François Candelon joined Boston Consulting Group in 1993. He has worked in several European countries, led BCG’s global telecommunications work from 2008 to 2012, and spent seven years in China where he worked with the most advanced tech companies.

He is now located in Paris where he leads BCG Gamma’s AI@Scale effort for technology, media, and telecommunications companies and has served as global director of the BCG Henderson Institute since 2019.

His research is focused on AI and digital as a source of competitive advantage for businesses and national economies. His work has been published in several prestigious reviews (Harvard Business Review, MIT, and Sloane Management Review), and he has been a speaker in global conferences like TED, Web Summit, Global AI Summit, and Wuzhen Internet Conference. Most recently, he coauthored the 2020 BCG-MIT AI report on how organizations can expand financial impact with AI.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

  • Technology
  • Communications
  • Wireless
  • Corporate development
  • Strategy
  • Broadband
  • Pricing

EDUCATION

  • DEA, industrial economy, Paris Dauphine University
  • Engineering degree, École Polytechnique and MINES Paris Tech

HONORS AND AWARDS

  • Featured speaker, 2014 Asia Innovation Forum
  • Board member and strategic advisor, Virtuos Games

Publications and Videos

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Innovation Without Borders: The Power of Human Migration in the 21st Century

People who cross borders create vast global networks that generate enormous opportunities, in terms of both economic value and human values. It’s time to explore this immense potential.
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“Bite-Sized” Videos Have a $193 Billion Economic Footprint | BCG

Some people view short videos as frivolous entertainment. But research reveals the economic and social value of this popular platform—a new secret weapon for reaching Gen Z.
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Building Trust in Business Ecosystems

Winning companies use a multifaceted framework to build trust into their ecosystem operations from the very outset.
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Developing an Artificial Intelligence for Africa strategy

Africa has a unique opportunity to develop its competitiveness through AI.
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Data Alchemy Can Give Decision Making the Golden Touch

Some companies will shape the future after COVID-19. They’ll use machine learning to turn massive amounts of raw information into “golden” decisions.
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Europe Needs a Smarter, Simpler Data Strategy

The new European Data Governance Act is a good first step, but there’s room for complementary initiatives.
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Simple Governance for Data Ecosystems

If companies are not willing to share their data, ecosystems die on the vine.
The New Consumer Conversation in an Era of Uncertainty

The New Consumer Conversation in an Era of Uncertainty

Consumer preferences are changing rapidly, outpacing companies’ traditional abilities to track and respond to trends. Data and AI can provide new eyes and ears.
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Deploying AI to Maximize Revenue

Companies must use AI not only to cut costs but also to generate more revenue by improving forecasting and making decisions in real time.
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A New Approach to the Intractable Problem of Climate Change

To overcome climate inaction, we must understand the rationale for individuals’ behaviors, identify the groups that could change those behaviors, and work with those groups to transform the vicious cycle into a virtuous one.
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Transforming Telcos with Artificial Intelligence

To survive, and thrive, in the new reality, telecom companies must put artificial intelligence at the heart of their digital transformations.
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As the COVID-19 Crisis Reveals, Europe Urgently Needs to Digitize Its Industry

Industrial players have no time to lose. They need to catch up in digital by committing to a dramatic transformation.
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