France’s declining Position in Global Scientific Research

France’s relative position in global scientific research is in decline, overall and in the field of health. This situation arises from multiple causes: external causes such as the assertion of China, and the emergence of new scientific powers like India and South Korea; internal and structural causes such as underfunding of French scientific research compared to other EU and OECD countries. it is indeed undoubtedly linked to the complexity of our research organization model which involves multiple actors (Universities, Schools, national research organizations, etc.).

The Complexity of French Health Research

This is particularly true of health research which relies on universities, research organizations dedicated to health (INSERM) and dedicated agencies (Ex: INCA), other national research organizations (INRAE, CNRS, CEA, INRIA, IRD, etc.) but also, and this is a particularity of health research, University Hospital Centers and healthcare structures, including primary care (CLCC, CH, ESPIC, etc.).

reforms and Initiatives

Critically important reforms have been undertaken over the past 20 years to face this situation and strengthen the scientific positioning of our country:

• University Freedom and responsibilities Law in 2007
• remodeling of the university map as 2006
• Future Investments Program in 2009 then France 2030 in 2021
• Creation of program agencies in 2023 responds to the need for strategic management and national coordination of research.

INSERM, in close collaboration with its partners, first and foremost the universities – and their Medicine/Pharmacy/Dontology UFRs – and the University Hospitals, carries the health program agency. Recent reports such as those by Philippe Gillet or Anne-Marie Armanteras and Manuel Tunon de Lara call for a joint initiative by the institutions concerned around universities,leaders of a research site policy.

It is in this context that the universities united within France Universités, the conferences of the Deans of Medicine/Pharmacy/Odontology, and the University Hospital Centers are mobilizing to define a common strategy.

Key Takeaways

• France’s scientific research position is declining due to both external competition and internal challenges.
• The French research landscape is complex, involving numerous organizations.
• Significant reforms have been implemented, including the Future Investments program and the creation of program agencies.
• Collaboration between universities, research organizations, and healthcare structures is crucial for strengthening France’s scientific standing.

Looking ahead, continued investment in research, streamlined organizational structures, and enhanced collaboration will be essential for France to regain its competitive edge in the global scientific arena. The success of initiatives like France 2030 and the program agencies will depend on effective coordination and a shared vision among all stakeholders.