A group of university presidents and economists Philippe Aghion and El-Mouhoub Mouhoud warn in a Le Monde op-ed about the risks of budget cuts in higher education. These measures threaten France's ability to sustain its scientific and technological power. They emphasize that key innovations now stem from civil university labs.
In an op-ed published on December 19, 2025, in Le Monde, a collective of university presidents, joined by economists Philippe Aghion and El-Mouhoub Mouhoud, argue that strong universities are not a cost but a vital investment for French sovereignty. They denounce repeated budget cuts in higher education and research as strategically dangerous amid intense global competition.
The authors note that discussions on technological sovereignty often emphasize military efforts or industrial production, yet the core lies in universities. The flow of innovation has reversed: artificial intelligence, quantum computing, sensors, and advanced materials largely originate from civil research labs blending universities and national bodies. Over 70% of 'dual-use' technologies—serving both civilian and military purposes—emerge from open research. In quantum fields, 80% of scientific publications come from universities. Civil R&D budgets for AI greatly exceed those of military agencies.
Concrete examples highlight this connection: the laser, GPS, and Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine build on scientific foundations from university labs or public funds. The nation's scientific vitality, through proper funding of fundamental and interdisciplinary research, is essential. Countries invest heavily in universities strategically, not out of generosity, the signatories assert, urging a reevaluation of priorities to safeguard France's technological power.
