French Institutions, Innovation Leaders

France has four schools on Reuter's Top 25 Global Innovators list. In fact France's Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) is #1 on the list. CEA is the first on this list because its research receives more patents than most government organizations. In addition, CEA's research has created 115 companies in the last decade. 

Other French institutions that placed on the list were: #5 National Center for Scientific Research, #10 French Institute of Health and Medical Research, and #17 Pasteur Institute International Network. While the United States had six Institutions that made the list, France is not far behind. 

Do You Want A Piece Of The $67.3 Billion Pie?

By 2018, the jewelry market is expected to reach $67.3 Billion. With the convenience of the internet, expanding your business into the United States is even easier. Online shopping is convenient and, typically, consumers can find lower prices. Ever since the recession, consumers have started to be more price sensitive. This is a major incentive for costume jewelry retailers because costume jewelry is cheaper than high-end jewels.

Another incentive is that no single company controls more than a 6% share of sales. Jewelry manufacturing in the United States has been declining because of strong foreign competition; so, the United States has started to produce their product overseas. This opens a huge window for companies, like you, wanting to expand into the United States because the brand loyalty just is not there anymore. Since the recession, people are more price sensitive and have less brand loyalty, especially if the products are not even made in the United Sates. As a result, they are open to changing brands if they like the quality, aesthetics and price.

In addition, the second largest customer segment for buying jewelry are people between 24 and 35 years old. This customer segment has the lowest income, yet, spend a lot of money on jewelry. So, providing them access to jewelry that is more affordable and versatile is one effective way to penetrate the market.

Since costume jewelry is less event-centric, people buy it more often and year-round rather than just around the holidays. In addition, more men are starting to wear jewelry which expands the customer market making the demand for jewelry even larger.

In the United States, there is something for everyone. By knowing how to leverage your product and which way to promote your business, you can successfully expand your business into the United States.

Far Right? Or Far Wrong?

"An American Election is a World Election"

In light of recent political activity, the French-American relationship continues to be strained. President Hollande reinforces his disapproval for Republican American Presidential candidate, Donald Trump. Hollande stated that "an American election is a World election" which could prove to be interesting if far-right Front leader Marine Le Pen runs in the upcoming 2017 French presidential election. Hollande believes that if Le Pen and Trump win, "It could lead to a very strong turn to the right in the world."

Tea-ing Off Into America

Shift towards a healthier lifestyle opens the market for international companies looking to expand 

Health and wellness is quickly becoming more and more of a concern for people. One small step people are taking towards this healthier lifestyle is drinking more tea and less coffee. The gourmet coffee shop market has been steadily declining for the past five years. This provides a gap that needs to be filled and is being done so by the high quality tea market.

In the United States, over 22% of the population drinks tea. In general, tea consumption increased with age; however, this trend is shifting. The largest tea consumer groups are now urbanites and hipsters under the age of 34 years old. While women still consume more tea than men, this new consumer group in comprised of more men than women. This shows a shift in tea consumption and broadens the market.

Despite the US recession, the sales of tea did not slow down. Instead, the positioning encouraged consumers to learn more about what they were paying for. This led to the opening of boutiques and artisan teashops.

Premiumsation trends tend to anchor tea consumers to higher quality teas. Manufacturers use a health and wellness image of tea from exotic countries and use perceptions of high-end quality to justify these higher prices. The entry barriers for this market are quite low because of the low capital intensity of the market. Also, this market has risen close to 9% in the past four years. Companies need to leverage these health and wellness and premiumsation trends for added value.

Have Your Cake and Eat It Too?

Britain exits the EU but still relies on French to build nuclear power plant.

It was confirmed, by a mere 10:7 vote, that EDF will build the 18 billion pound nuclear power plant in Hinkley Point. The project has been in debate since 2007 but has experienced set backs, until now. 

This new plant in Hinkley Point will provide seven percent of UK power and will help them cut their carbon emissions. So, for the UK this new plant is crucial. 

On the other hand, the French are split on their opinion of this new contract. While the French unions say the project is too big and costly for EDF, the company says that the project will be profitable. In addition, the French government believes the project will support the French nuclear industry over the next decade

What are your thoughts? Do you think that this project will be profitable and beneficial for everyone? Or, do you agree with the unions that it will ultimately lead to the decline of EDF?

Trump contre les Français?

Let’s talk about what has everyone’s attention across the world, the U.S. Presidential Election. You know the one, with Donald Trump running for president. In latest news the republican nominee has suggested an extreme limitation on immigration for those entering the U.S. from countries that have had a history of terrorism. Of those named was France. He proposes that this solution will protect the country until there are more secure vetting techniques. The land of the free, the land of opportunity! At least that’s what we thought. We all understand the immediate move to protect the people and the country from all of the horrendous things that are happening all over the world. The question is will this honestly help? Will turning away the hundreds and thousands of people that enter the U.S. help protect the nation?

Source: www.frenchmorning.com

What is your position? Does Donald Trump make a valid point? Let us know in the comments below.

Startup Extraordinaire

Here are some interesting books and shows for you to check out. The books provide some great tips and pointers while the shows give insight into the rollercoaster that is a startup! Enjoy!