Facts and figures

One of the key players in the European scientific landscape, France ranks ninth in the world in terms of scientific publications¹. Supported by a well-structured science and innovation system, French research and development is funded through public agencies and carried out through various institutions, including the CNRS which is active in all fields of science, Inserm for medical research and Inria for data and computer science.

France also maintains a network of research institutes in 34 countries². France hosts the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), the European Space Agency (ESA), UNESCO, and the OECD. These institutions play a crucial role in France’s science and innovation landscape, contributing to its global research influence and fostering international collaboration.

With more than 3,500 public and private higher education institutions, France hosts nearly three million students a year³. The country has 72 public universities, including the University of Paris⁴ founded in 1150 and now one of the world’s oldest universities in continuous operation.

France spent 58.9 billion euros (2.22% of GDP)⁵ on research and development in 2021, representing a 1% increase from 2011 to 2021. Businesses are the main funders of R&D activities, accounting for 60% of R&D expenditure⁶. The French private sector benefits from national public funding and resources from international organizations that accounted for 11% of the funding of total business expenditure in 2021⁷.