Four in ten firms with ten or more employees innovated between 2006 and 2008

Between 2006 and 2008, 43% of French firms with ten or more employees innovated. Innovation capacity was particularly high in information and communication technologies as well as in manufacturing. More than half of the innovations had positive effects on the environment, as firms sought to cut costs, introduce best practices in their economic sector, and comply with the latest environmental regulations. The most widespread type of innovation is organizational, particularly among smaller firms. The largest firms introduce a higher proportion of innovative product and processes. They are more likely to receive public funding and are able to form international partnerships.