ICM2022

Mathematical academic research and the industrial

sector in France have a long and successful history of

cooperation. The pioneering work of Jacques-Louis Lions

had a huge impact on the development of synergies between

mathematics and the business world. Examples of success

stories in France, and elsewhere in Europe, can be found

in a publication of the European Forward Look in Industrial

mathematics (2010), where 22 out of the total 108 are from

France, with a large proportion frommajor groups in energy

(EDF, Alstom, CEA, Total), transportation (Renault, Peugeot,

Airbus, EADS) and telecommunications (Orange).

Mathematics plays an essential role for growth and

innovation. In France, this fact has been made explicit and

measured in 2015 in “A study of the socio-economical impact

of mathematics in France” produced by a French strategy

consulting firm, CMI. This study shows that mathematics is

an “essential asset for addressing tomorrow’s challenges

for knowledge, innovation and competitiveness”. The impact

of mathematics in terms of jobs is evaluated at 9% and

the added value has been estimated at about 15% of total

French GNP. Such impact studies had been previously done

by Deloitte, in the UK in 2012, and in the Netherlands in 2014,

using the same methodology and finding similar results.

These studies proved the importance of mathematics in

interaction with fast-growing sectors and key technologies.

Inria is an important actor in promoting collaborations

between French laboratories in Applied Mathematics and

Industry. Over the years, many universities, like Grenoble,

Toulouse, Saclay have developed partnerships and joint

projects with local companies.

The French education system offers a wide range of specific

programs to students interested in positions in industry

involving mathematical skills: engineering schools, Master’s

programs in mathematical engineering and data science, etc.

MATHEMATICS

AND INDUSTRY

Paris Invitation

ICM 2022