Within the framework of the “Europe 2020” strategy, the European Union has set itself the target of investing at least 3% of gross domestic product (GDP) in research and development. In 2012, France was still below this target (2.2%). At the regional scale however, Midi-Pyrénées far exceeded this (4.8% of the regional GDP) and Île -de-France reached the target (3.0%). Franche-Comté and Rhône-Alpes were also very close to achieving it. In 2011, Midi-Pyrénées was the sixth European region in terms of research effort. In all regions in France, research was carried out primarily in enterprises. In general government, it was present in all regions, particularly through universities. Research jobs were concentrated in the large metropolitan areas to a greater extent than other jobs. Île-de-France hosted 40% of PhD students and a quarter of all students.
Between 2010 and 2012, 53% of companies with 10 or more employees innovated among those falling within the scope of the Innovation Survey. 37% of the companies innovated in products or processes and 42% in organisation or marketing. One company in six introduced new products which did not previously exist in the marketplace. Within a constant segmental field, the propensity to innovate remained practically stable in the periods 2008-2010 and 2010-2012. Exporting companies innovate more than the others (64% compared to 43%), in particular to create new products. Close on half of the innovating companies have received governmental financial support. Companies tendering for public contracts or which undertake subcontracting work for third parties are on average more innovative.