ADAPT welcomed a visiting delegation from France last week organised by the Embassy of France in Ireland. Representatives from the French National Foundation for Enterprise and Performance (FNEP) attended. The Foundations is an independent think-tank which conducts research on globally relevant topics for the public good, and this year it has chosen “AI and Enterprise” as its central theme, with a particular focus on how countries are adopting and governing artificial intelligence in business contexts.
This year, the FNEP selected Dublin as a key site for its inquiry, drawn by Ireland’s growing reputation as a hub for AI-driven innovation and agile enterprise engagement. The aim of the visit was to better understand how Irish companies are embracing AI, from upskilling and talent development to startup ecosystems, academic-industry collaboration, and regulatory preparedness.
The French delegation included Flavien Dupuis, currently Account Director for AI consulting at the French Ministry of Defence, and Samuel Bourdon, International Affairs Advisor at AFNOR, France’s national standardisation body, along with Maxime Augé representing the French Embassy in Ireland. The delegates brought significant experience in public governance, digital transformation, and cross-border cooperation in technology policy.
During their time at ADAPT, the delegation met with Professor John Kelleher, who provided an overview of the Trinity and ADAPT’s AI research landscape; Professor Dave Lewis, who discussed regulatory frameworks and AI research in governance, regulation, and ethics; Declan McKibben who discussed models of engagement with industry including joint AI Labs; Conor McNally, who introduced ADAPT’s work in supporting startups and innovation; and Neil Gordon, who shared insights from Portal, Trinity’s innovation hum for enterprise and innovation engagement.
The insights gathered during this mission will contribute to a wider FNEP report on “AI and Enterprise”, to be published in early 2026. The report will be freely available.
