In its panorama dedicated to industrial competitiveness, Bpifrance makes a lucid observation: France is moving forward, but needs to accelerate. Among the contributions, Catherine Borg-Capra, director of Industrial Sectors at Bpifrance, highlights a commonly underestimated challenge: transforming innovation into sustainable industrial performance.
The panorama “Industrial Competitiveness, the challenge of transformation” sets a clear framework. In a context of increased competition with the United States and China, France is not starting from scratch. It has solid assets: a dense industrial fabric, a dynamic industrialization process underway, and a renewed sense of pride notably supported by La French Fab. However, a message runs through all the contributions: competitiveness is not diminishing. It is built over the long term, through investment, innovation, and especially execution. It is precisely on this point that Catherine Borg-Capra’s analysis stops.
“The issue is not whether industry can transform”
In her contribution, Catherine Borg-Capra deconstructs a common misconception. For her, industrial transformation is already happening. “The issue is not whether it can transform: it is already doing so. The question is about the pace, the means, and the consistency.” The observation is clear. The technological building blocks exist. Automation, artificial intelligence, digital twins, or cybersecurity are now mature and, for many, mastered in France. The challenge is no longer about inventing, but about deploying on a large scale. This shift is fundamental. It marks the transition from an innovation logic to an industrialization logic. And this is where competitiveness is now at stake.
“The real challenge: scaling up”
Catherine Borg-Capra emphasizes one point: the French ecosystem is rich, but still too fragmented when facing the critical step of scaling up. She particularly highlights the strong interactions between innovation and industry. “Some innovations sometimes find unexpected outlets,” she explains, highlighting this technological cross-disciplinarity as a crucial competitive advantage. But several obstacles persist. Firstly, the European regulatory complexity, which slows down market access and weighs on the cash flow of innovative companies. Secondly, an economic equation that is sometimes unfavorable, especially when compared to international competitors offering lower prices or engaging in dumping practices.
Lastly, a time gap can weaken the most promising projects. “Being ready, even ahead, does not guarantee profitability if demand does not follow,” she points out, using the example of certain sectors like hydrogen.
“An industrial equation more complex than ever”
In essence, the Director of Industrial Sectors at Bpifrance sums up the situation in a demanding equation. Industrial success relies on the alignment of several factors: innovation, industrialization, a viable economic model, suitable regulatory framework, and a preferential market. “The absence of any of these parameters can weaken a company.” This systemic vision contrasts with a more simplistic approach to competitiveness. It highlights a reality: industrial performance no longer depends on a single lever, but on a global balance.
“Boldness, human capital, and long-term vision”
Beyond the constraints, Catherine Borg-Capra also highlights French strengths. Human capital, in particular, remains a clear advantage. But what sets apart the most ambitious projects is not just competence. “What strikes in the most ambitious projects is less the competence than the boldness.” Tackling breakthrough technologies or investing before market stabilization requires a willingness to take risks. This boldness becomes a differentiating factor in global competition.
Catherine Borg-Capra’s contribution sheds light on a pivotal stage in French industrial revitalization. It reminds us that the challenge is no longer solely technological, but deeply strategic and operational.
To understand in detail the dynamics at play, the hurdles to overcome, and the levers to activate: Industrial Competitiveness, the challenge of transformation.
