But we must now move on to another step i

The Secretary of State for external trade brings today at Bercy actors of all of the poles of competitiveness. The international development of these structures dedicated to the dissemination of research and innovation in the business world is in the centre of their discussions.Why invite you today the poles of competitiveness at a meeting of reflection on their international development

I found my visits abroad a very interesting presence of French competitiveness clusters and SMEs who work with them. I therefore introduced last year signed an agreement with UbiFrance whereby the State undertakes to accompany the development of the Poles, to the international. In total, 17 operations have been launched on 28 poles and 300 companies. For 2010, we expect the doubling of these actions. But we must now move on to another step, i.e., for businesses and SMEs, skip research partnerships to trade. It is in this spirit that takes place today at Bercy's meeting. The poles of competitiveness must be actors of France of the export team formed around UbiFrance, OSEO, chambers of commerce and industry.

Competitiveness clusters are a good vehicle for trade

Yes, and for two main reasons. The first is the obvious link between innovation and exporting. Need to boost this link because there are ten times more likely to export when it innovates. In this respect, the research tax credit is my best tool export. The second reason is that one of the important areas of policy that we do work together large and small companies. The poles of competitiveness are the natural illustration of these two areas of work. I am struck by the very rapid growth of the professionalism of the poles at the international, it partnerships agreements, protection of intellectual property, etc.

What concrete actions reflected support for the international

By tracking of partners, by coaching in all events to be present abroad, by the home on the French territory of foreign partners, etc. I also put in place last year the possibility of funding of demonstrators in sight, for example, the deployment of a system of monitoring the quality of air in New Delhi. I would like to now, including on environmental technologies, move to a higher dimension.

What difficulties notice you in the transition to the commercial phase you want to increase

These are general barriers which are not particularly related to competitiveness clusters as for example the size of SMEs or their lack of own funds. There are also reluctant to engage in collective labour and the persistence of a certain individualism, that we are trying to raise in the poles. We must also enhance our know-how internationally, but naivety. This is why I wanted to raise the poles on the need to protect their intellectual property.

How is perceived abroad French competitiveness clusters policy

Our interlocutors are beaten by joint work between large and small companies, academic and public authorities, whether the State or local communities. The tax credit research itself is of great interest. I could especially see Italy and the Japan. What strikes me, is that everywhere in the world there is an appetite for innovation-based development. And this appetite is particularly strong in the areas of energy and sustainable development where we have several poles.