On the topic of innovation, we are also awaiting with interest the forthcoming communication from the Commission. We have already mentioned that the French presidency intends to foster incubators, networking and start-up financing. These give tax relief for employee share ownership. According to this 3-volume survey of French industry in 1998, industrial activities play a key role in fuelling economic growth. Although the international crisis has slowed down exports, increased investment and domestic consumption are compensating for this.
Most new investment is by SMEs, particularly on information and communication technologies.
The three volumes provide the results of a national survey of enterprises and include statistical data.