Keynotes and panels

Here you can find on-demand videos of discussions between high-level speakers on the major topics of innovation and technology, focusing on vision and strategy, as well as debates with customers and partners on the key innovation challenges within the ecosystem.

The Telco and Cyber alliance: Trusted digital future for Europeans

Sophie Brafman and Koen Vermeulent are moderating a panel with Sara Puigvert (OCD) and Benjamin Faveris (Orange France) at Orange OpenTech on November 27, 2024.

In a hyper-standardised European telco sector, can innovation become a driver of differentiation and growth?

Amman Abid moderates a keynote with Bruno Zerbib (CTIO, Orange), Mari-Noëlle Jégo-Laveissière (CEO, Orange Europe), Liudmila Climoc (CEO, Orange Poland), Julien Ducarroz (CEO, Orange Romania), and Xavier Pichon (CEO, Orange Belgium).

Participants

  • Amman Abid (Presenter)
  • Bruno Zerbib (CTIO, Orange)
  • Mari-Noëlle Jégo-Laveissière (CEO, Orange Europe)
  • Liudmila Climoc (CEO, Orange Poland)
  • Julien Ducarroz (CEO, Orange Romania)
  • Xavier Pichon (CEO, Orange Belgium)

Summary

The keynote focused on innovation within the Orange group and its impact on the European telecommunications market. The speakers discussed the challenges and opportunities related to innovation, emphasizing collaboration among different European countries and the synergies created within the group.

  • Innovation and Collaboration: Mari-Noëlle Jégo-Laveissière highlighted the importance of innovation as a driver of growth and competitiveness. She mentioned the need to work together across various Orange entities to maximize results.
  • Market Challenges: Bruno Zerbib addressed the challenges related to the fragmentation of the European market and the necessity to standardize certain practices to enhance customer experience. He also noted the importance of agility in innovation processes.
  • Emerging Technologies: Liudmila Climoc presented examples of innovative technologies implemented in Poland, particularly in cybersecurity and digital services, to improve customer experience.
  • Training and Skill Development: Julien Ducarroz emphasized the importance of training employees to adapt to new technologies and market demands. He mentioned initiatives in Romania to encourage innovation within teams.
  • Market Strategies: Xavier Pichon discussed the strategies implemented in Belgium to meet customer needs while remaining competitive in the market. He stressed the importance of listening to customers and adapting offerings.

Quotes

  • Mari-Noëlle Jégo-Laveissière: “Innovation is everywhere; it must be at the heart of our strategy to remain competitive in the market.”
  • Bruno Zerbib: “We must break down the barriers of market fragmentation to provide a consistent and quality customer experience.”
  • Liudmila Climoc: “Cybersecurity and digital services are priorities for us, as they meet the growing expectations of our customers.”
  • Julien Ducarroz: “Training our employees is essential to ensure we remain at the forefront of innovation and meet market needs.”
  • Xavier Pichon: “Listening to our customers and adapting our offerings is key to succeeding in such a dynamic environment.”

EN: Summary of the video – initial version generated by an AI on the basis of an automatic transcription and analysis of the content (Orange internal solution)

Close summary

  • keynote

Hello Women: Is AI inclusive ?

On November 27, 2024, at Orange OpenTech, Sophie Brafman moderates a panel with Vincent Lecerf (HR Director, Orange), Sasha Rubel (Tech For Good movement), Jean-François Lucas (think tank Renaissance Numérique), and Émilie Sirvent-Hien (Ethics Researcher in AI, Orange).

Participants

  • Sophie Brafman (Moderator)
  • Vincent Lecerf (Director of Human Resources, Orange)
  • Sasha Rubel (Tech For Good Movement)
  • Jean-François Lucas (General Delegate, Renaissance Numérique)
  • Émilie Sirvent-Hien (Ethics Researcher in AI, Orange)

Summary

The panel “Hello Women: Is AI inclusive?” addresses the issue of inclusivity in artificial intelligence (AI) in a context where the benefits are often highlighted, but the risks of increasing inequalities are also concerning.

