A strategic plan to amplify Bpifrance's support for the cultural and creative industries (CCIs): this is the mission of the Touch plan , operated by the bank for entrepreneurs. While 2022 was a flourishing year, 2023 promises to be just as exciting. Let's take a look.

The strong figures of the French Touch in 2022

Bpifrance mobilized €1,35 billion in support of the French Touch initiative last year, a 15% increase compared to 2021. This momentum is driven by a collective effort within Bpifrance, as well as throughout the entire ecosystem. More than €4 billion in funding has been granted to nearly 11,000 cultural and creative industries (CCIs) since the launch of the Touch plan in early 2020. All of this is done in conjunction with partners across the continuum of public funding for cultural and creative industries.

Numerous initiatives have been carried out, such as the pursuit of creative innovation, the acceleration of equity investments, the launch of new sectoral accelerators and finally the multiplication of international missions. These various actions have in particular enabled a rapid dissemination of sector expertise in addition to an increase in the skills of all the professions. Note also strong national mobilization thanks to a team of 30 plan referents within the entire Bpifrance network. 

A dynamic deployment of Plan Touch

By positioning itself as the leading financier of the French Touch, Bpifrance has enabled more than 5,700 projects to take place. Furthermore, the bank for entrepreneurs has allocated €18,1 million to 150 unique beneficiaries to further develop Creative Innovation. In addition, the success of the I-nov Competition's CCI (Cultural and Creative Industries) vertical was a key element in the 2022 strategy to accelerate the growth of cultural and creative industries.

The support of the various companies has given the French Touch more influence and more impact. This is evidenced by the 400 consultancy assignments returned for ICC companies (+50% compared to 2021) and the more than 350 Touch accelerations made available (+30% vs 2021), via 5 dedicated accelerators. 

2022 also provided an opportunity to solidify the reach of the French Touch beyond our borders. This was achieved first through the French Touch Dubai mission , during which 22 entrepreneurs traveled to the UAE to explore and gain inspiration in the market through a tailored program of meetings. It was also marked by the launch of Cultur'Export, a brand-new 12-month international support program that benefited 22 international cultural and creative industries (ICCs).

Finally, Bpifrance carried out a structuring action in the equity investment of ICCs: 62,5 million euros were invested directly during 21 operations (Tech & Touch, ICC funds, LV, DV) for a 6,6x lever. 

The success of the 2nd edition of We Are French Touch

150 speakers, 1 participants, more than 200 hours of content resulting in 40 million views, 1,3 talks on stage, 70 round tables and masterclasses, 22 avatars in the metaverse, but also 400 demonstrations and exhibitions. November 20, 23 turned out to be a pivotal day for the French Touch, with the second edition of We Are French Touch: 

• Rich and stimulating content highlighting the creativity of the French driving forces; 
• Initiatives in 4 cities in France to promote the movement in the regions and extend the experience; 
• Speeches by students from 4 schools in masterclasses, on the big stage… (IFM, Kourtrajmé, ENSAD, ITM); 
• Impactful messages focused on international, digital, artistic creation and youth. 

A ubiquitous orange rooster  

Whether during numerous events or on the occasion of partnerships, there was a strong desire in 2022 to promote the French Touch in the unmissable meetings of the ICC. The ambition was to identify, encourage and support the innovative companies of tomorrow, but also to connect with regional creative ecosystems. Mission accomplished! 

The unprecedented influence of the French Touch was possible thanks to a strong amplification of the media echo of the orange rooster, throughout the year. Also note the creation in 2022 of a LinkedIn French Touch account and the publication of a “Keep in Touch” newsletter to share French creative news with the ecosystem. 

What prospects for 2023?

Following such results, the continued deployment of the Touch plan appears obvious and will take shape in 2023 through several initiatives:

• Share a forward-looking vision of the French Touch to project into the future of the different sectors; 
• Continue the animation of the network; 

• Launch 4 new promotions of sectoral accelerators, in particular within the framework of the CCI acceleration strategy; 
• Deploy a new promotion of the Cultur'Export support program and organize a prospecting mission to Alula for 30 ICC companies; 
• Launch the Touch 3 loan, dedicated to CCIs (€100 million envelope) and continue the deployment of creative innovation. 

The movement must also continue to expand its reach. To this end, a delegation of 60 French cultural and creative industries (CCIs) was sent to the South by Southwest festival in Austin in March. The presence of French Touch at key CCI events (Cannes Film Festival, Maison & Objet trade fair, MIDEM, etc.) is crucial. The commitment to creating inspiring events and fostering connections among the 130 ambassadors and members of the French Touch community is very real. The movement's influence will be further enhanced by developing its digital strategy, particularly on LinkedIn, to increase brand visibility. Finally, a third edition of the We Are French Touch event is currently being planned and is expected to raise the bar even higher!

The powerful influence of the French Touch in 2022 was possible thanks to the many initiatives launched to highlight the orange rooster. In 2023, it is around mobilized ambassadors, but also a community of invested entrepreneurs that the orange rooster will be able to continue to shine.