Towards the democratization of entrepreneurial activity in France!
On June 20, 2023, the GEM France (Global Entrepreneurship Monitor) team at Labex Entreprendre will publish its 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 promising outlook. 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 the population aged 18 to 64, the other among experts, to analyze entrepreneurial activity and its ecosystem. The report makes proposals to policy makers to improve support for entrepreneurial dynamics and societal issues (gender equality, youth, and sustainable development).
A fairly favorable entrepreneurial ecosystem
Experts estimate that the entrepreneurial environment remained stable between 2021 and 2022. France ranks above the G7 average and occupies18th place among the 51 countries participating in the study. Among the richest countries, France stands out for its government support for entrepreneurship, but its position is less favorable when it comes to promoting entrepreneurship in primary 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 favorably. At the regional level, there are disparities. The four most dynamic regions in terms of TAE are PACA (12.63%), Brittany (9.73%), Ile-de-France (9.33%), and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (9.33%).
Female entrepreneurship: a change in representation
Attitudes toward entrepreneurship are evolving very favorably, and the gap with men is narrowing. Entrepreneurial intent has increased from 14.7% to 18.6%. However, the TAE remains stable (7.1% to 7.2%), whereas it has increased 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 in terms of desirable career paths or the desire 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 intention (26.7% vs. 14.7%). The TAE is also much higher (11.4% vs. 8%). Among the 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 achievements, a gap that exists 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.
Proposals:
- Strengthen the promotion of entrepreneurship in primary and secondary schools.
- accelerate women's entrepreneurship
- facilitate market access
- reduce the gap between intentions and actions in terms of sustainable development
Practical information:
Date: June 20, 2023
View the GEM France report