Generative AI adoption is rapidly gaining traction among French mid-sized companies, as revealed by a survey conducted by the state-backed investment bank Bpifrance. According to their annual barometer on Entreprises de Taille Intermédiaire (ETIs), 77 per cent of the 534 company heads surveyed reported that their firms had begun utilising generative artificial intelligence.
Despite this significant uptake, the survey indicates that most of these companies have yet to witness clear productivity benefits from the technology. Only 17 per cent of the respondents who implemented generative AI noted time savings, suggesting that the pace of adoption is outstripping measurable returns. Many companies appear to be grappling with the challenge of converting these advanced tools into practical efficiency gains.
Interestingly, the report highlights a disparity in productivity gains based on the frequency of generative AI usage. Among firms that use the technology regularly, 23 per cent reported positive productivity outcomes, compared to just 12 per cent of those who utilise it occasionally. This trend underscores the potential advantages of deeper engagement with generative AI.
Looking ahead, the optimism surrounding generative AI’s impact on productivity remains robust. A notable 78 per cent of companies expressed confidence that the technology would yield positive results over time, an increase of 11 points from the previous year. This growing expectation reflects a belief in the long-term benefits that generative AI could bring to their operations.
In terms of industry-specific adoption, generative AI is more prevalent among service firms and those in the industrial and construction sectors than in commerce, transport, and tourism. This variation could point to differing levels of digital maturity and readiness to integrate advanced technologies across sectors.
However, while the enthusiasm for generative AI is clear, external factors are still imposing constraints on growth. A significant 55 per cent of firms cited current or expected demand weakness as a major obstacle affecting their activities. This sentiment is further echoed in the 2026 cash-position outlook, which fell 2 points to -12, particularly among industrial and construction companies, indicating a cautious approach to future investments.
On a brighter note, the revenue outlook balance has seen a slight improvement, rising 8 points to +18. Nevertheless, this figure remains below the average of +29 recorded between 2011 and 2025, suggesting that while there may be some signs of recovery, challenges persist.
