A strong attachment to industry, between national pride and awareness of decline
Since 2011, reindustrialization has remained a priority for the coming years in the eyes of an overwhelming majority (87% this year, versus 88% in 2011, with a peak of 94% in September 2012).
Between 2012 and 2025, confidence in the future of French industry is confirmed (76% versus 73% in May 2012). Moreover, since 2024, France’s image as an industrial powerhouse has been regaining some of its color: 56% of French people believe that the country remains a major power in the sector, a level higher than the 2010 – 2014 period, when this opinion had never exceeded 49%. However, this optimism does not erase the feeling of decline, which is rooted in the long term : 85% now believe that industry has declined significantly in recent years (compared to between 82% and 94% in the 2010s). Among men, the sense of decline is particularly marked (92% vs. 78% of women).
Re-industrialization deemed possible, despite obstacles: a framework deemed cumbersome and costly, local acceptability to be perfected
For the French, the country still has the means to succeed. 65% of French people believe that reindustrialization is still possible, but subject to far-reaching reforms for 42% of French people. 21% of respondents are more pessimistic, given current conditions. On the other hand, only 3% are deeply defeatist, believing that it is no longer possible to reindustrialize France. Men are much more optimistic: 70% believe that France has the means to succeed in its reindustrialization, 28% of them completely, with no conditions attached. Women are considerably more cautious (60%, including 18% “absolutely”).
Three major obstacles to reindustrialization are identified: the complexity of standards and administrative procedures (47%), the lack of stability in public policies (44%) and the cost of labor (38%). The lack of skilled labor (15%) and local opposition to projects (14%) appear, in comparison, more secondary.
