BRUSSELS – May 8, 2017 - BSA | The Software Alliance congratulates Mr. Emmanuel Macron on his recent election to the position of President of the French Republic. His election comes at a time of rising digital protectionism in the European Union that threatens to undermine the EU’s growing data economy. France, as one of the pillars of the European Union, should seize this opportunity to breathe new life into Digital Single Market and become a catalyst for the digital revolution in the EU.

Commenting on the results, Thomas Boué, BSA Director General, Policy – EMEA said: “France cannot miss the train of the data revolution. Its economy will not only have to undergo a digital transformation, which is true for any economy nowadays, but it will have to make sure that it comes out stronger on the other side. To thrive, France will need to pursue policies at EU level that encourage innovation, allow data to move freely across borders, foster the uptake of new technologies and improve access to global markets.”

“This victory presents Mr. Macron with a real opportunity to give new impetus to the Digital Single Market and become the EU’s standard-bearer of technology and innovation” he concluded.

France is a world leader in many industries and the digitization of its economy is a crucial success factor if the country is to preserve and improve its competitiveness. According to a recent BSA report, the software industry, whose success is vital for the French economy, directly contributed more than €113 billion to France’s GDP, 1,198,304 jobs and close to €3 billion in software R&D.