Topics for discussion:
- How to produce the same study at a European level?
- What role should the government play in strengthening and supporting craft businesses?
- How can craft professions attract younger generations and improve recruitment?
- What are the main barriers to exporting craft products, and how can they be overcome?
- How can craft businesses balance tradition with modern economic and environmental challenges?
“Les Éclaireurs” has launched an innovative and unprecedented initiative for craft and exceptional know-how businesses, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of this sector and highlight strategic directions for its development.
Through extensive structuring, data acquisition, and the consolidation of previously scattered information, “Les Éclaireurs” has, for the first time, measured the real economic weight of the sector and established key indicators to track its evolution over time.
This initiative was driven by the Institut pour les Savoir-Faire Français and the Fondation Bettencourt Schueller, with a preliminary validation phase conducted in collaboration with XERFI Specific. In 2023, a steering committee was formed, bringing together additional key stakeholders: the Comité Colbert, the Ministry of Culture, and Terre & Fils. A scientific committee, comprising experts from education, culture, and economics, guided XERFI Specific in defining the study’s scope, refining methodologies, and shaping hypotheses.
In November 2024, “Les Éclaireurs” released the first edition of this study, with updates planned in the coming years to ensure continued monitoring of the sector.
Craft and exceptional know-how businesses encompass activities related to production, creation, and heritage restoration, characterized by a high level of technical mastery and expertise passed down through generations. These businesses operate in various sectors (textiles, construction, performing arts, printing, etc.) and share common values: strong regional roots, sustainable production, high-quality craftsmanship, and durable products. We are sharing here some main findings.
Key figures in France
- 500,000 workers in France, including 280,000 employees.
- 234,000 businesses generating €68 billion in revenue.
- An added value rate of over 34%, higher than the national average (28.5%).
- 53.5% of the added value comes from SMEs.
Demographics of business leaders and succession
- 4 out of 10 business leaders come from a career change.
- 55% of business leaders are women (compared to 39% national average).
- 37% of business leaders are over 55 years old, and less than 20% have initiated a succession plan.
- 1 in 4 employees with exceptional know-how is over 55 years old.
- 63% of employer businesses do not use apprenticeships.
- 39% of businesses report that no diploma or certification exists for their profession.
Regional presence and export
- 8 out of 10 businesses are headquartered in regional areas.
- 81% of employees work outside major urban centers.
- €9 billion in export revenue.
- The export share in France varies by company size: 4% for micro-businesses, 13% for SMEs, and 49% for large enterprises.
Recruitment and future outlook
- More than 2 out of 5 employers recruited in 2023.
- 50,000 to 55,000 jobs expected in 2024.
- Promoting craftsmanship and exceptional know-how is a priority for more than half of business leaders.
Recommended actions
- Strengthening institutional dialogue
A regular dialogue between the state and local authorities is essential to coordinate support policies for these industries. This includes specific financial mechanisms, training support, and better institutional recognition of these professions. - Encouraging business and know-how succession plans
The transmission of businesses and expertise is a major challenge. It is necessary to develop incentives encouraging business leaders to prepare for succession, particularly by facilitating the transfer of intangible assets and adapting support measures to these specificities. - Developing relevant certifications and diplomas
The lack of official recognition for certain skills weakens their transmission. It is crucial to create certified diplomas and training programs in collaboration with professional organizations and training centers. - Supporting export and international promotion
Despite a strong reputation internationally, export revenue remains below the sector’s potential. A reinforced export support strategy, including financial assistance and logistical support, would enable SMEs and micro-businesses to access foreign markets more easily. - Enhancing career opportunities and recruitment tools
Craft professions suffer from a lack of visibility, which hinders recruitment. It is necessary to strengthen awareness campaigns about these careers while supporting businesses in improving their recruitment strategies (communication, employer branding, pooling resources).
This study highlights the economic and cultural significance of craft and exceptional know-how businesses in France, as well as the challenges they face regarding succession, training, and recognition. Greater mobilization of both public and private stakeholders is essential to ensure the sustainability and development of these unique skills.
A similar study at the European level should be considered to identify international trends and implement concrete actions to strengthen the recognition and development of these professions on a broader scale.
2 responses
A very good study that is interesting for cold glass crafts and provides useful information for manufacturers.