France unveils 2030 plans to modernise factories and digital networks

The French government introduced a new axis of the France 2030 programme on 6 July 2026 to fund the modernisation of small‑ and medium‑sized industrial firms. About €100 million will be allocated nationally, co‑financed equally by the state and the regions. The first region to open the call for projects is Grand Est, with an initial €8 million pool split between the state and the regional authority. The scheme, presented by industry minister Sébastien Martin and investment secretary Bruno Bonnell, targets the purchase of equipment, software and projects that diversify or relocate production in sectors such as metallurgy, defence, nuclear energy and cybersecurity.

A day later, on 7 July, the state and the digital‑infrastructure sector signed the third strategic industry contract, called “Horizon 2030”. Signed by ministers Sébastien Martin and Anne Le Hénanff, the agreement expands the coalition of industry federations to include France Datacenter, recognising data centres as a core industrial asset. Six priority areas – from 5G/6G development and AI‑compatible networks to ecological resilience and supply‑chain sovereignty – will guide investment and research through 2030, aiming to boost French competitiveness and technological independence.