According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 1.82 million French people were working outside France as of the latest count on December 31, 2017. Among all these expatriates who, for various reasons, choose to settle in other countries, some are researchers, scientists, engineers, IT specialists, etc.—profiles that French companies clearly need in order to strengthen themselves. Fortunately, while others leave for highly attractive destinations such as Silicon Valley, some choose to return home. Let us find out why!
An attractive ecosystem and a high quality of life
After several years abroad, returning to France is often an opportunity for those who come back to highlight the experience gained overseas and bring new ideas and concepts to implement in France. While some choose to start their own business, others prefer to join an existing organization. Support for business creation and assistance for project leaders (incubators, competitiveness clusters, open innovation, etc.) are among the reasons that convince French expatriates to return to the country. In this regard, the PACTE bill, expected to be presented to the Council of Ministers next June, will include several measures aimed at simplifying procedures related to business creation. This should further encourage French expatriates to invest in their country of origin.
Moreover, French expatriates miss the “French way of life”. The many years spent away from the country, often in a context that is completely different culturally, linguistically, environmentally, etc., lead many French people to return home to rediscover the pace of life they have always known and to which they are best suited. France also has no shortage of assets to attract people, and is even among the best countries in terms of quality of life, cultural and gastronomic offerings, biodiversity and landscapes, infrastructure, etc.
Addressing the brain drain
Cédric Villani, an MP in charge of the mission on AI, admitted that “one of the most painful parts we had to face” when drafting the AI report was the phenomenon of the flight of French talent abroad. He went on to explain that this is an issue to which a substantial section was devoted on improving the working conditions of French brains within laboratories. To address this brain drain, the report therefore recommends enhancing researchers’ career paths, notably by doubling starting salaries.
However, for the mathematician, the departure of French AI experts is not explained solely by attractive salaries, but also by working conditions that are better than those offered by French laboratories in terms of administrative procedures, recruitment, purchasing equipment, etc. While President Emmanuel Macron wants to make France a champion of AI, Villani revealed that the country’s strategy in this area will focus on four priority economic sectors: health, transport, defense, and the environment.
