Nearly 5,000 companies operate in the aerospace sector in France. The sector employs over 250,000 people (around 7% of French industry) and generates over €100 billion in turnover. French aerospace companies must invest heavily in R&D and innovation to remain competitive. Today, research and development (R&D) is carried out by one in four aerospace companies. Climate change and growing awareness of the sector's environmental impact are driving innovation towards a technological breakthrough in new propulsion systems. On-board computing power, flight data collection and the emergence of artificial intelligence are revolutionising the piloting and management of aircraft, both on the ground and in the air. Reaching Mars requires new technologies in propulsion, energy management, space guidance, and orbital construction and fabrication. Key issues include the fight against climate change and space exploration.

The sector is undergoing radical change. It needs to think about its digital transformation and develop new business models. The development of new, high-potential products, either through internal ventures or through collaboration with start-ups, will make this transformation possible. It requires maximising the potential of what the sector invests in by making the most of its R&D activity, whether in research laboratories or in industrial manufacturing plants. Developing energy production from renewable sources (marine, wind, solar) and biomass and developing smart energy networks. Improving exploration and extraction technologies to increase the recovery rate from fossil deposits. R&D challenges include assessing potential resources and alternative exploitation techniques. Introduction of non-fossil compounds: chemical or enzymatic recycling of plastics (plant chemistry, use of CO2 as a raw material). Maintaining the performance quality of new products and developing or improving industrial processes for treating these biomass-derived compounds.

As the leading industrial sector in France, the food industry plays a key role in the French economy. It is a highly strategic asset, constantly innovating, exporting and creating jobs. With a turnover of 198 billion euros (2020), it is France's largest industrial employer. The agri-food sector includes different types of companies: agri-food industries, agricultural cooperatives, crop protection companies, etc. Both upstream in terms of agriculture and downstream in terms of agri-food companies, the agri-food industry faces a number of challenges. One of the key words for the sector is agility. New consumer expectations (healthier and more responsible consumption) are posing new challenges for the industry, affecting innovation and R&D services. Not to mention rising costs, traceability and ecology are playing a major role in redefining the sector's boundaries.

France is home to a number of world leaders in this strategic sector, which is a major driver of the economy. Pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, laboratories, medical devices and cosmetics are all represented in the sector. The challenges faced by the healthcare sector are significant and require companies to be constantly at the forefront of innovation. Advances in genetics and genomics are paving the way for the development of new, targeted and effective therapies. These can be tailored to the needs of individual patients. E-health is revolutionising healthcare. From telemedicine to digital patient records and mobile applications, connected health technologies are helping to meet many of the challenges facing medicine in the future. Within the cosmetics industry, one of the major trends is consumer demand for 'premium' products that are accessible to all: beauty products that can be used at home but are inspired by salons, or natural or organic products.

In France, more than a quarter of R&D active enterprises have committed ICT R&D expenditure, amounting to EUR 8 billion (or 23% of domestic R&D expenditure). One of the fastest growing and developing technologies is artificial intelligence. AI is set to play a central role in providing solutions to some of the major challenges facing the world. The government launched the National AI Strategy's second phase in 2022 to accelerate R&D potential. 4% of greenhouse gas emissions come from the digital sector. In the context of the ecological transition, it is everyone's business to reduce the impact of digital technology. Investment in R&D and innovation, with the support of the France 2030 plan, is essential if we are to design tomorrow's digital solutions and reduce the digital footprint. Cybersecurity has become a priority for organisations, businesses and others against a backdrop of exploding threats and cyberattacks.

To meet the expectations of a changing society, government, local authorities and public and voluntary organisations must put performance at the heart of their strategy. In high-tech sectors such as space, nuclear energy, health and heritage issues such as preventive archaeology, the public sector is a key player in basic and applied research, infrastructure development and long-term investment. Through its many entities (public bodies, research centres, universities, local authorities, hospitals, etc.), public sector R&D represents 1% of national GDP and reflects massive investment in the development of new knowledge, the promotion of innovation and support for public sector research. This investment is encouraged by national plans (France 2030) and European plans (FPRD, Horizon Europe). Cities and regions are at the forefront of providing intelligent, environmentally-friendly infrastructures. Research is being carried out on transport, the environment and intelligent housing and urban planning.

The construction sector accounts for 43% of France's energy consumption and 23% of its greenhouse gas emissions, driving urgent demand for innovation in sustainable building practices. ABGi supports companies in this sector in structuring and financing their R&D projects across smart buildings, smart grids, BIM modelling, new materials such as timber alternatives to concrete, and energy-efficient renovation programmes. Our experts help clients navigate RE2020 regulations and unlock funding from France 2030 and European programmes to support their transformation.

As a major supplier of basic resources and technological solutions, the materials industry is a strategic sector for the development of all branches of industry — spanning metallurgy, chemicals, plastics, composites, minerals and paper, with 20,000 researchers and around €7 billion invested annually in France. The sector is at the heart of the energy transition, driving innovation in new aluminium alloys, bio-sourced materials, solid oxide electrolysers for low-carbon hydrogen, and processes for recycling critical metals including lithium-ion batteries. ABGi supports materials companies in identifying eligible R&D activities, securing tax credits and grants, and monetising intellectual property across this wide range of strategic innovation challenges.

For over 35 years, ABGi has helped companies bring their innovation ambitions to life. Our Innovation practice covers the entire innovation value chain — from structuring R&D projects and securing tax credits (CIR/CII) to managing grants, subsidies, and international programmes such as Horizon Europe and France 2030. With a team of 220 technical, financial, and tax experts, we currently support 15% of French R&D tax credit claims for leading companies across all sectors, helping clients optimise their funding, build innovation performance, and embed open innovation strategies that create lasting competitive advantage.

ABGi's Operations practice helps companies optimise their value chain and strengthen the sovereignty of strategic sectors. We support clients in talent management, process optimisation, and operational efficiency — turning strategic objectives into tangible results. Whether you are navigating energy procurement challenges, managing inflationary pressures, or rethinking your operating model, our experts deliver bespoke solutions tailored to your industry and specific business context, with a focus on measurable performance improvement.

ABGi's Technology practice helps companies harness the full potential of emerging technologies — from AI, cybersecurity, cloud, and data to digital transformation programmes that go beyond technological modernisation. We help clients fundamentally rethink their business models, internal processes, and organisational culture to stay competitive. Our experts support digital transformation strategy, technology adoption, and performance and operational efficiency initiatives, ensuring that technology investments deliver real business impact across the entire organisation.

ABGi's ESG practice combines responsibility with sustainable competitiveness, helping companies integrate environmental, social, and governance dimensions at the heart of their strategy and innovation. We support clients in developing sustainable innovation strategies, achieving regulatory compliance, and engaging stakeholders — from eco-design and circular economy initiatives to full CSR diagnostic and reporting programmes. Our dual expertise in strategic advice and regulatory compliance makes us the ideal partner to transform your CSR approach into a real lever for overall performance.