La France en Suède

Success story : Swedish company DORO locates its R&D in France

webmestre — 2013-06-10T13:41:47Z

Interview of Mr Jérôme Arnaud, CEO of DORO - a Swedish company focussing on telecommunications' solutions for seniors.

What are Doro's main activities ?

Doro is a Swedish company focussing on telecommunications' solutions for seniors. The company was created in 1974 and first produced landline telephones. Since I became CEO of Doro, in 2007, we changed strategy and abandoned this declining market to focus on a forward-looking sector : the seniors' market. We produce a wide range of telecare systemsbut also software and electronic devices, including mobile phones since 2008, developed for elderly people. Thanks to this new positioning, Doro has a strong growth and pursues an international expansion centred on France.

Why did you choose France?

We chose to locate our software development center in France because we were looking for certain skills that we found there. It is not easy to find seasoned workers in seniors-focused software development, because this sector can appear less fashionable. Moreover, France represents a very wide and interesting market, and its strategic geographic position allows us to centralize all our European activities there. Our development center employs around ten people. Since Doro has a very strong growth, this center should come to get bigger and we intend to create new jobs in France.

How did the Invest in France Agency help you?

Swedes are not always comfortable with French people from a cultural point of view. Their working methods as well as their ways of thinking are totally different. The Invest in France Agency therefore offers a reassuring framework that allows investors to better understand the French market and how to undertake their investments in the best conditions possible. On our part, we most appreciated the advices we were given, that allowed the financial department to better manage our French investments.

What advice would you give to a company willing to invest in France?

Swedish companies settling in France can tend to isolate themselves: they bring their own counselors and workforce and try to avoid too much contact with the locals, mostly because of enduring clichés. For instance, it is not true that French people work less than Swedish people: it is quite the opposite! If they want to have a better return on investment, Swedish firms should not go it alone but rather learn how to use the assets and knowledge of the French workforce and to trust them.

What future for the Franco-German couple? - joint seminar in Almedalen

webmestre — 2013-06-03T09:04:43Z

What future for the Franco-German couple? – A look beyond the Golden wedding anniversary

Join the event on Facebook and invite your contacts!

Moderator: Jesper Bengtsson, editor in chief of the magazine "Omvärlden"
The Hashtag for this event on Twitter is #Elysee50

The French ambassador Jean-Pierre Lacroix and the German ambassador Dr Harald Kindermann host a joint seminar in Almedalen about the role of Germany and France within the European Union - 50 years after signing the Elysée Treaty – and how the Franco-German cooperation is key to address economic challenges and strengthen the EU's role on the international stage.

How is the Franco-German relationship functioning today? What role do Germany and France play in the EU and how do they work together to exit the economic crisis, fight youth unemployment and improve the economic governance in Europe?

While the EU is facing huge challenges, governments have agreed on structural reforms, budget discipline and put an increasing accent to sustain growth and restore public confidence in Europe. The ingredients are well known, but the right mixture and timing remains subject of an ongoing European political debate.

With dramatic developments in the European neighbourhood, strengthening the external dimension of the EU has also become a priority and requires a decisive action on several fronts: foreign policy, defence, trade, aid development, enlargement and European neighbourhood policy. How can France and Germany contribute to increase the EU's coherence and visibility on the international stage?

Time: 2 July 2013, from 9:30 to 10:30
Venue: Länsstyrelsens trädgård, Strandgatan 1 (entrance in the garden behing the house (Korsgatan)
Language: English

Information: Mme Jenny Sigurs, press attachée, tél: 08 45 95 314, email: jenny.sigurs @ diplomatie.gouv.fr

Dr. Harald Kindermann, Ambassador of Germany & Mr Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Ambassador of France, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Elysee Treaty, 22 Janary 2013 at the French Residence in Stockholm

Activity of the French diplomatic network abroad

webmestre — 2013-05-22T07:37:52Z

France has the second most extensive diplomatic network in the world. Discover the roles of our embassies, consulates and permanent representations.

AgreenSkills - Schedule 2013

Mission Scientifique — 2013-05-17T09:47:18Z

AgreenSkills - New round of selection in November 2013

AgreenSkills is an international and open mobility programme for young researchers (post docs) going to France, and coming from France.

AgreenSkills supports young researchers, from all disciplines and from all over the world, to develop research projects in the fields of agriculture, environment, food and nutrition, and animal health.
The program offers incoming and outgoing fellowships and optimal research conditions.

The call is opened permanently during four years.
In 2013, the deadline for applications for the second selection round is November 15.

