Study Reveals Sharp Drop in R&D Spending by French Companies

An exclusive study commissioned by the Association of Innovation Consultants (ACI) and conducted by the Odoxa firm, as revealed by La Tribune, shows a significant decrease in research and development (R&D) spending by French companies.

This data indicates a potential loss of momentum among French companies, with 36% of them reducing their R&D expenses in France since the reform of certain eligible expenses under the Research Tax Credit (CIR) in the 2025 Finance Bill. This is the main finding of the study, which was exclusively unveiled by La Tribune and conducted by Odoxa for the Association of Innovation Consultants (ACI).

This organization, representing 5,000 professionals responsible for assisting companies of all sizes in obtaining public funding for R&D projects, observed—through a study of 342 companies—a average decrease of 24% in R&D spending in France.

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It is important to note that the 2025 reform of the Research Tax Credit (CIR), initiated as part of the 2025 Finance Law, aimed to save 440 million euros annually on a tax scheme that costs the public finances several billion euros, with the bill increasing each year. To achieve this, the 2025 trimming excluded certain eligible expenses within companies, including patent and technological monitoring expenses. Despite this, the scheme continues to be criticized by the Court of Auditors and the Council of National Taxes, who seek to redefine its scope.

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While 91% of companies claim to benefit from the CIR, 68% rely on other tools for their innovation expenses. Leading the way are innovation support from Bpifrance, the National Research Agency (ANR), regional councils, the Innovation Tax Credit (CII), and European aid.