Mathematics
Une étude sur leur impact socio-économique

Maths is a major component of French economy

What role does mathematics play in current French economy? In what way can they take part in industrial development and innovation? How to reinforce bonds that link mathematics to companies?

Those are the main lines of research of the "Study on socio-economic impact of mathematics in France". CMI, a strategy adviser firm, carried out the study for the Agency for mathematics in interaction with companies and society (AMIES). The study shows that maths may contribute to 15% of national GDP and account for 9% of jobs. The study underlines the excellence of French research and the high professional insertion of students in mathematics.

As a cross-cutting discipline, maths is at the heart of many industrial issues. It is essential in highly diverse fields, such as electronic commerce (through cryptography techniques) or genetics. More broadly, maths is used as soon it is necessary to analyse massive data from the Web or any connected object. Their role is determining considering the technology stakes and issues in terms of innovation.

Maths teaching needs a reform

The contribution of mathematics in French economy may be upgraded. According to the report, the discipline is not used optimally in economy. The authors of the study call for more synergy between research and industry.

But there are other levers to use upstream. The study was released just when the situation of mathematics in France is paradoxical: through it is globally acknowledged as excellent in mathematics research, France is experimenting a general decrease of the maths level among high school students. Many students have a mental block toward the discipline, which often generates anxiety. This is even truer among girls and students from under-educated households.

In December 2014, the Ministry for Education has started a programme to reform mathematics teaching in high school. Mental calculation should be taught as early as elementary school and middle school. The idea is also to render mathematics more attractive, particularly through exercises that appeal to the everyday life of pupils and in upgrading the initial training of teachers in elementary schools, who often come from social science careers.

Text image: Cédric Villani, French mathematician, Fields medal 2010

Photo credits: © M. Valdes (image bandeau) / ©TedEx (image texte)