The candidates have to present a research project and to choose a lab (in any of the six organization gathered in Agreenium).
Applications must be submitted through the secure AgreenSkills web portal at www.agreenskills.eu
The website is providing general information about the program, details on the eligibility and selection criteria as well as all necessary documents to apply.

This programme is coordinated by INRA (National Institute for Agricultural Research) and Agreenium, a consortium comprising the main French agricultural and veterinary research and higher education organisations. Agreenium consortium gathers two research organizations INRA and CIRAD(International cooperation Center for Agricultural science and Development), and four higher education institutions: Agroparistech (Paris Institute of Technology for Life, Food and Environmental Sciences), Montpellier Supagro (International Centre for Higher Education in Agricultural Sciences), Agro Campus Ouest (Institute for Life, Food and Horticultural Sciences and Landscaping) and ENVT (Vet school of Toulouse).

For more information :
Leaflet “AgreenSkills in brief”
Guide for applicants

Coordinator of AgreenSkills programme:
Gilles Aumont (INRA), gilles.aumont@paris.inra.fr
Odile Vilotte (Agreenium), odile.vilotte@agreenium.org
Tel.: +33(0)1.42.75.90.00 / +33(0)1.42.75.95.36

French-Swedish Prize for young researchers 2013

Mission Scientifique — 2013-04-05T09:32:04Z

The fifth call for applications is open - From March 20 to April 30 2013.

Jointly awarded by the Embassy of France in Sweden – Institut français de Suède and the French-Swedish Association for Research (AFSR) and benefitting from the patronage of Collège de France, the prize aims to reward young researchers whose work is related to sustainable development.
The prize covers fundamental and applied research. Its main goal is to promote excellence in research, scientific vocations and French-Swedish collaboration.

The 2013 edition has received the support of L'Oréal Sverige AB. The theme of this fifth call for applications is:

Sustainable Development and Human Health

Twenty years after the Rio declaration stated that “the human beings are entitled to a healthy and productive life in harmony with nature” the deterioration of ecosystems, the multiplication of polluting substances and the global change are so many threats weighing on human health worldwide.

The 2013 edition of the French-Swedish Prize for young researchers wishes to highlight scientific and technologic research work about interdependency between the environmental challenges and public health.

The prize is open to young researchers, who do not have a French citizenship, conducting scientific research at a public or private organisation in Sweden.

This year the prize is awarded in two categories:

A PhD award for applicants currently preparing a doctoral degree
A post-doc award for applicants already holding a doctoral degree

The call for applications is open from March 20 up to and included April 30 2013.

The registration is a two-step procedure:
1. Online subscription: to fill in the fact sheet, click here
2. Send the application file by April 30 (postmarked)
(Complete set of printed copies of all the documents contained in the application, written in English)

Terms of the call and documents needed for the application are detailed here: Call for applications

Send the application file to the following address:
Embassy of France – Institut français de Suède
French-Swedish Prize for young researchers
Kommendörsgatan 13 - Box 5296 - 102 46 Stockholm

Contact :
Lucie Debroux
Tel : +46 (0)8 - 459 53 88
Mail : frenchswedishprize[at]ambafrance-se.org

Conference of the ambassador about the French intervention in Mali

webmestre — 2013-01-24T15:45:06Z

Wednesday 30th of January 2013, Utrikespolitiska institutet

The Swedish Institute of International Affairs (UI) invites you to a seminar about the French military mission in Mali. What challenges does the mission face, and what role can the EU play in the region?

With the participation of the Ambassador of France in Sweden, Jean-Pierre Lacroix.

More information here: http://www.ambafrance-se.org/IMG/pdf/Invitation_seminar_France_in_Mali.pdf

French-Swedish Prize 2012 goes to two young female researchers

Mission Scientifique — 2013-01-22T10:38:08Z

Table of contents

The fourth edition of the French-Swedish Prize for young researchers has distinguished two young women working in the field of “Green chemistry serving human health”. The Prize was awarded at his Residence by the Ambassador of France to Sweden, SEM Jean-Pierre Lacroix, and Collège de France Professor Etienne Baulieu, on Friday January 18, 2013.

From left to right: Bertrand Frohly, Director of L'Oréal Sverige AB, Birgit Arve-Parès, Director of AFSR, Etienne Baulieu, Professor at Collège de France and chairman of the jury, Magali Proffit and Irene Rodríguez Meizoso, laureates of the 2012 edition, and Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Ambassador of France.

