State of entrepreneurial activity in France: Labex Entreprendre publishes the national report of the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor
The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor team at Labex Entreprendre at the University of Montpellier is today publishing a report highlighting the latest trends in entrepreneurship in France, to mark the 25th anniversary of the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM). This international report provides a comparative analysis of the dynamics of the French entrepreneurial ecosystem, highlighting both the challenges facing entrepreneurs and the opportunities that are emerging.
In an economic context marked by low GDP growth in 2023, France recorded a record number of 1,051,500 business start-ups. The results of the study, conducted among a representative sample of the population aged 18 to 64, reveal a shift in society's perception of entrepreneurship, with a decline in the value placed on entrepreneurship as a desirable career choice and a decline in the perception that it is easy to start a business. However, entrepreneurship is becoming more widespread, with a growing number of people knowing an entrepreneur and perceiving business opportunities.
The intention to start a business in the next three years is returning to 2021 levels (16.9% in 2021, 18.8% in 2022, and 17.2% in 2023). France is above the G7 average (16.5%) but below the United States (17.9%) and Canada (24.1%). The gap between women and men in terms of entrepreneurial intention is widening. There is a decreasing relationship between age and intention. 25% of 18-24 year olds say they intend to start a business in the next three years. Total emerging entrepreneurial activity (TEEA), which corresponds to the percentage of people who have recently engaged in the entrepreneurial process relative to the adult population, has grown significantly, from 7.7% in 2021 to 10.8% in 2023. This rate places France slightly below the G7 average (12.2%) but well behind the United States (14.7%) and Canada (19.8%).
Despite progress, disparities remain, particularly with regard to female entrepreneurship and market access. To address this, the report makes recommendations aimed at promoting entrepreneurship from primary school onwards, encouraging female entrepreneurship, and facilitating market access for start-ups.
Some key figures:
- France ranks 12th among the richest countries in terms of entrepreneurial environment.
- France rankseighth among the 16 richest countries in terms of promoting entrepreneurship in higher education.
- 65% of respondents still consider entrepreneurship to be a desirable career choice.
- The percentage of people who intend to start a business in the next three years is 17.2% in 2023.
- 10.8% of the adult population engaged in an entrepreneurial process in 2023 (TEA: Total Emerging Entrepreneurial Activity).
- Nouvelle Aquitaine, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and Île-de-France are the most dynamic regions in terms of TAE.
About Labex Entreprendre
LabEx Entreprendre was created in 2011 following a call for projects. It was awarded an A rating by the international jury. It is a collaborative project that now brings together some 200 researchers from six research teams in law, economics, and management, conducting work on entrepreneurship and innovation in relation to sustainable development issues.
Practical information:
Download the GEM France report: here