France Digitale

Public procurement is an underexploited source of innovation, growth and strategic autonomy for Europe. Less than 10% of startup revenue in France comes from public buyers, despite its benefits compared to grants and investments. Public procurement means in fact customers: this sends a strong signal to other potential clients, but also to lenders and investors.

The revision of EU public procurement rules is essential and timely in the current economic and geopolitical context. Enabling a preference for European products in public procurement is key to ensuring EU added value and fostering European innovation from research to market expansion. European public procurement represents around 16% of the Unions GDP (approximately 2.5 trillion per year).

France Digitale, a leading non-profit organisation representing French and European startups and venture capital firms, is pleased to contribute to this call for evidence on the review of the CDSM Directive. Our members include numerous European AI companies operating across the value chain, from model developers to deployers.

To strengthen the innovation ecosystem, France Digitale has long advocated for greater support of European companies through public procurement, the mobilisation of institutional investment, and regulatory frameworks that reflect the fast-paced, dynamic nature of innovation. If a definition of an "innovative company" is deemed necessary, we urge that it be as inclusive as possible.

France Digitale welcomes the European Commissions initiative to revise the EU Merger Guidelines and views it as an important step toward ensuring that Europe remains a strong and competitive player in the global market.