Key Market

France

KEY MARKET

Explore data

French business leaders demonstrate a complex relationship with geopolitical dynamics heading into 2025. While acknowledging the significance of shifting global power structures and concern over immigration policies, nearly one in three French business leaders also report they don’t intend to adjust their day-to-day business operations due to geopolitical tension or conflict – the highest among all respondents. 

Unlike their ‘wait and see’ approach to the geopolitical landscape, French leaders are positioning themselves at the forefront of technological and regulatory transformation in the business realm. Their organizations are particularly aggressive in embracing AI-driven change, with 45% of business leaders planning to automate entire departments – among the highest rates globally. Respondents also reflected a uniquely pro-regulatory stance in comparison to France’s global peers – it was the only nation where a majority of business leaders did not agree heavy-handed regulations will lead to more industry consolidation, rather than prevent it.

 

This balanced approach of bold technological adoption and pro-regulatory perspectives – paired with apparent uncertainty over how to respond to the current geopolitical tides – suggests French business leaders are charting their own course, embracing innovation while maintaining traditional French perspectives on market and geopolitical dynamics.

Overview

51%

Which regions present the strongest new business opportunities for your organization in 2025?

EUROPE
0%
EASTERN EUROPE
0%
ASIA (EAST ASIA)
0%
MIDDLE EAST
0%
NORTH AMERICA
0%
Overview

42%

Thinking about the following potential shifts in the international business landscape, which five do you think will have the most significant impact on fostering innovation and growth?

Shifts in the global balance of power (i.e. G20 vs. BRICS)
0%
Adoption of AI/automation
0%
Adoption of fintech solutions as primary adoption
0%
Opportunities borne out of geopolitical risk (e.g. defense tech, biotech, AI)
0%
Geopolitical shifts and more protective nationalism
0%
Overview

44%

Thinking about the same list of potential shifts in the international business landscape, which five are you most concerned about?

Immigration policies
0%
Opportunities borne out of climate risk (e.g. resilient infrastructure, insurance)
0%
Wage inflation
0%
De-dollarization
0%
Shifts in the global balance of power (i.e. G20 vs. BRICS)
0%

GEOPOLITICAL LANDSCAPE

Governments are increasingly becoming more protectionist in their business policy (i.e. cross-border data sharing, onshoring of chip manufacturing). Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

agree61%
disagree20%
40% of French respondents said that the adoption of fintech solutions as a primary financial option is one of the top five most significant business landscape shifts that will have the most significant impact on fostering innovation and growth - one of the highest rates across all countries surveyed.

BUSINESS LANDSCAPE

Which of the following actions is your organization planning to take or continue in 2025 - specifically with a focus on the transformation of the labor market stemming from AI?

Integrate AI/robotics into our manufacturing or supply chain
0%
Integrate AI into the workflows of skilled workers
0%
Completely automate entire departments
0%

AI will collapse traditional career paths and make long-term workforce planning impossible for business leaders. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

agree54%
disagree35%

Supply chain resilience will take priority over cost optimization. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

agree61%
disagree22%

Which of the following operational changes is your organization planning to make in 2025?

Exit high-risk markets
0%
Increase regional focus
0%
Restructure international operations
0%
Relocate production facilities
0%

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