Poles of competitiveness

The scheme operates in specific geographic regions.

This scheme links industrial policy with research and innovation by organising the collaboration of industrial and scientific players and those responsible for relevant training in the region. Certain skills and competencies are sought out, and efforts are made to match training courses with skills required by companies.

National government
Initiated by the government in 2004; funding

Regional/local government
Funding

Other
Research lab; training bodies

Local Funds

National funds

Currently, there are 71 such schemes in France. The involvement of 'poles of competitiveness' in employment and skills is still weak. The strategies adopted are poorly developed.

Strengths include: the identification of characteristics of the local labour market and firms' skill needs; a built-in option of trying and testing different approaches within a region; flexibility; the willingness of training providers to adapt their offers to identified needs; the involvement of all shareholders; the fact that a good level of trust is established between the suppliers and SMEs. The involvement of and funding from local state administration also played a crucialrole. Proximity of key players to each other facilitates contacts being built. This also leads to the input of expertise from different legitimate actors, the pooling of knowledge, and the development of European and international partnerships.

The involvement of those involved in 'poles of competitiveness' as players in matters of employment and skills remains weak. Adopted strategies are poorly developed. The process can be slow if all stakeholders are not fully confident in the schem. Finally, SMEs still face difficulties in identifying their future skill needs.

CAP Digital Paris, nuclear cluster Trimatec, Rhodia, Schneider Electric

http://competitivite.gouv.fr/

Triomphe, C.E., Teissier, C., Goryacheva, A. National background paper Italy. Anticipating and managing restructuring in enterprises: 27 national seminars. ARENA Report. Brussels, European Commission, 2009; Bruggeman, F., de Lavergne, F., European Restructuring Toolbox. European Commission. 2010; http://competitivite.gouv.fr/.