The internationalisation of R&D and the attraction of France

• Frédérique SACHWALD
  In charge of economic studies, IFRI (Institut français des relations internationales : French Institute for International Relations) and associate professor, Paris XIII University
  
• François BALLET
  Vice president, Aventis Pharma recherche-développement
  
• Jean-Patrice SAVEREUX
  IBM France, representative of the president as director of external relations (governmental programmes), and manufacturing
  

Summary

What are the factors which encourage companies to establish their R&D department in one area rather than another ? Using the results of several relevant studies, Frédérique Sachwald describes the changes which this strategic activity has seen in the course of recent decades. The increasing internationalisation of R&D meets the need to get closer to new markets and to profit from the dynamism of foreign centres of excellence, but also, in certain cases, to rationalise costs. Apart from the differences in their respective sectors, opinions from two people in the field, Jean-Patrice Savereux (IBM) and François Ballet (Aventis Pharma) confirm that the quality of infrastructure and research staff remains the decisive factor for the localisation of R&D activities. The mobility of research workers, the current laws and flexibility are areas which are unfavourable to our country.

Summary translated from French by Rachel MARLIN.

• The entire article was written by Élisa RÉVAH.

To obtain this article, you can :

• download it in French (PDF help) using your password or contact ecopar@paris.ensmp.fr (Reference RT151204).