Capgemini AI chief: Humans and AI don’t have the right chemistry — yet

Capgemini AI Chief: Humans and AI Lack Proper Chemistry, But Progress is Being Made

The AI Landscape at VivaTech

Capgemini AI chief - At the recent VivaTech event in Paris, companies unveiled their aspirations for artificial intelligence (AI), showcasing innovations ranging from intelligent agents to tools designed to automate workflows. However, Pascal Brier, Capgemini’s group chief innovation officer, emphasized that the true challenge lies in determining whether businesses can effectively scale AI solutions across their operations. “Not every organization will succeed with AI,” Brier stated during an interview with Euronews Next, underscoring the need for a more nuanced approach to implementation.

Capgemini’s “Year of Truth” for AI

Capgemini has positioned 2026 as its “year of truth” for artificial intelligence, aiming to demonstrate the technology’s viability in large-scale enterprise settings. The firm highlighted the importance of proving that AI can deliver tangible outcomes beyond theoretical potential. While acknowledging the excitement surrounding AI, Brier noted that many organizations have overlooked the time required to fully grasp, deploy, and optimize its capabilities. “AI is transforming the broader technology ecosystem,” he said, “but the journey to harness its power is more complex than it appears.”

Job Cuts and the Human Impact of AI

In early 2026, Capgemini announced plans to reduce up to 2,400 positions in France. Brier clarified that these layoffs were not directly tied to AI adoption, though he recognized the technology’s role in reshaping workforce dynamics. “AI is not just replacing jobs; it’s changing how we operate,” he explained. “The shift in tasks doesn’t equate to eliminating people. It’s about redefining roles and responsibilities.” He argued that while fear is a natural response to new technologies entering the workplace, employees often grow more enthusiastic once they understand AI’s potential to enhance their productivity. “When people see what AI can do, they become its advocates,” Brier added.

Building Trust Between Humans and AI

A critical factor in AI’s successful integration, according to Brier, is the development of “human-AI chemistry”—a concept referring to the trust and collaboration required between people and the technology. “Trust is the foundation of any innovation,” he said. “Without it, AI can’t reach its full potential.” This sentiment was echoed in the discussion around physical AI, which involves robots and machines operating in real-world environments. Brier stressed that regulations should prioritize human safety and emergency protocols, ensuring that systems can be swiftly halted if malfunctions occur. “We need rules that let humans and machines work together without risk,” he said.

Regulation for Physical AI: A Gradual Approach

Brier acknowledged that physical AI is still in its early stages, advocating for a flexible regulatory framework that evolves alongside the technology. Unlike generative AI, which has seen rapid adoption, physical AI requires more time to mature due to its dependence on real-world applications. “No company is currently managing hundreds of robots simultaneously,” he noted. This gradual rollout means regulations should adapt to the technology’s growth, balancing oversight with innovation. “Regulation should be progressive,” he said. “It needs to keep pace with how AI evolves and integrates into daily operations.”

Agentic AI: The Next Frontier

Brier identified agentic AI as the most promising avenue for businesses seeking measurable returns. This type of AI allows systems to autonomously perform tasks and restructure internal processes, offering significant operational advantages. “The real value of AI will come from these agentic systems,” he said. “They’re not just tools—they’re transforming how companies function.” He predicted that this shift would be more impactful than previous AI developments, as it enables machines to take initiative rather than merely executing pre-defined commands. “This is where AI starts to redefine business models,” Brier explained.

Global AI Dependence and the Push for Sovereignty

A growing concern for companies is their reliance on a single AI model or provider, a risk Brier believes should be mitigated. He pointed to recent actions by the U.S. government, which ordered Anthropic to restrict foreign-national access to its Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models, as an example of the importance of diversifying AI sources. “Sovereignty isn’t about isolation,” Brier said. “It’s about ensuring business continuity and managing risks.” He highlighted the availability of over 1,000 AI models globally, noting that companies can choose from a variety of options, including European, U.S., and Chinese alternatives. “Having multiple models means you’re never stuck with just one,” he said, stressing the need for contingency plans in case of disruptions.

Collaboration Over Competition

Brier emphasized that the future of AI depends on collaboration between humans and machines. “The key is creating an environment where both can thrive,” he said. This includes not only technological advancements but also cultural shifts within organizations. He argued that AI’s success hinges on how well it aligns with human needs and values, rather than simply outperforming them. “It’s not a race to replace people,” Brier clarified. “It’s a journey to enhance what humans can achieve.”

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Despite the challenges, Brier remained optimistic about AI’s long-term potential. He acknowledged that the current phase is one of experimentation and learning, with companies still navigating the complexities of implementation. “There’s a lot of trial and error happening right now,” he said. “But that’s part of the process.” The Capgemini executive also called for continued investment in research and development, ensuring that AI solutions are both innovative and practical. “The goal is to build systems that are reliable, efficient, and trusted,” he said. “That requires patience, but the rewards are worth it.”

Looking Beyond the Present

As AI continues to evolve, Brier warned that the technology’s impact will be felt across industries. “We’re only at the beginning of this transformation,” he said. “The next few years will define how AI is used and understood.” He urged businesses to focus on fostering human-AI partnerships rather than fearing displacement. “AI is a tool, not a threat,” he said. “Its role is to amplify human capabilities, not diminish them.”

Conclusion

Brier’s insights reflect a broader industry sentiment: while AI holds immense promise, its integration requires careful planning and trust-building. “The chemistry between humans and AI is still developing,” he said. “But with the right approach, we can create a future where both work seamlessly together.” For now, the focus remains on demonstrating AI’s scalability, addressing regulatory needs, and preparing for a world where technology and human expertise coexist as equals. The video embedded in the media player above offers a deeper exploration of these themes, providing additional context on Capgemini’s vision for the future of AI.