Paris, City of Light, is rapidly becoming the City of Digital IT. Over the last decade the regional government has pumped resources into the ITC sector and today the Paris Region boasts more IT-focused companies, more IT-jobs, stronger IT infrastructure, more extensive fibre-optic network than any other city in Europe.
The Paris Region counts over 2,300 IT companies (>10 employees), employing some 423,000 people. This is 30% more than Greater London. Much of the growth in the sector for the Paris Region has come from non-French companies. Direct investment in IT from international companies has soared over recent years and international companies now account for 41% of the IT sector.
There are several reasons why international companies find the Paris Region particularly attractive in IT and skilled, trained work force is one of the keys. There are over 70 specialised schools and universities offer higher level IT courses in the Region, fuelling the 136,000 researchers and engineers around Paris.
Three IT sub-sectors stand out in particular: open source software, digital security and software development:
France is already Europe’s largest open source market, with a 33% market share. It has enjoyed growth rates of +40% per annum since 2003 and today turnover exceeds €730m turnover with open source software involving some 250 companies.
In digital security, France represents 7% of smart cards sold annually. Today the market is worth about €1.5Bn and continues to enjoy double-digit growth.
The Paris Region has the highest concentration of software engineers in Europe. This helps explain why the Paris Region counts 11% of European and 70% of French software developers.
Much of the development of the IT sector in the Paris Region is funneled through the trade cluster dedicated to digital content,"Cap Digital". Its clear goal is to make the Paris Region the world leader in digital technologies. Its remit is to boost R&D, fuel company growth, promote networking and expand global access. Today, it has helped set up over 100 Cap Digital projects, receiving €230m in R&D funds.
As part of realising its ambitions in digital technology, Cap Digital in conjunction with the Paris Region, is hosting a unique event. It is a pioneering technological and social event in which Paris-based companies and research labs will present their latest innovative prototypes and digital technologies. For 10 days, the Paris Region will host corporate open-house events, demonstrations of latest technologies, corporate partnering and over 30 conferences, round tables and discussion groups.
“World Future Digital City – Paris” 29th May to 7th June 2009
The Paris Region is particularly keen to invite international companies. Take advantage of the event to discover the Digital Paris, meet potential ITC business partners and explore cutting-edge technology. Paris is offering free introductory corporate services for managers of international digital companies.
VIP TOURS can be tailored to your specific requirements, focusing on individual meetings with industry experts of your choice, to maximise your time
More information…
Victor Pescheux, Agence Régionale de Développement Paris Ile-de-France (ARD) Tel : + 33 (0) 1 58 18 69 84 vpescheux@paris-region.com
Address: IBT Partners - 17 rue du Colisée - 75008 Paris - France
