Long renowned as a prospectivist, Jacques Lesourne was notably a professor of economics and industrial statistics at France’s National Arts and Crafts Conservatory. He is a member of the Academy of Technology. His works include Vérités et mensonges sur le chômage (1995), Le Modèle français (1998), Ces avenirs qui n’ont pas eu lieu (2001), Leçons de microéconomie évolutionniste (2002), Démocratie, marché, gouvernance: quels avenirs (2004).
Denis Randet is a general delegate to France’s National Association for Technical Research (ANRT).
This book was proposed by FutuRIS (Future, Research, Innovation, Society), a work programme for research and innovation, developed within ANRT.
With contributions by Rémi Barré (CNAM), Vincent Charlet, Sophie Bussillet and Patrick Eparvier (ANRT).

Higher education, research and innovation are finally receiving the attention they deserve in French public debate. What is at stake is nothing less than the future of France, its jobs, prosperity and influence.
A number of projects have been undertaken, particularly over the past two years. What is the situation today?
Backed by facts and figures, this remarkably well-documented work reviews the state of the French system.
It sums up developments recorded for the years 2005-2006, comparing them in detail with results from a decade ago; it describes recent initiatives and the progress made regarding European and international cooperation; it compares France with the other major nations, including the United States, Japan, China, Germany and the United Kingdom. The book offers sector-by-sector analyses that give a better understanding of advances and problems. Finally, it proposes useful scenarios for upcoming choices.

• Research and Development is a crucial issue.

• A precise, quantitative overview of the state of research and development, sector by sector, in France and worldwide.

• An indispensable reference work on innovation, and its implementation, in France today.