French feel optimistic over biotech future:
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
The French biotech industry association, France Biotech, says it is encouraged by recent statements by President Jacques Chirac, supporting the creation of a favourable environment for biotechnology companies. In particular, it welcomes the prospect of a free enterprise zone for young technology companies. Dr Philippe Pouletty, president of the association, says that the Plan Biotech 2002 approved recently by the French government (see Clinica No 981, p 4) is a "significant first step", but that a five-year plan is needed for France to reach its objective of being in a leadership position in Europe by 2007.