The research conducted at the Chair examines the digital transformation of French firms, with particular attention paid to the adoption of advanced digital technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and big data. Despite having access to a well-developed digital infrastructure, French firms lag behind their European counterparts in adopting these technologies, with significant gaps between large firms and SMEs (European Commission Report, 2025).

Research Objectives
The Chair’s work aims to:

• Analyze the dynamics and determinants of the adoption of « advanced digital technologies » by French firms.
• Assess the effectiveness of public policies and support mechanisms designed to foster digital transformation.
• Examine the impact of European digital regulations (such as the GDPR, the Digital Markets Act, the Digital Services Act, and the AI Act) on firms’ technological choices and performance.

Scientific Approach
The research primarily relies on longitudinal firm-level data from INSEE (ICT surveys), complemented by data from ARCEP and European sources (DESI, Eurostat). It employs advanced econometric methods, including panel data models and difference-in-differences strategies, to identify causal relationships between public policies, regulation, and technological adoption.

Expected Outcomes
The TNEF Chair aims to contribute to academic research through publications in peer-reviewed international journals, while also producing reports for public decision-makers. By identifying the barriers and drivers of digital adoption, the Chair seeks to support evidence-based policymaking and to strengthen the competitiveness of French firms within the European digital economy.