Launch of the France-Quebec Year of Innovation 2023 - Communique Issued by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (Paris, 16 November 2022)
Quebec and France bolster their innovative partnerships to ensure sustainable economic growth
Olivier Becht, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade, Economic Attractiveness and French Nationals Abroad, attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and Martine Biron, Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie, responsible for the Status of Women, have today launched the France-Quebec Year of Innovation (AIFQ), in the presence of many economic and institutional stakeholders in the France-Quebec relationship.
Innovation is a priority shared by France and Quebec and will be decisive for the bilateral relationship in 2023. The aim of the AIFQ, announced in February, will be to bolster cross-investment and public-private partnerships in innovative and job-creating economic sectors in both territories, to support decarbonized, sustainable growth. Priority will be given to three themes: the ecological transition and the environment; the digital economy; and the social and inclusive economy and social innovation.
This Year of Innovation will be punctuated by large-scale events to which delegations from French and Quebec businesses will be invited, and where they will be promoted.
Examples include:
- Electric and Smart Transportation Week, in Montreal in March
- International Cybersecurity Forum, in Lille in April 2023
- International Symposium on Digital Creation, in Paris in May
- Annual Congress of the Association francophone pour le savoir (ACFAS) in Quebec in May
- Viva Technology 2023, in Paris in June
- International Paris Air Show, at Le Bourget in June
- Innovation Summit, organized by French Tech Montreal / Bleu Blanc Tech, in Montreal, spring 2023
- Pollutec Environment and Energy Technologies Trade Show, in Lyon in October.
These events will allow us to support cooperation projects in areas such as aerospace, agrochemistry and agriculture, energy and transport, the cultural and creative industries, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, quantum physics, life sciences and health.
The mobility of young people, researchers and entrepreneurs will also be supported to promote exchanges and maximize results, with Quebec being the leading destination for internationally mobile French students.
Information about the France-Quebec Year of Innovation (AIFQ) and programme
There is now a web page dedicated to the AIFQ on the France Diplomatie website and the website of the French Consulate General in Quebec (https://quebec.consulfrance.org/), providing full information and news about the AIFQ. Since the aim is for the AIFQ programme to be evolving, open and dynamic, it can now be seen on the Open Agenda platform (www.openagenda.com/aifq) and you can even contribute to it by submitting a proposed activity.
Quotations
Olivier Becht, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade, Economic Attractiveness and French Nationals Abroad, said: “The vitality of France-Quebec cooperation – based on a direct and special relationship of sincere friendship rooted in the history and language we share – is a resource we must capitalize on to transform our economies, in order to speed up the energy and digital transition.”
Martine Biron, Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie, responsible for the Status of Women, said: “France is a priority partner for Quebec on the international stage. To tackle the complex challenges posed by the energy and climate crisis, we must combine our efforts, taking advantage of our strategic relationship. I’d like this Year of Innovation to help bring us even close together and open the door to new, mutually-beneficial partnerships in promising sectors.”