The industrial dynamism of major French companies is driven by innovation and research. But abroad, France is also seen as a country of traditional, very high quality craftmanship.
Industrial dynamism that is exported around the world
France has the world's fifth largest economy and 31 of the world's 500 most powerful companies. Many French industrial groups are leaders in their sector with a worldwide presence, including Airbus, Total, Orange, Sanofi, LVMH, L’Oréal and Danone.
The success of French innovation
France is the European country with the best representation in the list of the top 100 most innovative companies. It is home to 71 competitiveness clusters that comprise an attractive ecosystem, bringing together laboratories, universities, start-ups and major corporations. French Tech, with 200 million Euros invested, supports the development of digital companies and attracts young talent.
We are proud to have produced fifteen Nobel winners in Literature, thirteen in Physics and three in Economics. Thirteen French mathematicians have been recipients of the Fields Medal. France also occupies the sixth rung worldwide for most international patents filed.
High quality, diversified craftsmanship
With 40,000 workshops and 100,000 craftsmen and women, France is an international reference in many skilled domains, particularly arts and crafts and upmarket fields such as jewellery, fashion, crystal glassmaking and architecture. Further industrial innovation through design is particularly well-established in France.