Vincent Lecerf opens the discussion by sharing an anecdote about gender biases in compensation systems, emphasizing that AI can reproduce these biases if measures are not taken to prevent them. He stresses the importance of diversity in teams developing AI tools to ensure sensitivity to biases.

Émilie Sirvent-Hien discusses the inclusion challenges related to access to AI, particularly regarding user training and data representation. She points out that the lack of diversity in data science professions can lead to biases in AI systems.

Jean-François Lucas highlights the risk of AI amplifying inequalities, explaining that existing societal biases are often exacerbated by technology. He calls for broader reflection on inclusion as a democratic principle.

Sasha Rubel concludes by emphasizing the importance of diversity in AI development teams and the need to invest in education and training to promote inclusivity.

The panel highlights the challenges and opportunities related to AI inclusivity, calling for collective action to ensure that developed technologies are fair and representative of societal diversity. The speakers underline the importance of training, diversity in teams, and the commitment of businesses and governments to build an inclusive technological future.

Quotes

  • Vincent Lecerf: “If we are not careful, we will reproduce all the biases in the world.”
  • Émilie Sirvent-Hien: “AI extends inclusion challenges and creates new problems.”
  • Jean-François Lucas: “Inclusion is a philosophical project for society, not just a technical issue.”
  • Sasha Rubel: “Artificial intelligence is not a mirror of our society; it is a magnifying glass that amplifies biases.”

EN: Summary of the video – initial version generated by an AI on the basis of an automatic transcription and analysis of the content (Orange internal solution)

Close summary

  • panel

Hello Women Diversity: Let's transform the system

On November 27, 2024, at Orange OpenTech, Sophie Brafman leads a discussion between Jérôme Berger, Director of Strategy at Orange, and Roxana Maracineanu, Secretary General of Miprof (Interministerial Mission for the Protection of Women Against Violence and the Fight Against Human Trafficking). Gender diversity in technical and digital professions is not just a matter of diversity, but a crucial societal issue. Repairing, improving, or changing the system? The answer lies in an integrated and transformative approach.

Participants

  • Sophie Brafman (Moderator)
  • Jérôme Berger (Director of Strategy, Orange)
  • Roxana Maracineanu (General Secretary of Miprof)

Summary

The conference focused on the theme of gender diversity and equality, highlighting the importance of women’s representation in various fields, particularly in technology and sports.

Roxana Maracineanu opened the discussion by presenting the challenges of her mission at Miprof, which focuses on protecting women from violence and combating human trafficking. She emphasized that diversity is essential for achieving equality, stressing the need to protect women and empower them to gain confidence in order to access decision-making positions.

Jérôme Berger then addressed the issue of diversity in the corporate world, explaining that a diversity of perspectives is crucial for innovation and competitiveness. He mentioned that at Orange, initiatives are in place to promote gender diversity, including training and awareness programs aimed at young girls and women.

The speakers also discussed the challenges related to the underrepresentation of women in scientific and technological fields. They agreed that education plays a fundamental role in attracting young girls to these areas, and that concrete actions must be implemented to dismantle gender stereotypes.

The conference highlighted the importance of gender diversity and equality across all sectors, emphasizing that concrete actions and changes in mindset are necessary to achieve these goals. The speakers called for collective mobilization to promote diversity, both in the corporate world and in education, to create a more inclusive and equitable environment.

Quotes

  • Roxana Maracineanu: “If we want to aim for equality, we must first protect women, pave the way for them, and show them that they can have confidence in themselves.”
  • Jérôme Berger: “We cannot afford to overlook half of the talent. It is absurd to think that we can innovate without including women in the process.”
  • Sophie Brafman: “Diversity is one of the essential pillars in the fight against violence towards women.”
  • Roxana Maracineanu: “We need to change objectives so that if 50% of the population is female, there is no reason why this should not be reflected in leadership positions.”
  • Jérôme Berger: “Innovation, by definition, requires diversity. Without diversity, we have narrow and closed innovation.”

