Regional Economic Agency Meeting Highlights Besançon's Industrial Strength and Future Focus

On November 3, 2025, the Regional Economic Agency (AER) held its board meeting at the Cryla Group's facilities in Besançon, marking a significant event in the region's economic development efforts. The meeting was led by Jérôme Durain, President of the Bourgogne Franche-Comté region, and Arnaud Marthey, President of the AER. Despite ongoing governance changes, the agency reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the region's identity and supporting economic activities, acting as a facilitator for over 300 regional economic actors and aiding local communities with economic engineering services.

Durain emphasized the agency's pivotal role in supporting businesses throughout their lifecycle, from inception to internationalization, while also attracting new investors to bolster local employment. He remarked, "In politics, without economy, the rest is literature," underscoring the importance of economic vitality to social cohesion, sovereignty, and regional attractiveness amid demographic challenges.

The meeting spotlighted Cryla Group, a Besançon-based high-tech company specializing in aerospace technology. Founded in 1951, Cryla employs 156 people and reported €17.9 million in revenue. The firm is a key supplier to Airbus and contributes to major projects like Ariane 6. Cryla is recognized for its multi-technology expertise and its strong corporate social responsibility initiatives, including efforts in waste reduction, energy efficiency, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. This gathering reinforced the agency’s dedication to supporting both established industries and new sectors to ensure Besançon’s economic resilience and growth.