Industry, energy, climate, and professional training: these are the four key issues that Syntec-engineering is highlighting for the presidential candidates. With just a few months to go before the election, the trade association is drawing the attention of future decision-makers to the many challenges facing French industry. Experts at AURIS Finance, specialists in M&A consulting, take a closer look at the key measures recommended by the Federation.
In France, the industrial sector represents 73,000 companies employing more than 300,000 people with a total turnover of €47.5 billion. These figures have been declining since the 1990s. In fact, France has experienced significant de-industrialisation in recent years. According to a report by France Stratégie, industrial added value now accounts for 13% of the French economy, compared with 21% in 1992. The health crisis has highlighted the importance of protecting strategic industrial sectors, notably through the France Relance plan.
In this context, Syntec-Ingénierie wished to make its voice heard and draw the attention of the presidential candidates to the specific problems of the sector. The Federation presented its proposals in a report dated January 2022.
Retaining skilled workers and adapting France to the new industrial landscape
The first proposal relates to innovation and the relocation of companies. The Federation recommends maintaining the research tax credit (CIR) to prevent companies and talented innovators from leaving the country. The engineers also propose launching a specific programme for Industry of the Future 5.0, including a skills development plan, and the creation of a Ministry of Industry, independent of the Ministry of Finance, fully integrating industrial engineering.
Preserving France’s energy sovereignty and meeting new needs
The other imperative is to find a sustainable solution in response to rising energy prices. To achieve this, Syntec-Ingénierie recommends making France the “world champion of low-carbon hydrogen”, in particular by launching a series of “major low-carbon hydrogen projects”. In this respect, the rules of the European market will have to be reviewed, while the nuclear industry will require greater support.
Climate change: support for carbon neutrality
As public procurement in France represents 8% of GDP (or €200 billion), the State and local authorities have the means to make a difference. Public procurement must therefore set an example and act as a real lever in the fight against climate change. We must also step-up funding for the energy-efficient renovation of buildings and accelerate research into bio-sourced materials.
Professional training: supporting all talented innovators
Finally, the Federation stresses the importance of education and training. Tomorrow’s industry experts will need to have a global vision of the issues facing the industry. It is therefore important to place the challenges of the ecological transition at the heart of scientific and technical programmes. Finally, to address the potential skills shortage, the Federation recommends the launch of an “Engineer 2030” plan to recruit 50,000 engineers per year by 2030.
Auris Finance experts at your side
Many challenges lie ahead for the industrial sector, which is currently undergoing major changes. At the same time, the innovations of an increasingly dynamic industry are attracting companies and investment funds. Whether you are looking to buy or sell a company, AURIS Finance’s experts can assist you.