EN : Summary of the video – initial version generated by an AI on the basis of an automatic transcription and analysis of the content (Orange internal solution)

Close summary

  • keynote

Reinventing Business: democratizing Generative AI for every business

The panel explored how Orange is committed to democratizing the use of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly generative AI, for businesses.

Participants:

  • Steve Jarrett – Chief AI Officer
  • Julien Sicart – VP Digital Services
  • Marie-Hélène Briens Ware – SVP Employee Experience
  • Michael Trabbia – Executive Vice President, CEO of Orange Wholesale
  • Sophie Brafman – Presenter

Conference Summary:

The roundtable explored how Orange is committed to democratizing the use of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly generative AI, for businesses. The speakers discussed Orange’s strategies for integrating AI into its operations and those of its clients, emphasizing accessibility and responsibility.

  1. Orange’s AI Strategy: Steve Jarrett highlighted that AI represents a new era of interaction with computers, enabling non-programmers to leverage AI tools to enhance efficiency and creativity within businesses. He mentioned three key areas: network optimization, customer experience improvement, and operational efficiency.
  2. Support for Digital Transformation: Julien Sicart explained how Orange Business helps B2B clients navigate their digital transformation by offering consulting services, technical integration, and tailored AI solutions. He announced the launch of the “Live Intelligence” range, aimed at simplifying AI adoption for businesses.
  3. Perception of Generative AI by Businesses: Marie-Hélène Briens Ware noted that large companies are generally ready to explore generative AI, while SMEs face challenges in knowing where to start. She emphasized the importance of supporting these businesses in their AI adoption.
  4. Internal Innovation and AI Adoption: Michael Trabbia shared his experience as an internal client of Orange, explaining how access to AI tools has improved productivity and efficiency within his unit. He also stressed the importance of employee training to maximize the use of these tools.

Notable Quotes:

  • Steve Jarrett: “The idea that you can generate not only meeting summaries but also data visualizations is fundamental to empowering the entire company.”
  • Julien Sicart: “Our strategy is very simple: AI for everyone. We want to democratize AI for all B2B clients.”
  • Marie-Hélène Briens Ware: “It is crucial not to leave anyone behind. Every business and every employee must be involved in this transformation.”
  • Michael Trabbia: “We have increased the number of internal users tenfold, and today, two out of three employees use live intelligence.”

The roundtable highlighted Orange’s commitment to making AI accessible and useful for all businesses while emphasizing the importance of responsible adoption and adequate training to maximize the benefits of this technology.

 

EN : Summary of the video – initial version generated by an AI on the basis of an automatic transcription and analysis of the content (Orange internal solution)

Close summary

  • panel

Network and AI: accelerating the Symbiosis​

The panel explored the synergies between networks and artificial intelligence (AI), highlighting how AI is transforming network operations and vice versa.

Participants:

  • Benjamin Vigouroux – VP Digital Infrastructure, Orange Business
  • Laurent Leboucher – CTO Orange, SVP Orange Innovation Networks
  • Jean Louis Le Roux – CTIO Orange Wholesale, EVP International Networks
  • Amin Jerraya – SVP, Head of IT Digital Engagement & Infrastructure, Siemens

Host: Sophie Brafman and Nathalie Ghinsberg

Conference Summary:

The roundtable explored the synergies between networks and artificial intelligence (AI), highlighting how AI transforms network operations and vice versa. The speakers discussed the impacts of AI on infrastructures, innovative use cases, and challenges related to sustainability and security.

