In 2004, in the context of an increasingly competitive world economy, France launched a new industrial policy to activate the key factors in successful competitiveness, among the most important of which is the ability to innovate.

Since 2005, over 70 competitive clusters have been certified by the French government, and 738 R&D projects have benefited from public financing, with the projects concerned involving almost 14,000 researchers.

One of the main objectives shared by these clusters is to strengthen the competitiveness of France’s economy by spurring innovative initiative through increased collaboration between companies, research laboratories and training establishments.

The Centre region is fully committed to this approach, and currently accommodates 10 clusters – testimony to the region’s technological and industrial expertise.