Swore. The CCI opens Defense markets to companies

For the Jura Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Defense is above all an economic field to be structured. Far from only military equipment, it covers a multitude of markets to which local businesses can claim. We still need to identify them, understand them and position ourselves there.

This is precisely the role that the CCI intends to strengthen. It acts as an entry point and facilitator for Jura businesses. “It’s a subject of national sovereignty”recalls its general director, Valérie Faton.

In fact, the objective is simple: to open doors. “Working for defense is not just working for armaments”she insists. Agri-food, mechanics, construction, textiles or digital services: many sectors are concerned. “The soldiers need to eat, they need to sleep in buildings”she illustrates.

An industrial fabric already concerned

In the Jura, this ecosystem already exists, sometimes without being identified as such. “Jura is one of the most industrial departments in France”underlines the general director of the CCI of Jura. Metallurgy, plastics processing, precision mechanics or agri-food: local know-how corresponds to part of the needs of the sector.

Some companies already work with this sector, but often discreetly. The challenge is therefore not to create a sector ex nihilo, but to better connect the existing sector. For this, the CCI plays an essential supporting role because the procedures are specific. The specifications are demanding and the deadlines are sometimes long. “Working for defense is not a snap of the fingersâ€recalls Valérie Faton, who especially insists on the need for method and preparation.

ProMilès as a concrete illustration

The signing of twelve ProMilès manifestos at Fort des Rousses on Friday June 5 is part of this dynamic. The operation aims to strengthen links between businesses and the armed forces through concrete commitments: welcoming reservists, supporting retraining, patronage and even mentoring. “The idea is to know yourself better to understand yourself better”underlined Lieutenant-Colonel Bernasconi, departmental military delegate, at the opening of the speeches.

Jean-Charles Arnaud, for JuraFlore, then insisted on the territorial dimension of these commitments, recalling the anchoring of local businesses in cooperation dynamics. On the business side, Emmanuel Viellard, president of MEDEF Franche-Comté territories and the club of partner companies of the armies, recalled the network logic: “These are relationships that are built over time”.

General Helluy, for his part, highlighted the desire to further structure these partnerships at the local level, in a context where exchanges between armies and the economic world are increasing. Finally, the sub-prefect of Saint-Claude, François Huet, welcomed an approach which, according to him, contributes to “strengthen the links between the armed forces and the economic actors of the territory”.