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Dynamic research centers and universities increasingly attractive to foreign students and research scientists.

Attracting foreign talents and expertise to France’s universities and research centers is essential to the development of its economy. France offers a top performing higher education and research system that attracts top students and research scientists from all over the world. To improve its attractiveness in these areas, France has introduced a whole series of reforms to adapt and improve its university curriculum, as well as boost its public and private research sectors.

• Knowledge-based society: France mobilizes [PDF - 380 Ko]
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  • Société de la connaissance : la France mobilisée [pdf - 331 Ko]

The FT published today its annual table of the best masters in management and confirmed the domination of French business schools in Europe.

HEC maintains its number one position for the fourth consecutive year, followed by ESCP-EAP. No fewer than six French schools are in the top ten (excluding CEMS, which is an international consortium with links to HEC). In total, France is home to 18 institutions out of 50. The FT league is based on criteria such as access to employment following graduation and salary level. Well ranked, French business schools are becoming more and more attractive internationally. 

• Read more information about the Financial Times ranking

France remains one of the favorite destinations for foreign investment, in 3rd place behind the USA and Great Britain.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) in France has almost doubled between 2006 and 2007, from 78,154 billion in 2006 to nearly 158 billion dollars in 2007, according to the figures published on UNCTAD’s World Investment Report (September 24, 2008).
Once again, France confirms its attractiveness to foreign investors. At the global level, FDI flows reached a record of 1,833 billion in 2007, an increase of 30% over 2006 and exceeding the record number reached in 2000. The European Union appears to be the first host region for FDI in developed countries.

• More information on UNCTAD

Paris is one of the most attractive capitals in the world according to leading European, Asian and American business leaders.

This is based on a study conducted by Ernst & Young / CSA in spring 2008, with 508 of them supporting the Paris –Ile-de-France economic capital. Paris is in 3rd best known financial hub (53%) after New York and London and well ahead of Tokyo (20%) or Beijing (9%).

In the eyes of foreign business leaders, the strengths of the Paris metropolitan region lies in the dynamism of its politics, sports, culture, fashion, the renewal of business district in La Defence and Airbus 380. 61% of them say they are confident for the next three years. In 2007, the Paris region attracted 209 foreign direct investment projects, firmly maintaining its second place in Europe, after London but far ahead of Madrid (95 investment projects), Barcelona (90) or Frankfurt (74).   

More information on Paris Capitale Economique