The French President announces the continuation of measures to support SMEs and the re-establishment of the Young Innovative Company (JEI) status.

Paris, September 20 – The reform of the JEI status, decided as part of the “rabot” and then eased last year, dealt a blow to R&D investment, thereby weakening growth sectors such as software, video games and BioTech, and handicapping the competitiveness of almost 2,000 innovative companies, in a difficult context, notably due to a shortage of credit.

Since 2010, our professional organizations have consistently advocated in Parliament, and in their proposals to presidential candidates, that this invaluable status be maintained for the young companies that need it most, and whose development contributes to France’s productive recovery and the modernization of other economic sectors.

With the extension of certain Research Tax Credit (CIR) expenses to innovation, enabling innovative French SMEs to support their R&D efforts, and the yet-to-be-specified announcement that savings mobilization schemes will be maintained, the organizations take note of the fact that the President of the Republic has honored his commitment to support innovation and the development of the digital industry, with the support of the Government, through Fleur Pellerin, Minister Delegate in charge of SMEs, Innovation and the Digital Economy.

Satisfied with these decisions, they urge members of parliament to confirm these advances, which support the technological development of French companies, when they discuss the 2013 Finance Bill.

• AFDEL – French Association of Software Publishers

Created in October 2005, the Association Française des Éditeurs de Logiciels, AFDEL, aims to unite software publishers around a community spirit, and to be the voice of the software industry in France. Today, AFDEL has over 280 members (total sales: €3.5 billion) throughout France, including major international groups (50% of the French Top 100 in terms of sales), SMEs and start-ups. AFDEL is a member of FIEEC and CICF, and participates in the management of the Syntec-CICF collective bargaining agreement and the industry’s training offer.Press contact: Fabrice Larrue / 01 49 53 05 89 – 06 82 07 65 83 /f.larrue@afdel.fr

• SNJV – National Video Game Union

Created in 2008 as a continuation of the Association des Producteurs d’OEuvresMultimédia (APOM), the SYNDICAT NATIONAL DU JEU VIDEO (SNJV) today brings together companies and professionals involved in the production and publishing of video games and multimedia entertainment programs, as well as organizations working to develop the video game industry in France. With over 160 member companies, the SNJV works to promote and develop the video game industry in France. The SNJV is one of the founding members of the EGDF (European Games Developer Federation). Press contact:Julien Villedieu, Délégué Général / 09 70 46 06 11 /dg@snjv.org

• Syntec Numérique

Syntec Numérique is the professional association of IT consulting and services companies, software publishers and technology consulting firms. Chaired since June 2010 by Guy Mamou-Mani, Syntec Numérique contributes to the development of Information and Communication Technologies and their uses, promotes Software & Services companies and defends the collective interests of the profession.