A Tiger in the Tank: How can we take the Franco-German industrial policy forward?

Franco-German cooperation is clearly set out in joint declarations. It often helps towards finding compromises which support the progressive integration of the European Union. However, real achievements are lacking, particularly in terms of a more cooperative industrial policy.

This study aims to present main lines of a strategy which could lead in a few stages towards a far more ambitious cooperation. To do this it seems that new impetus is necessary, targeting trust/confidence and support in a two-pronged movement: top-down - i.e. on the part of the State in the shape of inter-ministerial action and bottom-up i.e. on the part of the regions and economic players. In a spirit of coherence, the establishment of a dedicated cell would allow, without interfering in any way in the running of institutions already in place, to inspire cooperative activity among many State, regional, public and private players.