  1. Impact of AI on Networks:
    Amin Jerraya emphasized the use of AI in the healthcare sector, particularly for improving medical imaging and optimizing processes. He mentioned collaboration with Orange to develop infrastructures tailored to Siemens’ needs. Benjamin Vigouroux shared examples of AI implementation in business applications, particularly in the energy sector, where AI enables automatic generation of maintenance reports, saving time for technicians.
  2. Trends and Use Cases:
    Laurent Leboucher discussed the growing importance of generative AI and its impact on infrastructures. He addressed energy requirements for training AI models and the need for low-latency connectivity for multimodal applications. Jean Louis Le Roux presented concrete use cases of AI in network operations, such as capacity planning optimization and fraud detection.
  3. Using AI to Improve Networks:
    The speakers discussed the automation of network operations through AI, particularly for cybersecurity and energy management. Jean Louis mentioned AI tools that help filter alarms and detect anomalies in networks.
  4. Sustainability and Ethics:
    The roundtable also addressed sustainability issues related to AI. Amin highlighted the importance of responsible AI governance to avoid waste and ensure ethical use of technologies. The speakers agreed that AI could also contribute to more sustainable practices, particularly by optimizing energy consumption in networks.
  5. Challenges and Perspectives:
    The speakers identified major challenges, including the need to train employees on new technologies and ensure data security. They also discussed the importance of anonymizing sensitive data and harmonizing AI models among operators.

Notable Quotes:

Amin Jerraya: “AI was the reason for our partnership with Orange, as we needed a dedicated network to work with our research teams.”

Benjamin Vigouroux: “We provide a digital infrastructure so that our clients can use AI under the best conditions.”

Laurent Leboucher: “Generative AI will become prevalent in many activities that affect our business clients.”

Jean Louis Le Roux: “We use AI to improve the quality, security, and flexibility of our networks.”

This roundtable highlighted the many ways in which AI and networks can interact to create beneficial synergies while raising important questions about sustainability and ethics in the use of these technologies.

 

EN : Summary of the video – initial version generated by an AI on the basis of an automatic transcription and analysis of the content (Orange internal solution)

Close summary

  • panel

Opening session - The Era of AI Everywhere: Innovating Together to unlock Business Ecosystems​

With Bruno Zerbib (CTIO, Orange), the AI assistant of Bruno Zerbib, Jean-François Fallacher (CEO, Orange France), Vivek Badrinath (Director General Designate, GSMA) and Dali Kilani (Cofounder and CTO, FlexAI)

Description of the Conference “Orange OpenTech keynote – The Era of AI Everywhere: Innovating Together to Unlock Business Ecosystems”

Date: November 26, 2024

Speakers

  • Bruno Zerbib – CTIO of Orange
  • AI Assistant of Bruno Zerbib
  • Jean-François Fallacher – CEO of Orange France
  • Vivek Badrinath – Designated General Director of GSMA
  • Dali Kilani – Co-founder and CTO of FlexAI

Conference Summary

The “Orange OpenTech” conference was inaugurated by Bruno Zerbib, who emphasized the importance of open innovation and collaboration between Orange, its partners, and startups. The event highlighted the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in areas such as connectivity, customer experience, and cybersecurity. Bruno introduced his AI assistant, which presented Orange’s vision for responsible innovation. Generative AI was identified as a key driver of transformation.

Jean-François Fallacher addressed the specific challenges faced by Orange France, focusing on optimizing operational processes through AI. Vivek Badrinath and Dali Kilani discussed the importance of collaboration within the telecommunications ecosystem to maximize the impact of AI, while also emphasizing the need for ethical considerations.

Topics Covered

  • Open Innovation and Collaboration: Importance of working with partners to tackle technological challenges.
  • Artificial Intelligence: Impact of generative AI on business processes and customer experience.
  • Process Optimization: Use of AI to improve operational efficiency.
  • Ethics and Responsibility: Need for a responsible approach in AI development.
  • Telecommunications Ecosystem: Collaboration between operators and tech companies.

Notable Quotes

  • Bruno Zerbib: “We are experiencing an unprecedented moment of singularity, particularly with generative AI.”
  • AI Assistant of Bruno Zerbib: “By 2030, AI will be omnipresent, integrated into all aspects of our daily and professional lives.”
  • Jean-François Fallacher: “Generative AI will allow us to deliver more value on our networks.”
  • Vivek Badrinath: “The relationship between Telco and Tech must evolve into a mutualistic model.”
  • Dali Kilani: “We need to rethink infrastructure to achieve inclusion and environmental responsibility goals.”

