State of Entrepreneurship in France: Labex Entreprendre Releases the National Report of the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor
The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor team at Labex Entreprendre at the University of Montpellier is releasing a report today 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 entrepreneurs face and the emerging opportunities.
Against an economic backdrop marked by weak GDP growth in 2023, France recorded a record 1,051,500 new 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 decrease in the perception that starting a business is easy. However, the democratization of entrepreneurship is progressing, with a growing number of people knowing an entrepreneur and perceiving business opportunities.
The intention to start a business in the next three years has returned to 2021 levels (16.9% in 2021, 18.8% in 2022, and 17.2% in 2023). France ranks 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 intent is widening. There is a decreasing relationship between age and intent. 25% of 18- to 24-year-olds report intending to start a business within the next three years. Total emerging entrepreneurial activity (TEA), which corresponds to the percentage of people who have recently engaged in the entrepreneurial process relative to the adult population, has seen a sharp increase, rising 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 women’s entrepreneurship and access to markets. To address this, the report makes recommendations aimed at fostering an entrepreneurial spirit starting in elementary school, encouraging women’s entrepreneurship, and facilitating market access for startups.
Some key figures:
- France ranks 12th among the countries with the most favorable business environment.
- In terms of promoting entrepreneurship in higher education, France ranks8th among the 16 wealthiest countries.
- 65% of respondents still view entrepreneurship as 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 will be engaged in entrepreneurial activities in 2023 (TAE: Total Emerging Entrepreneurial Activity).
- Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and Île-de-France are the most dynamic regions in terms of the annual growth rate.
About Labex Entreprendre
LabEx Entreprendre was established in 2011 following a call for proposals. It was awarded an "A" rating by the international jury. It is a collaborative project that currently brings together some 200 researchers from six research teams in law, economics, and management, conducting research on entrepreneurship and innovation in relation to sustainable development issues.
Practical information:
Download the GEM France report: here