But his current situation such as Europe concern widely

Patterns of French subsidiaries of foreign groups are the bitter observation when it comes to defend investment to their parent projects: the France is penalized by the gap between the image it projects and the reality. "Our country appears as an Enigma abroad: this works without any one knows why, or how", recognizes Clara Gaymard, President of GE France.

At a seminar held today in the Senate, Insead has conducted a study to "scan" the State of the France. Originality is not to look only its economic performance, but also the manner in which the country is perceived and "intellectual" abilities to distinguish themselves in the global competition. On these three aspects, it is clear that the France is no shortage of assets. But the study also point the magnitude of the challenges that lie ahead if it wants to remain among the first land to welcome foreign investment and defend its position against growing competition from emerging countries.

The Asian threat

"We are the champions of productivity," said Thierry Drilhon, Vice-President at Cisco. Per hour worked, the productivity of the French is the second best in the world: certainly less than that of the Americans but 17 greater than those of the Japanese and far before that of the Chinese. Problem, this good performance is counterbalanced by the fact that "too much French do not work", which weighs on the potential for wealth creation. The France is the world economic 6epuissance, "the GNP per capita growth is average for twenty years, bad for ten years", says Ludo Van der Heyden, Professor at Insead. Consolation, the Germany (which experienced low growth over 10 years) is even less well. "Low productivity gains strongly reduce the attractiveness of the France for investors", point the study.

In assessing the capacity of the country to movement, Insead interviewed 700 of his students (current and former). It shows that the France is still widely appreciated and that those who are supposed to be among the leaders of tomorrow to see well live. But his current situation - such as Europe - concern widely. And the France of 2020 is in serious decline: two-thirds of French students believe that the France will be an average power or with a limited power. "The frustration in relation to the present state and the hope of a future better are two emotions that put us in motion," wants to believe the Professor Ludo Van der Heyden. "The French demonstrate a capacity of rebound scary to our German colleagues," advance, on the other hand, François Gerin, General Director Deputy of Siemens SAS.

Be it French or foreign, that future elite converge to say that "his administration and its political class" are the main disadvantages of the France. On the other hand, she sees as strengths its multinational, its place in Europe or the jurisdiction of its population.

This last point fort is also in a ranking by country on 14 indicators (education, R & D spending and innovation...) 12Erang on 55 economies, the France is a leader "threatened by the emergence of Asian countries". ' "If one maintains the priority in the knowledge economy, the France will fare with enormous potential", considers Ludo Van der Heyden.