The world of tomorrow is… now. For France, it is largely being built here in our great southeast. Boasting, chauvinism? Not at all!
Why did Toyota, the world’s leading automobile manufacturer, choose Sophia Antipolis to establish its design center for Europe? Why did Renault, the world’s fourth-largest manufacturer (along with Nissan), join its Japanese rival by setting up under the parasol pines of the technopole where it will develop all the 2.0 computing to be embedded in future car models? Why has IBM, another tiny “startup” on the global scale, been on the French Riviera for a good half-century? We could multiply the examples; there are hundreds…
It’s because all the conditions for success are gathered here.
First, by the tremendous human potential assembled in a single department. Whether they’re from Polytechnique, the National School of Bridges and Roads, Mines, Harvard, or some elite school, researchers and high potentials find in the local fabric the means to cultivate their talents.
The geographic proximity of these major companies induces exceptional cross-fertilization, an R&D level that allows us to compete with our “modest” American, Indian, and Chinese competitors…
This area is also attractive to foreign businessmen. Due to its living environment, its airport, its healthcare system, and the quality of its infrastructures (except for the high-speed rail, but well… one must have a few minor faults).
Behind these “showcase” companies that attract media attention, there are also a multitude of industrial businesses that, from La Napoule to Menton, contribute to the region’s dynamism. Metallurgy, plastics, chemistry, pharmacy, electronics, ICT, food flavors, energy… they concentrate expertise that constitutes a long list of competencies.
These SMEs are being honored this week at the Industria fair in Cagnes-sur-Mer.
It’s only fair: they work discreetly, supplying their goods to large accounts worldwide.
Thanks to them, the dashboard widget of an SUV is thermoformed around Carros. The chip in your smartphone is manufactured in Biot. Satellites can lift off from Kourou after being assembled in La Bocca. Products “made in 06” are manufactured, transformed, and exported…
Jean-Michel Chevalier, Les Petites Affiches