The first prize goes to Magali Proffit, a postdoctoral researcher at SLU (Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet), in the Division of Plant Protection Biology, for her work on the communication between insects and plants via chemical substances. This research has implications for human health: control of species interactions may for example reduce the use of noxious pesticides and lead to an improved food production.

The second prize goes to Irene Rodríguez Meizoso, a postdoctoral researcher at Lund University, in the Department of Chemistry, for her work in developing new, environmentally benign processes for various applications. Her interests particularly lie in developing green, supercritical fluids, for example applied to the extraction of natural products from biological sources. This development will have widespread impact on human health, as it reduces production risks and enables better control of the different processes.

The laureates receive a personal allowance (50 000 SEK for the first prize, 15 000 SEK for the second), a grant of the Embassy for a research stay in France, and a one year subscription to the French scientific magazine La Recherche.

For more information:
Press release
Magali Proffit - Abstract
Irene Rodríguez Meizoso – Abstract

Contact:
Emmanuel Salmon
Science and Higher Education Officer
Embassy of France in Sweden / Institut français de Suède
emmanuel.salmon@diplomatie.gouv.fr
Tel : +46 8 45 95 382

Open call: French-Swedish Prize for Young researchers

The Embassy of France in Sweden, Institut Français de Suède and the French-Swedish Research Association are launching an open call for the fourth edition of a national prize, with the aim to reward the scientific contributions from young researchers (postdoctoral fellows).
Placed under the high patronage of Collège de France, the prize covers fundamental and applied research. Its main goal is to promote and encourage excellence in research, scientific vocations and French-Swedish collaboration.

This 2012 edition has received the support of L'Oréal Sverige AB and will be awarded, exceptionally this year, in one area only:

GREEN CHEMISTRY SERVING HUMAN HEALTH
(Innovative research in the field of green chemistry,
revealing mechanisms at play in the interaction between the environment and the human health)

Rules (application terms)

Poster

Application form

To be considered complete, the application must contain the following documents, written in French or in English:

A brief résumé (maximum two pages);
Two publications in scientific journals which, for at least one of them, the candidate is the first author;
A summary of the research work in English and if possible, in French (maximum one page);
Two letters of recommendation (maximum one page each), one written by the scientific supervisor, with a presentation of the candidate and his/her work;
The application form above, to fill in online;
A letter of intent for a professional stay in a France, if possible stating the partner laboratories or universities;
A complete list of scientific publications of the candidate.

Applications should be sent before 15 September 2012.

Address :
Institut Français de Suède
Kommendörsgatan 13
Box 5296, SE-102 46 Stockholm

Contact : frenchswedishprize[at]ambafrance-se.org

Happy New Year 2013!

webmestre — 2013-01-02T09:12:57Z

Picture from the show Giselle at Opera de Lyon by Swedish choreographer Mats Ek, who was promoted to the rank of Commander in the National Order of Arts and Letters awarded by the Ambassador of France in Sweden on 13 September 2012. Photographer: Jean-Pierre Maurin

Investing in France: Sucess story of Mr Pierre Guyot, Mölnlycke's CEO

webmestre — 2013-01-01T10:34:00Z

What is Mölnlycke's core business?

Mölnlycke is a Swedish company with approximately 7,000 employees in around 30 countries. It is a leading provider of single-use surgical and wound care products. Our main clients are hospitals, nursing and retirement homes, as well as independent caregivers.

Can you describe your recent developments in France?

We decided to take over a French company in Toulouse for strategic reasons: it was an opportunity for us to expand and diversify our surgical division's product range. We subsequently set up our logistic center in Lyon, as we had been looking for a site that could serve as a gateway to central and southern Europe from our principal distribution site in Brussels. Lyon has proved to be a very judiciously chosen location, especially as the surrounding region possesses the necessary logistical expertise.

Why did you choose France?

France is our third largest market and it is particularly interesting to us as France has always been a trendsetter in the medical products field: French surgeons helped pioneer organ transplants, and quickly specialized in neurology, at the Lariboisière hospital in Paris for example. France also boasts a highly educated and productive workforce at the forefront of innovation in many sectors. Moreover, its transportation infrastructure is very well developed, which is a further asset given its location at the heart of Europe.

Which advices would you give to a company willing to invest in France?

I wouldn't hesitate to encourage other companies to invest in France: it is a key market due to its size and scope for innovation; it is ahead of its time in many fields including rail, aviation, media, and electronics. France is full of innovation-friendly ideas and therefore has great potential to attract foreign talent given the quality of life and culture it offers.

What were your dealings like with the Invest in France Agency (IFA)?

