Toward making entrepreneurship more accessible in France!
On June 20, 2023, the GEM France (Global Entrepreneurship Monitor) team at Labex Entreprendre will release the national report on entrepreneurial activity in 2022. Despite a tense geopolitical situation, entrepreneurial activity is growing strongly. The effects of the health crisis are fading, giving way to a favorable environment. However, France’s position on the international stage remains stable.
Labex Entreprendre (teams from the University of Montpellier and Montpellier Business School) conducted two studies—one among people aged 18 to 64 and the other among experts—to analyze entrepreneurial activity and its ecosystem. The report makes recommendations to policymakers aimed at improving support for entrepreneurial initiatives and addressing societal challenges (gender equality, youth, and sustainable development).
A fairly supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem
Experts estimate that the entrepreneurial environment remained stable between 2021 and 2022. France ranks above the G7 average and holds the18th position among the 51 countries participating in the study. Among the wealthiest nations, France stands out for government support of entrepreneurship, but its standing is less favorable when it comes to promoting entrepreneurship in elementary and secondary schools.
The democratization of entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurial intent (16.9% in 2021 to 18.8% in 2022) and total emerging entrepreneurial activity (TEA: 7.7% to 9.2%) are trending upward. At the regional level, there are disparities. The four most dynamic regions in terms of EAA are PACA (12.63%), Brittany (9.73%), Île-de-France (9.33%), and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (9.33%).
Women in Entrepreneurship: A Shift in Perception
Attitudes toward entrepreneurship are evolving very positively, and the gap with men is narrowing. The entrepreneurial intention has increased, rising from 14.7% to 18.6%. In contrast, the net entrepreneurial rate remains stable (7.1% to 7.2%), while it has risen significantly for men (8.4% to 11.1%). Nevertheless, France remains one of the countries where the differences between women and men are the smallest.
Youth Entrepreneurship: Making a Difference in the World
People under 35 have a more positive view of entrepreneurship as a desirable career path or a way to make a difference in the world. The percentage of young people who say they know entrepreneurs is higher, as is the level of entrepreneurial intent (26.7% vs. 14.7%). The TAE is also much higher (11.4% vs. 8%). Among G7 countries, however, France ranks second to last in youth entrepreneurship.
Sustainable entrepreneurship: a gap between intentions and actions
There is a marked gap between intentions and actual results, a gap that is evident in all G7 countries but is by far the widest in France. This gap is much wider among emerging entrepreneurs than among established entrepreneurs, and is more pronounced on environmental issues than on social issues.
Suggestions:
- strengthen efforts to promote entrepreneurship in elementary and secondary schools
- boost women's entrepreneurship
- facilitate market access
- bridge the gap between intentions and actions regarding sustainable development
Practical information:
Date: June 20, 2023
View the GEM France report