What is the “Startup Nations Standard Report”?
The ESNA Report assesses the progress of European countries in creating startups and developing favorable ecosystems. It is based on the following eight Standards of Excellence:
- Fast Startup Creation, Smooth Market Entry
- Attracting and Retaining Talent
- Stock Options
- Innovation in Regulation
- Innovation in Procurement
- Access to Finance
- Social inclusion, Diversity and Protecting Democratic Values
- Digital First
This report guides public policies on innovation, highlighting good practices and encouraging the alignment of national policies with best European practices. Its aim is to create an environment favorable to the development of startups and to strengthen opportunities for tech entrepreneurs in Europe.
“Startup Nations Standard Report”: France in the lead, two years in a row
The 2024 report shows the progress of the 24 countries in terms of access to finance and attracting talent, with an average implementation rate of 61% (compared with 54% in 2023). France is ranked first for the second year in a row, with a score of 93%.
France is now the European leader in public policies in favor of innovation, thanks to legislative reforms and tools, such as the French Tech Visa. France has achieved a maximum score in:
- Access to finance, thanks to public financing mechanisms (“France 2030” and the system of business creator share subscription warrants).
- The stock options system, enabling it to attract and retain talent.
- Social inclusion, diversity and respect for democratic values, guaranteeing equal access to opportunities for entrepreneurs.
To reinforce its leading position, France can rely on its strategic levers which make Europe more competitive in terms of innovation. ESNA has called for co-ordinated action to reduce national disparities, simplify processes and strengthen talent attraction tools.
The “Welcome to French Tech” desk serving the French tech ecosystem
For many years, Business France has supported foreign businesses in their efforts to recruit international talent, informing talent on all aspects of mobility in France.
Thanks to this expertise, and in collaboration with the French Tech Mission, Business France has set up a single entry point to help international talent set up in France, particularly those looking to work for one of the startups of the “French Tech Next40/120” and “French Tech 2030” programs, with the creation of a “Welcome to French Tech” desk. The team will inform both international talent and French startups recruiting internationally in search of key skills for their development.
International talent looking to join the French tech ecosystem will find numerous resources by visiting (personalized guide to setting up in France, preparing for the necessary formalities with a calendar, etc.).
