Companies now have the opportunity to take advantage of the 13th round of the French government’s financial support program for research and development (R&D). The next bidding process for funding as part of the innovation cluster concept will close on September 30, presenting a second opportunity this year to join what has proved to be a very successful initiative.

France is already the second-largest spender on R&D in the European Union and the innovation clusters sit at the heart of the country’s efforts to attract international investment. President Sarkozy and Industry Minister Eric Besson both reiterated their importance in speeches earlier this year.