France/ Labeling of 55 competitiveness clusters in France, including 7 in the SOUTH region (2023-2026)

The French government announced the labeling of 55 competitiveness clusters for phase V (2023-2026), during the general assembly of the French Association of Competitiveness Clusters (AFPC) in the presence of Roland Lescure, Minister Delegate in charge of Industry, Harold Huwart, representative of Régions de France, Bruno Le Maire, Minister of the Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, and Carole Delga, President of Régions de France.

The competitiveness clusters form a network of 18,500 innovative companies and research and training centers, which have brought together 2,000 additional members during phase IV (2019-2022), despite the health crisis.

They have supported, accompanied and obtained funding for nearly 1,000 European projects for themselves and their members. Competitive clusters have demonstrated their resilience in supporting the economy during the crisis and offering new services that meet the needs of companies in transition.

The call for applications for phase V (2023-2026) was launched on August 2. It was open to structures that had already received the label in Phase IV as well as to new applications.

Three main objectives have been defined by the State and the Regions, by mobilizing all partners, for phase V:

• To bring about the emergence of stronger, better interconnected ecosystems that are able to respond to both national and regional challenges by bringing them together.
• Strengthen the development of the clusters' action at the European level, to confirm the successes of phase IV and amplify the international influence of our innovation ecosystems by mobilizing European funding.
• Supporting French SMEs and startups in their transformation and development, by accompanying technologically demanding innovation and industrialization projects that will structure industrial sectors, in line with the deployment of France 2030 and regional priorities.

In accordance with the terms of reference, the applications were assessed by a selection committee comprising the State and the Regions. At the end of this procedure, the Prime Minister decided to follow the recommendations of the selection committee and to label 55 competitiveness clusters.

Competitiveness clusters accredited in the SUD - Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur region

In the South region, seven competitiveness clusters have been approved for phase V, and each of them focuses on key areas of innovation, ecological and technological transition and green reindustrialization:

1. The Mer Méditerranée cluster is dedicated to the sea and shipping industries. It focuses on developing innovative projects to promote economic growth, protection of the marine environment and maritime safety.
2. Eurobiomed is a competitiveness cluster in the field of health. It brings together players from research and industry to accelerate innovation and the development of health products and services.
3. The Optitec cluster is specialized in imaging and photonics. It aims to develop innovative projects in the fields of health, the environment, industry and information technology.
4. The SCS cluster focuses on information and communication technologies (ICT). It focuses on innovation and development of products and services in the fields of security, health, environment and industry.
5. Capénergies focuses on the fields of energy and the environment. It works on innovative projects to promote the energy transition and sustainable development.
6. Innov'Alliance supports the ecological and technological transition of agriculture. It aims to develop innovative projects to improve the productivity and sustainability of agriculture while preserving the environment.
7. Safe Cluster focuses on the aerospace, security, defense and risk prevention sectors. It brings together research and industry players to develop innovative projects in these fields.

The mission of these clusters is to strengthen the innovation and competitiveness of companies in the southern region and to contribute to the ecological and technological transition.

Thanks to the labeling for phase V, they will be able to continue to play a major role in the economic development of the region and the country.

Detailed list of the 55 competitiveness clusters

55 competitiveness clusters:

• 47 competitiveness clusters are accredited for a period of four years
  • Aerospace Valley, Agri SOI, ALPHA-RLH, Aquimer, Atlanpole Biothérapies, Axelera, Bioeconomy for change, BioValley France, Cap Digital, Capénergies, CARA, CIMES, Clubster NSL, Cosmetic Valley, EMC2, Eurobiomed, Finance Innovation, Hippolia, iD4CAR, Images & Réseaux, Innov'Alliance, i-Trans, LyonBiopôle, Medicen, Minalogic, Nextmove, Nuclear Valley, Optitec, PMT, Pôle Avenia, Pôle Européen de la Céramique, Pôle Mer Bretagne Atlantique, Pôle Mer Méditerranée, Pôle Véhicule du Futur, Polymeris, Qualitropic, S2E2, SAFE, SCS, Systematic, Techtera, Tenerrdis, TES, Valorial, Végépolys Valley, Vitagora, Xylofutur.
• 4 clusters are accredited for a period of two years, which can be extended to four years under certain conditions:
  • ASTech, EuraMaterials, Fibres-Energivie, Team².
• 2 clusters are accredited for a period of one year, which can be extended to four years under certain conditions:
  • Derbi, Materalia.
• 2 new competitiveness cluster projects have been approved for a period of two years, which can be extended to four years provided that the cluster is effectively structured:

Source: www.investincotedazur.com/