White paper of international rankings: France confirms intensification of attractiveness

All audiences

Business France agency, in charge of promoting French economics, just published a comparison study of international rankings using various criteria and showing that France’s image and attractiveness are improving.

Based on the comparative study of 16 international rankings grouped under three themes (competitiveness, attractiveness, innovation and higher education), the fourth edition of the White Book by Business France is designed to be a tool for all those who act for the development and promotion of France’s attractiveness.

For Business France, the analysis of competitiveness, attractiveness or innovation cannot be achieved on the basis of only one indicator. So this benchmark analyses all methods using various factors and indicators chosen by one or the other rankings.

A few key figures conclude each part of the White Paper, providing insight on and summing up various rankings.

France, a competitive economy: with 591,000 companies created in 2017, France is ranked 2nd in terms of number of companies;
France, an attractive economy: France is an attractive destination for 84% of economy decision-makers;
France, an innovative economy: France is the seat of the Top 3 of European organisation most quoted in research articles about artificial intelligence.

“French bashing is over! A new image of France is rising, the image of a country turned to the future” says Business France.

The image and attractiveness of France are also more intense for international students

The Campus France Kantar Sofres survey published in January 2018 already showed a trend of a clear improvement of France’s attractiveness for the specific audience of foreign students.

9 international students out of 10 recommend France as a study destination (90% in 2011; 91% in 2013; 92% in 2017).
9 international students out of 10 are satisfied of their stay in France of which 52% are "very satisfied"(43% in 2011; 41% in 2013).
Over 88% of students who studied in France are satisfied of the value of their diploma and the quality of education (over 85% in 2011; over 86% in 2013).