The 2025 edition of the economic outlook note ” Data, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity in the territories “, produced by La Banque des Territoires and the La Poste group , confirms a digital transformation now embraced by local authorities.
Long confined to experimental phases, these uses are expanding, becoming more structured, and taking root in public policy. This fourth edition, produced in partnership with the Data Publica Observatory , reveals a landscape where data is becoming a strategic resource, artificial intelligence an operational lever, and cybersecurity a prerequisite for digital trust.
Local authorities are taking action: AI is emerging as a new tool for public policy
The year 2025 marks a decisive step in the adoption of AI by local authorities . Communities are no longer just looking to test these technologies: they are integrating them operationally.
According to the report, 49% of communities with more than 3,500 inhabitants have already deployed at least one AI project, and 28% plan to do so soon .
The uses remain varied, ranging from the automation of internal tasks to predictive analytics for mobility , and even the optimization of public services . Nevertheless, this momentum is accompanied by a real need for vigilance.
Transparency, digital sobriety, ethics, and sovereignty are now at the heart of local debates, and elected officials are moving forward methodically, aware of citizens’ expectations, especially since, according to the report, 68% of French people express some form of mistrust regarding the spread of AI tools. This mistrust necessitates mastering the models, understanding their limitations, and regulating their uses.
Territorial disparities also persist, as 90% of metropolitan areas and 85% of regions already have projects underway, while only 15% of municipalities with fewer than 3,500 inhabitants have committed to such initiatives. In this context, pooling resources becomes a key way to disseminate innovation.
Data is emerging as a central strategic resource
The use of data is progressing significantly in local authorities. The report reveals that 74% of them have already experimented with a data management project or are preparing to do so.
Metropolitan areas and regions are also leading the way: 60% consider themselves advanced in their use of data . Data is no longer seen as a technical gadget, but as a tool for guiding local policies.
The report shows that three main categories of use stand out: internal management (69%), environmental policies (66%), and mobility (60%). Citizens are quite receptive, with 64% stating they trust their municipality or inter-municipal body to use and manage the data effectively.
Cybersecurity: an essential pillar
Even today, cybersecurity remains a crucial issue for local authorities, which account for nearly 20% of incidents recorded by the French National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI) . And now, ransomware, phishing, and destabilization attempts create a complex and ever-evolving threat landscape.
Large local authorities, for their part, are accelerating their initiatives, supported by the growing momentum of connected territories projects. The need to guarantee continuity , resilience , and data protection is driving the development of internal capacities, enhanced training, and investment in appropriate tools.
On the other hand, smaller communities remain vulnerable . Local initiatives are emerging to support them, but the disparity in resources remains a challenge. Citizen trust remains mixed: while 64% trust their municipality, 68% have already been exposed to a cyberattack , directly or indirectly.
Building a trustworthy, sovereign and sustainable public digital system
The Banque des Territoires and the La Poste group reiterate, via this note, their commitment to supporting elected officials in the face of these changes .
The year 2025 marks a turning point: digital innovation is no longer a distant prospect for local communities; it is becoming a tool that can shape public policy. Many challenges remain, but the momentum is growing , driven by a shared vision of digital technology serving the common good.