contrasting strategies are expected to shape future global AI regulations and technological leadership, making it imperative for South Korea to devise a well-considered response strategy.

🔗 AI Action Summit (February 10-11, 2025)

"On February 10 and 11, 2025, Paris will become the global capital of artificial intelligence (AI) as it hosts the AI Action Summit."

France’s Strategy: AI Innovation and Energy-Backed Growth

At the summit, France emphasized that Europe should not merely be an AI regulator but also a key player in the AI industry. President Emmanuel Macron introduced the "Notre-Dame Strategy," advocating for rapid goal-setting and execution to accelerate AI innovation. To achieve this, France secured over €100 billion (approximately $108 billion) in private AI investments and announced policies to actively support startups and computing infrastructure development.

Macron particularly highlighted France’s ability to ensure stable energy supply through nuclear power, underscoring the importance of energy infrastructure for AI data center operations. This approach aims to reduce carbon emissions while ensuring sustainable AI industry growth, making it a strategic and environmentally sound method.

The U.S. Strategy: Pursuit of AI Supremacy

In contrast, the United States took a hardline stance, aiming for absolute AI supremacy. Vice President J.D. Vance stated in his speech that the U.S. would dominate all key aspects of AI technology, from semiconductors to software. He criticized Europe’s digital regulations, arguing that they hinder AI innovation, and insisted that for Europe to collaborate with the U.S., it must dismantle existing regulatory structures.

Moreover, Vance framed AI technology as an economic and security asset, stressing that AI should reflect democratic values. He positioned AI as a strategic tool in the U.S.-China technology rivalry, urging Europe to align with the American AI ecosystem rather than with authoritarian competitors. This reflects Washington’s broader strategy to restructure the global tech order around U.S. leadership.

🔗 Sam Altman on France’s AI Strategy (Le Monde)

"France has become a hub for AI in Europe, and other European nations should follow its playbook."

Key Implications for South Korea

The discussions on AI regulations and industry strategies at the summit provide crucial insights for South Korea, which has designated AI as a national priority. To secure a competitive position in the global AI race, South Korea must adopt a strategic approach that balances AI regulation and industry growth while navigating the U.S.-led AI dominance.

1️⃣ Balancing AI Regulation and Industry Growth

South Korea should take cues from France’s approach—overregulation can stifle innovation, while excessive deregulation may lead to ethical concerns. To ensure responsible AI development, South Korea has already enacted the Artificial Intelligence Basic Act, which was passed by the National Assembly in December 2024. This law, following the European Union’s AI Act, establishes a comprehensive framework that includes:

• Risk management for AI development and application
• User protection measures
• Mandatory explanations of AI-generated outcomes
• Disclosure requirements for generative AI (deepfake regulation)

However, fragmentation among government agencies poses a challenge. Currently, multiple ministries, including:

• Ministry of Science and ICT (AI Basic Act)
• Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy (AI Industry Promotion Act)
• Korea Communications Commission (AI Service User Protection Act)

… are introducing separate AI laws. This lack of a unified legal framework risks creating redundant regulations and inefficiencies in the industry. A consolidated AI regulatory body is necessary to harmonize these efforts.

Furthermore, AI policies must be forward-looking, considering the long-term impact of AI on economy, society, and national security. A 50-year strategic roadmap will help ensure South Korea remains competitive in the global AI race.

2️⃣ Strengthening AI Semiconductor & Infrastructure Investments

As the U.S. seeks to centralize control over AI semiconductor supply chains, South Korea must secure its technological independence in AI chips. With Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix leading in AI semiconductors, the government must provide strategic support and global partnerships to maintain their competitive edge.

Additionally, South Korea must navigate international AI cooperation carefully. The U.S. and France are taking different AI strategies, and South Korea should balance collaborating with the U.S. for AI technological advancement while working with Europe on ethical AI and regulatory leadership.

The Stargate Project—a U.S.-led AI semiconductor and computing infrastructure initiative—should be an essential part of South Korea’s AI strategy. The U.S. plans to invest up to $500 billion over the next four years, and South Korean semiconductor firms must secure a key role in this initiative.

To achieve this, South Korean companies like Samsung and SK Hynix should proactively engage in Stargate through:

• Equity investments in U.S. semiconductor projects
• Co-development agreements for AI chips
• Long-term supply contracts with U.S. tech firms

Furthermore, securing access to NVIDIA’s high-performance AI GPUs (H100, B100) is crucial. As the U.S. tightens export controls, South Korea must negotiate AI chip supply agreements to prevent potential shortages.

3️⃣ Integrating AI & Energy Policies

France’s nuclear-powered AI data center strategy highlights the need for stable power supplies in AI growth. South Korea should similarly align AI expansion with energy infrastructure, leveraging:

• Renewable energy sources (wind, solar, hydrogen)
• Nuclear power for large-scale AI computing needs
• Green data center initiatives to minimize carbon footprint

Conclusion: South Korea’s Path to AI Leadership

The Paris AI Summit demonstrated that AI is no longer just an industrial competition but a global race for technological dominance. With the U.S. and France pursuing distinct AI strategies, South Korea must strategically position itself to:

✅ Balance AI regulation with industry development
✅ Strengthen AI semiconductor & computing infrastructure
✅ Align AI policies with energy security

By carefully navigating these global AI dynamics, South Korea can emerge as a leading AI powerhouse while ensuring its long-term technological and economic security.