Second grand gathering of Nice’s mayor and candidate for re-election, Christian Estrosi.
A full house listened to testimonies from several business figures and the pledges from presidents of the consular corps to the “prosperity pact” proposed by the candidate for the next mandate.
This convention had an interesting and committed title, “An Economic Strategy”, with a vision extending 30 years into the future!
We must admit we were left somewhat unsatisfied because ultimately, there wasn’t much color to the economic strategy, at least in its traditional definition and application, except perhaps in some proposed initiatives, most of them interesting, to develop the industrial sector in complement to the historical local economy: Tourism.
While it’s true that in economics, as a reminder, it’s not an exact science and allows for saying whatever one wants, one would have appreciated a more structured framework for reflection, knowing the main trends and signals, the factors likely to play a role in the scenario, the catalysts of change, the key variables, the assumptions of diversity and complexity. In short, sticking to a few elements, the arsenal that would allow for crafting an economic policy that generates models and actions to achieve these goals.
The reference to the 30 years comes as support, as J.M. Keynes, whose competence in economic thought is generally recognized (!), said: “In the long run, one can say whatever one wants. No one will be there to check the value of the predictions made.” This does not prevent, as the subtitle of the NIC strategic report says, “the need to see the world as it is. And want to change it anyway!”
In this noble intention, the proposals presented with grandiloquence by Christian Estrosi, accompanied by his project leader, Philippe Pradal, aim at three objectives: Supporting production, encouraging consumption, and enhancing the prominence of Nice and its territory.
The major axis of this policy remains the OIN Eco-Valley, which is currently in the takeoff phase, and whose success should result in a primary outcome of more than 10,000 jobs. One of the cornerstones of this success will also be the location of knowledge economy hubs (University, research, training) and innovative companies to also counterbalance the installation of shopping centers which risk highlighting the aspect of a “market-valley” rather than the more appealing “techno-valley.”
Perhaps to better understand the conditions of attractiveness and competitiveness necessary for success, and not forgetting that the world is rich in this typology of offer and model of territory which makes the competition tough, a more in-depth analysis of examples like the technology corridor of route 128 in Greater Boston or the Matam of Haifa (to not always cite Silicon Valley) could be very useful.
Meanwhile, the realization of this vast catalog of proposals can only appreciate Christian Estrosi’s optimism and will, as well as his determination as a leader.
Could he be evolving his favorite slogan from “I say what I do and I do what I say” to “I believe in what I do and I do what I believe in”?
Four more thematic conventions are planned before the final vote!
