Are We Witnessing the Rebirth of French Technological Ecosystem?

After 40 years of deindustrialization, France announced fifteen years ago its ambition to rebuild its industrial base. Today, the President has set a clear objective: “By 2030, French industry must be decarbonized, transformed, and digitalized.” Is this bet on the path to success?

In six years (2017–2023), more than 90,000 jobs have been created in the manufacturing sector in France. Over the same period, 837,000 apprentices were recruited across all sectors, including industry, and nearly 300 new factories were established nationwide. While this industrial momentum now appears to be slowing, a new phase of growth could emerge.
Following the rise of unicorns, the expansion of certain sectors signals a technological resurgence in France: AI, deep tech, cybersecurity, microelectronics, greentech… which are the most promising? What French strengths—such as infrastructure, human capital, academia, and public policy—help attract talent and investment? At the same time, does dependence on American and Asian giants temper this optimism?