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[Op-Ed] English: A Hidden Lever for France’s Competitiveness?
Op-ed published in Les Echos newspaper, 10 March, 2025
The numbers are striking: if France increased its number of English speakers by just 1%, the country’s exports would rise by €4.5 billion.
This conclusion comes from an extensive economic modeling study conducted by Asterès, commissioned by the “Acteurs de la Compétence” French Federation. While the individual benefits of bilingualism—especially proficiency in English—are well documented, its macro-economic impact at the national level is far less explored.
English Proficiency: A Growth Driver for Employability
Mastering English in the workplace is a proven asset: it leads to better job opportunities, faster career advancement, and salaries that are 10% to 30% higher. It also provides greater access to technical resources and training.
In today’s world, where remote work is expanding opportunities beyond borders, English is often the preferred language of communication. More broadly, bilingualism enhances adaptability in an increasingly uncertain and globalized professional environment. Neuroscience research has shown that bilingual individuals develop stronger creativity, concentration, and problem-solving skills—all of which translate into economic gains and increased productivity for the companies that employ them.
This is why businesses in which at least 10% of employees reach a B2 level in English can expect to increase their annual revenue by 1.5%, solely due to productivity gains.
It would be beneficial to mobilize all training stakeholders and public authorities to set an ambitious goal for improving English proficiency in France.
English as a Growth Engine for Exports
The Asterès study analyzed the impact of increasing the number of English speakers in France by 1%, 5%, and 10%. The conclusion is clear:
A 1% increase in English proficiency—adding 220,000 fluent speakers—would boost France’s exports by €4.5 billion annually.
However, not all sectors are affected equally. Industries that rely on interpersonal interactions, such as tourism and hospitality, are the most impacted by language proficiency.
Other industries, such as energy, defense, and transportation equipment, are less dependent on language skills, as their trade volumes are primarily dictated by production capacity rather than communication ability.
A Call for an Ambitious "English Plan"
Despite years of effort, France continues to lag behind in English proficiency, as highlighted by multiple international studies in both education and the workplace.
Given these figures, it would be strategic to mobilize public and private stakeholders to set an ambitious national goal for improving English proficiency. This could involve leveraging all available funding sources and extending training programs to all workers, including small business leaders who often lack access to language development opportunities.
So, let’s go?
Jérémie Rossignol, Managing Director, ETS EMEA
Discover the Op-ed in Les Echos
Source: "Learning Foreign Languages: An Asset for Individuals, Businesses, and the Economy" (Asterès Consulting, commissioned by the Fédération de la Formation Professionnelle, 2021)