Les pôles de compétitivité

• Periodically, the Government launches, in close coordination with Regional Councils, a call for applications to designate ("label") competitiveness clusters. The 2019-2022 period is referred to as "phase 4". • Applications are reviewed by a selection committee bringing together representatives from the State and Regional Councils. Following this, a labelling proposal is presented for decision to the Prime Minister. Currently, 56 clusters have received this labelling.

• The Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) governs public funding ("State aid") to prevent distortions of competition within the internal market. Public funding is authorized only in specific cases that meet European Union objectives. Funding for competitiveness clusters falls within the framework provided for aid to research, development, innovation, SMEs, and training. It is placed under the responsibility of regions.

• The activities of competitiveness clusters cover most areas of the Ministry of Ecological Transition (ecotechnologies, energy, building, sustainable cities, maritime, transport…). • The official demonstration of a cluster's support for a project is expressed through its labelling. This is awarded following a formal procedure. Obtaining it allows the project leader to validate the technological interest, market potential, and feasibility of the project with industry experts in the relevant sector. It also enables access to the cluster's expertise and support to identify the most suitable public or private funding sources and submit a funding application. • The sustainable building network: 17 competitiveness clusters driving innovation for our daily lives and our planet (424.9 kio, PDF) Download in new window