Visiting French R&D centers by bus, train, and helicopter
Article Abstract:
A tour of eight technology R&D sites in France reveals that the country is a serious contender for the technology leadership position in Europe. Rueil, an expensive suburb 15 kilometers northwest of Paris, is the location of Riber, one of Instruments SA's three divisions. Riber has been making molecular-beam epitaxy reactors since 1975. Grenoble is the home of high-tech companies such as Silicon-on-Insulator Technologies SA, which produces SOI substrates and thick-film wafers using epitaxy. In Le Puy Sainte-Reparade the Mors Group specializes in applying aeronautics technologies and methodologies to civilian markets. Other technology R&D sites explored in France include Chateau Gombert, Gemenos, Toulouse, Complexe Scientifique and Mercuse.
Publication Name: IEEE Spectrum
Subject: Engineering and manufacturing industries
ISSN: 0018-9235
Year: 1993
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La haute technologie: as Western Europe enters a new era of unity, France makes a big bid for the lead in telecommunications, semiconductors, and more
Article Abstract:
France is vying to enhance its technology leadership position in the European Economic Community (EEC). One way the country is doing this is through the creation of technopoles, which are Silicon Valley-type technology research centers that combine the development efforts of public, private and academic organizations. France's technopoles enjoy a high degree of support not found in other countries - they receive 75 percent of their funding from the government - and they are the result of concerted efforts to decentralize France's technology development. In 1988, France led Europe in the establishment of such research parks with 18; 14 additional sites were also under construction at that time, and 12 more were in the planning stage.
Publication Name: IEEE Spectrum
Subject: Engineering and manufacturing industries
ISSN: 0018-9235
Year: 1993
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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