ABSTRACT
This chapter characterised the evolution of the French national policy in the domain of research and innovation. Then, it will examine the role of R&D for construction companies and the importance of public funding. Several public research institutes carry out research for the needs of several Governmental departments. A limited number of large companies monopolise most public support for research. Public funding to the sector mainly comes from Bpifrance, the public finance company supporting innovation. Under the new institutional framework public expenditures are not only devoted to R&D but also to innovation. Moreover, SMEs are at the core of the innovation policy. Public and private clients that accepted to bear the technical risks of experimental projects would receive some support. In 2007 PREBAT was launched by the Government at the national level to spur sustainable construction. It was one of the measures taken to address climate change, to restore biodiversity and to limit environmental and health risks.
