Entrepreneur calls for reindustrialization

A few months before the presidential election, an entrepreneur and network animator is promoting the reindustrialization of France, arguing it could revitalize the economy and address the consequences of past deindustrialization, which led to the loss of over two million industrial jobs in the country.

Economic and social impact of deindustrialization

The entrepreneur notes that while deindustrialization resulted in job losses, it also led to the creation of nearly two million civil service positions. He suggests that restarting industry could help revive the economy of France’s territories, as industrial projects typically require significant space and infrastructure.

Importance of domestic production

The entrepreneur emphasizes the need for France to produce more domestically to ensure economic sovereignty, especially in light of geopolitical tensions. He points to concerns over reliance on foreign countries for critical components, including American digital dominance and Chinese influence over rare earths and other essential materials.

Cultural perception of industry

While acknowledging that France still holds a somewhat outdated view of industry, the entrepreneur notes that political leaders across the spectrum are increasingly supporting reindustrialization. He believes that companies should take an active role in shaping the political conversation during the upcoming election.

Challenges in industrial development

The entrepreneur highlights the difficulties in obtaining permits for industrial projects, citing an example where a member of his network spent five million euros on studies to secure the right to build in an industrial area. This underscores the bureaucratic hurdles faced by those seeking to develop industry in France.

Laurent Moisson and his background

Laurent Moisson, co-president and co-founder of the French Forces of Industry, is an entrepreneur and director in the new information and communication technologies sector. He is also a speaker, teacher, and author of France is going to war forgetting its ammunition, published in March 2026 by Les Déviations.

Moisson’s vision for collaboration

Moisson suggests that if the President of the Republic were present, he would urge the government to focus on its core missions and provide space for entrepreneurial initiatives. He also expresses interest in organizing a dinner with major entrepreneurs and leaders from the United States, China, Europe, and France.