Two years on from its inauguration by President Emmanuel Macron, the 'France 2030 Investment Plan' marks a significant milestone. This ambitious plan, with an earmarked budget of 54 billion euros spanning a five-year horizon, sets out to address the economic and technological challenges confronting France. As we review its progress at the halfway mark, numerous achievements and targets have already been met, including:

- Capital Deployed: Of the 54 billion euros allocated, an impressive 21 billion euros have already been invested, supporting over 4,370 projects.

- Fostering Innovation and Patents: The plan has catalysed over 2,000 patent applications, underscoring a substantial commitment to research and development.

- Labour Market Impact: The plan has created or preserved 40,000 direct jobs, with a forecast of 288,000 to 600,000 net job additions by 2030.

- Education and Training: In 2022 and 2023, approximately 34,000 new diploma programs, focusing on future-oriented vocations, were launched.

- CO2 Emissions: The initiated projects hold the potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 8.5 million tonnes annually.

The 'France 2030 Investment Plan' spans a wide spectrum of sectors, including energy, transportation, agriculture, healthcare, education, and fostering the startup ecosystem. Several noteworthy accomplishments include:

The establishment of four giga factories for battery production, ensuring the production of one million electric vehicles within France.

Substantial progress in the production of 20 biopharmaceuticals, with a particular focus on addressing cancer and age-related chronic diseases, alongside the development of innovative medical devices.

Strategic initiatives aimed at reducing CO2 emissions and promoting sustainability within the industrial landscape.

Breakthroughs in critical technological domains such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and robotics.

Additional investments aimed at supporting startups and nascent ventures within the deep tech sector.

Nevertheless, the 'France 2030 Investment Plan' grapples with a series of challenges, particularly concerning the creation of new industrial sites. The government underscores the pressing need for available land to revitalise French industry, with a goal to establish 50 new strategic sites by 2024.

In the grander scheme of things, the 'France 2030 Investment Plan' emerges as an audacious endeavour, designed to stimulate economic growth, innovation, and enhance France's competitiveness in the face of rapid transformation. The achievements thus far underscore significant progress, yet substantial work remains to attain the plan's long-term aspirations.

References:

https://www.economie.gouv.fr/france-2030

https://www.lemondeinformatique.fr/actualites/lire-france-2030-21-milliards-d-euros-deja-engages-en-deux-ans-91856.html

Published: November 7, 2023