Editorial
The industry in the region has not been the subject of
a comprehensive presentation since 1998. This publication
fills the gap by presenting the situation of the industrial
sector in Limousin and the issues with which it is confronted.
This general overview offers something new to the extent that, in addition to the business of manufacturing in the strict sense of the word, building and public works have also been included, as they are an important part of the Limousin economy in particular in rural areas, and business to business services, an expanding field.
It also shows the progress of opening up the region, both physically -even if there is still a great deal to be done- and in terms of companies’ access to broad band. The development of infrastructure supports the economy, in particular by the creation of new business zones, something that is also a important issue for the future of the region.
Through a presentation of industry at arrondissement level, the study is better able to focus on territorial issues and the greater or lesser degree of influence they have on the future of the industrial establishments concerned.
The portrait of Limousin industry is nuanced, showing the diversity of industrial activity and how strongly it is rooted in the region. This summary underlines its strengths, but also its weaknesses. It highlights fields of excellence, but also points out the fragile nature of some business activities.
Despite an obvious decline in employment in industry, Limousin has resisted deindustrialization better than some other regions. However, globalization of the economy affects Limousin companies, in particular labour-intensive industries and sub-contracting.
Limousin enjoys strong scientific and technical skills which are an essential factor in its development. It is also able to rely on the capacity of its economic players, both public and private, to collaborate.
These two elements have led to the creation of two centres of competitiveness based on regional fields of excellence, electronics and ceramics. The region also participates in four other centres in the fields of energy, engineering, food and agriculture, and health, making it one of the French regions most involved in this approach to bringing research, training and industry together.
This publication is itself the fruit of a partnership. It will constitute, for everyone with an interest in the region, whether a simple citizen or an investor, a source of information, a working document and a communications tool that will benefit the whole of Limousin.
This general overview offers something new to the extent that, in addition to the business of manufacturing in the strict sense of the word, building and public works have also been included, as they are an important part of the Limousin economy in particular in rural areas, and business to business services, an expanding field.
It also shows the progress of opening up the region, both physically -even if there is still a great deal to be done- and in terms of companies’ access to broad band. The development of infrastructure supports the economy, in particular by the creation of new business zones, something that is also a important issue for the future of the region.
Through a presentation of industry at arrondissement level, the study is better able to focus on territorial issues and the greater or lesser degree of influence they have on the future of the industrial establishments concerned.
The portrait of Limousin industry is nuanced, showing the diversity of industrial activity and how strongly it is rooted in the region. This summary underlines its strengths, but also its weaknesses. It highlights fields of excellence, but also points out the fragile nature of some business activities.
Despite an obvious decline in employment in industry, Limousin has resisted deindustrialization better than some other regions. However, globalization of the economy affects Limousin companies, in particular labour-intensive industries and sub-contracting.
Limousin enjoys strong scientific and technical skills which are an essential factor in its development. It is also able to rely on the capacity of its economic players, both public and private, to collaborate.
These two elements have led to the creation of two centres of competitiveness based on regional fields of excellence, electronics and ceramics. The region also participates in four other centres in the fields of energy, engineering, food and agriculture, and health, making it one of the French regions most involved in this approach to bringing research, training and industry together.
This publication is itself the fruit of a partnership. It will constitute, for everyone with an interest in the region, whether a simple citizen or an investor, a source of information, a working document and a communications tool that will benefit the whole of Limousin.
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