Deep Tech Innovation in France Faces Funding Challenges Amidst Growing Potential
France's deep tech sector faces funding challenges even as innovation potential grows, according to CEA-List's director.
Key Points
- • France lags behind Germany in R&D funding, at 1.4% of GDP compared to 3%.
- • CEA-List operates with a budget of €140 million, primarily funded by industry contracts.
- • The Carnot network has facilitated the creation of over 1,800 startups since 2006.
- • Bounouh advocates for innovation to be viewed as a strategic asset rather than a cost.
Recent discussions led by Alexandre Bounouh, General Director of CEA-List, have emphasized the importance of deep tech innovation in France and the pressing need for increased funding and strategic cultural shifts. In a podcast, Bounouh outlined that France’s investment in research and development (R&D) stagnates at 1.4% of GDP, significantly trailing behind Germany's 3%. He argued for a transformation in how innovation is perceived, advocating that it should be viewed as a strategic asset rather than merely a cost center.
CEA-List, a leader in intelligent digital systems—covering areas such as AI, cybersecurity, and robotics—operates on a budget of €140 million, with only €20 million sourced from public subsidies. This highlights the reliance on industry contracts for further funding. The Carnot network, which encompasses 39 institutes, collectively generates €600 million in contracts annually and has been pivotal in fostering the emergence of over 1,800 startups since its inception in 2006.
Bounouh highlighted CEA-List's proactive approach to nurturing future technologies, including post-deep learning AI and quantum computing, indicating a focus on technologies that anticipate market needs. Furthermore, CEA-List's workforce has multiplied from 1,000 to 4,500 over 25 years, creating approximately 100 startups yearly, showcasing its commitment to merging academic insights with industry applicability.
Despite these advancements, challenges remain in attracting and retaining talent within the tech sector. Bounouh noted that while competitive salaries in the private sector pose a hurdle, CEA-List's projects featuring significant societal impacts continue to attract top researchers.
In conclusion, while France shows promise in deep tech innovations through established networks and expanding institutions, concerted efforts towards increasing funding and shifting cultural perspectives are crucial if it aims to bolster its status within the global tech landscape.