Biotechnology research in companies operating in France 2000-2004

Fabrice Martin, translation by Cynthia Schoch

Information sheet from the Evaluation, Forecasting and Performance Department of the Higher Education and Research Ministry.

In France, 11% of the companies conducting in-house research and development (R&D) are involved in the field of biotechnology. This research activity is characterized by a growing proportion of very small firms and a strong involvement of group subsidiaries. It mainly concerns the research aspect of pharmaceutical activity.

The 2000-2004 period saw a sharp drop in external R&D expenses in these biotechnology firms, as well as a rise in turnover. Moreover, the filing of patents was refocused on the French market.

Cf. Biotechnology research in companies operating in France 2000-2004, Information sheet no. 08.10, published in February 2008, Direction de l'évaluation, de la prospective et de la performance, ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche (Evaluation, Forecasting and Performance Department of the Higher Education and Research Ministry).