The race to develop and deploy generative artificial intelligence (AI) has created a surge in demand for computer hardware, particularly random access memory (RAM) and solid-state drives (SSDs), which are essential for running complex AI models. This increased demand has caused prices for these components to rise sharply, making it difficult for French universities and research institutions to acquire the necessary equipment. The situation is compounded by the rapid expansion of data centers, which also rely heavily on these components, further driving up prices and creating a bottleneck for institutions trying to keep up with technological demands. In France, the Matinfo group serves as a purchasing consortium for higher education and research institutions, including universities and the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS). By negotiating framework agreements, Matinfo enables its 250 member institutions to purchase computer equipment—such as workstations, servers, and experimental control systems—at competitive prices while adhering to public procurement rules. Normally, this system allows institutions to benefit from significant cost savings and streamlined purchasing processes. However, the current shortage of RAM and SSDs has disrupted this process. In a document dated September 18 of last year, obtained by Next, the Matinfo monitoring committee warned its members about the growing challenges. The document was addressed to all individuals affiliated with French higher education and research institutions, highlighting the difficulties in securing necessary equipment. According to the committee, the situation has reached a point where some purchases are being blocked due to the unavailability of essential components. The impact on French research is significant, as many scientific and academic projects rely on high-performance computing resources. With procurement processes stalled and prices rising, institutions face delays in their work and may be forced to seek alternative solutions, which could be more expensive or less efficient. The situation underscores the growing tension between technological advancement and the logistical challenges of maintaining access to critical computing infrastructure.