Press room

By questioning the low number of French SMEs integrating in global markets, the Centre d’analyse stratégique (CAS) highlights the role of companies’ individual characteristics in comparison to the characteristics of the companies’ country of origin or their sector activity. Based on this research, what are the factors that facilitate the international development of French companies?

An analysis of a panel of about 12,000 independent companies and French organizations in the period 2002-2007 has allowed the CAS to identify the specific role played by the qualifications of the companies’ labor force. Using this information, the rise in skilled employment appears to be a prerequisite for exporting and making direct investments abroad.

This policy brief also shows that the use of foreign suppliers enables companies to improve their knowledge of foreign markets and the efficiency of their production process. It promotes the transition to being an exporter.

Based on these findings and a clear empirical analysis, the Centre d’analyse stratégique makes two proposals to promote the internationalization of French companies based on the valuable resource of human capital.

Registration / accreditation by mail or telephone:

Jean-Michel Roullé, Head of Communications
Tel: +33 (0) 1 42 75 61 37 jean-michel.roulle@strategie.gouv.fr

Jonathan Lorrillard, Communications Officer
Tel: +33 (0) 1 42 75 60 39 jonathan.lorrillard@strategie.gouv.fr