Region Aquitaine Financement Recherche

Aquitaine, now part of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France, historically had a strong commitment to funding research and development (R&D), seeking to boost its economic competitiveness and address societal challenges. The region’s strategy typically involved a mix of direct funding, support for collaborative projects, and incentives for businesses to invest in R&D. One crucial area of focus was promoting research excellence within regional universities and research institutions. Aquitaine provided grants for equipment upgrades, infrastructure development, and the recruitment of talented researchers. This investment aimed to solidify the region’s position as a hub for scientific discovery and innovation. Key research areas included aerospace (given the presence of the Bordeaux aerospace cluster), agri-food, health and biotechnologies, and sustainable energy. Aquitaine often partnered with national research agencies like the CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique) and INRAE (Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement) to co-finance research projects. These collaborations leveraged the expertise and resources of both regional and national entities, maximizing the impact of research investments. Supporting collaborative research projects was another cornerstone of Aquitaine’s research funding strategy. These projects typically involved partnerships between universities, research institutions, and private companies, fostering knowledge transfer and accelerating the translation of research findings into practical applications. This approach was particularly valuable for addressing complex societal challenges such as climate change and public health. Calls for proposals were regularly issued, targeting specific thematic areas aligned with the region’s economic and social priorities. Funding mechanisms also included grants and loans for startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) engaged in innovative activities. These funds helped companies develop new products, services, and processes, contributing to economic growth and job creation. Aquitaine recognized the vital role of SMEs in driving innovation and actively sought to support their R&D efforts. Furthermore, Aquitaine employed tax incentives to encourage businesses to invest in R&D. The regional government offered various tax breaks and deductions to companies that conducted research activities within the region, creating a favorable environment for innovation. This approach helped attract and retain businesses that were committed to R&D. Following the merger to form Nouvelle-Aquitaine, the funding programs have been consolidated and expanded. Nouvelle-Aquitaine continues to prioritize research funding, building upon the foundations laid by the former regions, including Aquitaine. The priorities often align with the European Union’s Horizon Europe program, emphasizing green technologies, digital transformation, and societal challenges. The larger region allows for a broader scope of influence and increased funding opportunities for researchers and businesses across the territory.