Digital Economy

Provence is Committed to the Digital Economy

The digital economy is a decisive advantage for the entire local economy and a major reason companies choose to invest in Aix-Marseille-Provence. With €8 billion in annual turnover, this sector is now as important to the territory as traditional sectors such as the port industry and the tourism industry. What’s more, the digital economy is growing quickly and offers entrepreneurs exceptional opportunities to start or expand a business in Provence.

As an international leader in contactless technology and connected objects, Provence is home to major global tech companies and renowned research and development centers like the French National RFID Center (CNRFID), the Secured Communicating Solutions competiveness cluster, the Association for the Research on Components and Secured Integrated Systems (ARCSIS), and the George Charpak Center for Microelectronics in Provence. These proven industry leaders and innovation centers drive the digital economy and provide growth opportunities for small businesses and start-ups. There’s also an extensive network of tech incubators and accelerators to ensure new companies have the best possible chance of success. With such a dynamic ecosystem, it’s no surprise that the territory received official government certification under the French Tech program.

As the birthplace of the smart card and with the presence of market leaders such asThales Digital Identity and Security (ex Gemalto) and STMicroelectronics, Provence has developed a world-class pool of high-skilled tech workers in this domain. Furthermore, the ecosystem includes companies working at every stage of the value chain: semi-conductor production, software and app development, digital security solutions, computer consulting and services, and multimedia content.

Aix-Marseille-Provence also has the network and data center infrastructure that today's technology and digital communications companies need; the territory features 18 underwater fiber-optic cables connecting Provence to five billion people in the world.

 

Decision makers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, let the vitality and innovation of digital sector in Provence win you over!