Total and green technology : large and small are more beautiful together

In a still unstable industrial and economic context, new energy technologies are growing especially in start-ups which are able to convey scientific progress more rapidly by breakthroughs than large groups. Total Gas and New Energies (Total GEN) aims to be a technology integrator and leader both in the solar photovoltaic sector and in white biotechnology (biotechnology applied to industrial processes). To achieve this, it draws on a network of partners who have been carefully selected from university laboratories and start-ups, and with which it forms joint research teams in order to develop technologies which are of interest to both parties. Total GEN only takes a minority share in the partner start-ups. The start-ups therefore remain independent thereby guaranteeing that they are free to innovate. Building and preserving this balance requires constant attention from both parties with respect to the compatibility of their strategies and to the mutual benefit of the partnership.