This conference highlighted Orange’s ambitions regarding innovation and AI, while underscoring the importance of a collaborative and responsible approach.

Summary of the video – initial version generated by an AI on the basis of an automatic transcription and analysis of the content (Orange internal solution)

Close summary

  • keynote

Empowering digital inclusion through multilingual AI innovations

With Amman Abid (moderator), Elizabeth Tchoungi (Executive Vice President of Group, Corporate Social Responsibility at Orange), Steve Jarrett (Chief AI Officer at Orange), Colin Jarvis (Head of AI Solutions at OpenAI), Ziad Traboulsi (Senior Director of Engineering at Meta) and Brelotte Ba (Deputy CEO at Orange MEA).

Conference Description: “Empowering Digital Inclusion Through Multilingual AI Innovations”

Date and Location: November 26, 2024, Orange OpenTech
Moderator: Amman Abid
Speakers:

  • Elizabeth Tchoungi – Executive Vice President of Group, Corporate Social Responsibility at Orange
  • Steve Jarrett – Chief AI Officer at Orange
  • Colin Jarvis – Head of AI Solutions at OpenAI
  • Ziad Traboulsi – Senior Director of Engineering at Meta
  • Brelotte Ba – Deputy CEO at Orange MEA

Conference Summary

The conference addressed the importance of digital inclusion through multilingual AI innovations, focusing on specific challenges faced in Africa. Speakers discussed Orange’s efforts and those of its partners to bridge the digital divide on the continent, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where only 22% of the population uses mobile internet.

Key Points Discussed

  • State of Digital Inclusion in Africa: Elizabeth Tchoungi highlighted the lack of infrastructure, financial accessibility, and digital skills in Africa. Orange is committed to providing affordable phones and promoting digital education through its programs.
  • Linguistic Challenges: Steve Jarrett mentioned Africa’s linguistic diversity, with nearly 948 languages spoken. He emphasized the need to develop AI models capable of understanding and processing these languages, citing the Wolof chatbot launched in Senegal to improve access to education and health.
  • Collaboration with OpenAI and Meta: Colin Jarvis presented OpenAI’s Whisper model, which uses a weak supervised learning approach to enhance transcription and translation in underrepresented languages. Ziad Traboulsi noted that open source would improve AI models by integrating local data.
  • Orange Digital Centers Initiatives: Brelotte Ba explained how these centers, which offer training and resources, aim to include often overlooked groups, such as women and youth from disadvantaged backgrounds.
  • Environmental and Ethical Considerations: Speakers agreed that the environmental impact of AI is a major issue. They discussed the need for a responsible approach in the development and use of AI, incorporating sustainable practices.

Notable Quotes

  • Elizabeth Tchoungi: “We are here to help bridge the digital divide by providing affordable infrastructure and training youth in digital skills.”
  • Steve Jarrett: “AI must be able to interact in local languages for us to truly reduce the digital divide.”
  • Colin Jarvis: “OpenAI’s Whisper model generalizes very well for lower resources languages, it performs very well across languages that did not have a huge quantity of training data, which is crucial for inclusion.”
  • Brelotte Ba: “Our digital centers are a unique asset for training and inspiring youth, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.”
  • Ziad Traboulsi: “Open source allows us to collaborate with partners like Orange to improve AI models and make them accessible to all.”

Conclusion

The conference highlighted the efforts of Orange and its partners to promote digital inclusion in Africa through multilingual AI innovations. Speakers emphasized the importance of collaboration, education, and social responsibility to overcome challenges related to linguistic diversity and access to technology.

Summary of the video – initial version generated by an AI on the basis of an automatic transcription and analysis of the content (Orange internal solution)

Close summary

  • keynote