Lyon, Innovative Metropolitan Area: the innovation challenge

A region conducive to innovation

The principle of innovation offers a glimpse of Greater Lyon's interest in promoting this notion in its territory. Its promotion is an absolute must in the local economic development policy, as it strengthens the competitive position of a territory, and affects its attractiveness.

By supporting innovation, Greater Lyon wants to:

	increase the competitiveness of businesses
	boost its dominant position in one or several sectors of activity
	promote areas of excellence
	support business creations or new activities in businesses, and therefore jobs
	make the territory attractive

With 116,500 students, 10,000 researchers and 54 higher education establishments including 4 universities, Greater Lyon has considerable potential in terms of education and research, covering all sectors: health/biotechnology, information and communication technology, textile/fashion, urban sciences, urban planning, civil engineering, environment, chemistry, materials, mechanics, and so on. These skills are at the root of several projects, and are an asset for the conurbation.

Today, by combining the principle of innovation with the economic development of its territory, Greater Lyon aims to:

	valorize skills in training, innovation and expertise,
	increase relations between training, laboratories and businesses,
	organize skill areas by drawing on all local strengths,
	confirm its presence on a European and international level.