As part of the second edition of the Arts & Métiers Observatory of Responsible Industries, Ifop for Arts & Métiers Alumni and Adrénaline questioned the French on their relationship with industry.
A declining image of French industry, but a central role still recognized
The survey reveals that the French associate industry with a declining dynamic. Indeed, a very large majority consider that the sector has lost many jobs (84%), has been in decline for several years (78%), and is losing ground compared to the rest of the world (76%).
Nevertheless, industry is still perceived as a strategic pillar of the national economy. 8 out of 10 French people see it as playing a key role in the environmental transition (82%, -7 pts vs 2024) and in wealth creation (80%, -7 pts). Three quarters also see it as a major lever for regional development (77%, -4 pts) and a driver of technological innovation (75%, -12 pts).
At the same time, almost 7 out of 10 French people continue to see industry as a job-creating sector (69%, -12 pts), and almost two-thirds as a sector with a promising future (63%, -14 pts).
Marked erosion of confidence in France’s industrial position and in the support of public action
Nevertheless, the current state of French industry reflects a growing scepticism. Fewer than half of French people consider France to be a major industrial power (47%, -9 pts vs. 2024), and just over a third consider public support for the sector to be sufficient (37%, -10 pts). Only a minority of French people feel that the country’s reindustrialization is on track (32%).
It should be noted, however, that the proportion of French people anticipating a weakening role for industry in the future remains unchanged (52%).
Lastly, this deterioration in the image of the industrial sector is reflected in recommendations for future careers: fewer than one in two French people would now advise their children or relatives to work in industry (47%, -6 pts).