I met the Stockholm office'sbusiness development managers and Director a few times. They provided me with key information about tax advantages to foster innovation such as France's research tax credit (crédit impôt recherche). France's reputation can be quite clichéd, but there are many positive aspects other than fashion or gourmet food: the Invest in France Agency has a role to play in reshaping Nordic companies' perceptions. Swedish people love France: an agency like the IFA can only strengthen this firm bond between the two countries.

Would, just as Mr Pierre Guyot, you like to develop your activities in France, contact the Invest in France Agency for assistance!

Marseille-Provence, European Capital of Culture 2013

Thomas — 2012-12-27T10:20:15Z

Marseille is all set to be “European Capital of Culture 2013”. Throughout the year Marseille will be rolling out a programme of unusual cultural events, exhibitions, shows, festivals and more, divided into three major episodes. More than 12 million visitors are expected from all over the world. The economic challenge is at the heart of the project. This immense cultural event, with an emphasis on the innovative, original and surprising, will be a powerful force in boosting the city's economic and cultural development, at the same time as contributing to its influence and attraction on the world stage.

Major international events are powerful levers for growth. When Lille became European Capital of Culture in 2004, the image of an entire region changed dramatically. The event proved to be an agent of social cohesion and it sparked off a great many initiatives. Tourist numbers increased by 10% and the number of jobs created in the commercial, hotel and catering sector grew by 7%.

In 2013, it will be Marseille's turn to take up the challenge, alongside the Slovak city of Kosice. Since its creation in 1985, at the initiative of the European Union, the much coveted title of “European Capital of Culture” has contributed to bringing European peoples closer together, whilst at the same time ensuring economic benefits and improving infrastructure. “The event is an exceptional opportunity for the city organising it to put new energy into its cultural life, but also to showcase its transformation to the world, improve its visibility at an international level and stimulate its tourist sector,” says a pleased Jacques Pfister, president of Marseille-Provence 2013, the body in charge of the event.

Founded around 600 BC by Greek seafarers originating from Phocaea in Asia Minor, with the name Massalia, Marseille earned itself a place in the history of trade and commerce in the Mediterranean. For this reason, more than any other city it symbolises the common political will of the member countries of the Union for the Mediterranean to redouble their efforts to transform this area into a zone of peace, democracy, cooperation and prosperity.

The programme of Marseille-Provence, which unites 100 or so communes (including Aix-en-Provence, Arles, Salon de Provence and La Ciotat.) around this tremendous project, will take the form of a story in three episodes: “ Marseille-Provence accueille le monde ” (Marseille-Provence, Welcoming the World), “ Marseille-Provence à ciel ouvert ” (Marseille-Provence, Open Sky) and “ Marseille-Provence aux mille visages ” (Marseille-Provence, Land of a Thousand Faces). Almost 500 cultural events are planned from 12 January to 31 December.

For the event organisers, the prospects for success are boosted by an exceptional geographical position. Standing at the crossroads of Northern and Southern Europe, the region enjoys a privileged location on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. “The Euro-Mediterranean location of our region, open both to Europe and to the Mediterranean – and therefore to the world – is at the heart of our project. “Marseille-Provence, Welcoming the World” is indeed one of the main themes of our programme,” emphasises M. Jacques Pfister.

With its diversity, its history and its heritage, the region is already a major European destination. Moreover Marseille is served by an international airport, three high-speed rail lines, the port of Marseille and a highway network linking it with the major cities of Europe. Tourists flock here from all over the world. “In 2013 Marseille will be in the limelight and it will be a theatre for all cultures. We are going to show at a European level what we have discovered in our city in the last ten years: that culture is in itself a force for development and an economic industry in its own right ” states Marseille's Mayor, Jean-Claude Gaudin. “We are expecting the year of being “European Capital of Culture” to attract about a million and a half additional tourists over the 10 million who visit the region in a normal year,” stresses the president of Marseille-Provence.

The economic repercussions are considerable. The first to benefit will be the hotel, catering and transport sectors, but it is also a tremendous driver for the development of work and employment in the construction sector. Sixty refurbishment projects have been designed by leading international architects. “Already over €660 million are being earmarked for the refurbishment or construction of major cultural facilities in our region, such as the MuCEM (Museum of Civilisations from Europe and the Mediterranean) in Marseille, the extension of the Musée Granet in Aix-en-Provence and Frank Gehry's project for the Parc des Ateliers in Arles”. According to the organisers, for every euro invested, six euros of economic effects are expected, i.e. nearly €600 million.

Annik Bianchini

Websites: http://www.mp2013.fr

Twitter: @MP2013

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/marseille-provence2013