Mobile Menu

Social Sciences & Humanities Research in France - Market Size, Industry Analysis, Trends and Forecasts (2025-2029)

Revenue

€387.1m

2025

€387.1m

Past 5-Year Growth

Profit

€XX.Xm

Employees

2,646

Businesses

1,998

Wages

€XX.Xm

Social Sciences & Humanities Research in France industry analysis

Research projects in social sciences and humanities aim to address societal issues and human affairs. They’re largely funded by the government – funds offered in the government’s budget flow to the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation and then the Agence Nationale de la Recherche. Government investment programmes like France 2030 and private business investment are also important drivers of revenue growth. However, the industry faces some funding challenges, as social sciences and humanities research receives less funding than STEM, taking only 8% of the 2023 Agence Nationale de la Recherche budget, which leaves revenue growth in the humanities often lagging behind that of its scientific research equivalents.

Trends and Insights

  • Business expenditure and government funding for R&D activities climbs. Greater incentives are encouraging businesses to put more resources behind R&D, while support from Horizon Europe and Humanities in the European Research Area is increasing.
  • Humanities research grows in importance. Concerns around climate change have boosted funding and resources for solutions.
  • Partnerships with key clients and governments help boost economies of scale. Relationships are important when products, theories and strategies are being developed, as they help diversify the risk of R&D costs if a project hits a dead end.
Show more

Top Questions Answered in this Report

Unlock comprehensive answers and precise data upon purchase. View purchase options.

What is the market size of the Social Sciences & Humanities Research industry in France in 2025?

The market size of the Social Sciences & Humanities Research industry in France is €387.1m in 2025.

How many businesses are there in the Social Sciences & Humanities Research in France industry in 2025?

There are 1,998 businesses in the Social Sciences & Humanities Research industry in France, which has grown at a CAGR of 1.6 % between 2020 and 2025.

Has the Social Sciences & Humanities Research industry in France grown or declined over the past 5 years?

The market size of the Social Sciences & Humanities Research industry in France has been declining at a CAGR of 3.1 % between 2020 and 2025.

What is the forecast growth of the Social Sciences & Humanities Research industry in France over the next 5 years?

Over the next five years, the Social Sciences & Humanities Research industry in France is expected to grow.

What are the biggest companies in the Social Sciences & Humanities Research market in France?

The biggest companies operating in the Social Sciences & Humanities Research market in France are CNRS – Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Universite de Bordeaux and Universite de Rennes

What does the Social Sciences & Humanities Research in France include?

Economics and political science and Psychology and sociology are part of the Social Sciences & Humanities Research industry.

Which companies have the highest market share in the Social Sciences & Humanities Research in France?

The company holding the most market share in France is CNRS – Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique.

How competitive is the Social Sciences & Humanities Research industry in France?

The level of competition is moderate and steady in the Social Sciences & Humanities Research industry in France.

Everything you need in one report

  • Reliable market estimates from 2015-2030
  • Competitive analysis, industry segmentation, financial benchmarks
  • Powerful SWOT, Porter’s Five Forces and risk management frameworks
  • Online membership platform with PDF, Word, Excel and PPT exports

Table of Contents

External Environment

Highlights

Trends
  • Regulation & Policy
  • Assistance

Key Takeaways

Governments and EU legislation heavily regulate research activities. The development of new strategies and products must follow strict parameters, creating a heavy burden for research companies.

View more insights with purchase. View purchase options.

External Drivers

Analysis

What demographic and macroeconomic factors impact the Social Sciences & Humanities Research in France industry?

Financial Benchmarks

Highlights

Trends
  • Profit Margin
  • Average Wage
  • Largest Cost

Key Takeaways

Profit relies on securing funding. Long-term funding contracts can give greater guarantees and financial backing for project, boosting profitability.

View more insights with purchase. View purchase options.

Cost Structure

Charts
  • Share of Economy vs. Investment Matrix
  • Industry Cost Structure Benchmarks:
    • Marketing
    • Depreciation
    • Profit
    • Purchases
    • Wages
    • Rent
    • Utilities
    • Other
Analysis

What trends impact cost in the Social Sciences & Humanities Research in France industry?


Key Ratios

Data tables
  • IVA/Revenue (2015-2030)
  • Imports/Demand (2015-2030)
  • Exports/Revenue (2015-2030)
  • Revenue per Employee (2015-2030)
  • Wages/Revenue (2015-2030)
  • Employees per Establishment (2015-2030)
  • Average Wage (2015-2030)

Country Benchmarks

European Leaders & Laggards

Data Tables

Top and bottom five countries listed for each:

  • Revenue Growth (2025)
  • Business Growth (2025)
  • Job Growth (2025)

European Country Performance

Data Tables

Rankings available for 37 countries. Statistics ranked include:

  • IVA/Revenue (2025)
  • Imports/Demand (2025)
  • Exports/Revenue (2025)
  • Revenue per Employee (2025)
  • Wages/Revenue (2025)
  • Employees per Establishment (2025)
  • Average Wage (2025)

Structural Comparison

Data Tables

Trends in 37 countries benchmarked against trends in Europe

  • Concentration
  • Competition
  • Barriers to Entry
  • Buyer Power
  • Supplier Power
  • Volatility
  • Capital Intensity
  • Innovation
  • Life Cycle

Key Statistics

Industry Data

Data Tables

Including values and annual change:

  • Revenue (2015-2030)
  • IVA (2015-2030)
  • Establishments (2015-2030)
  • Enterprises (2015-2030)
  • Employment (2015-2030)
  • Exports (2015-2030)
  • Imports (2015-2030)
  • Wages (2015-2030)

Methodology

Where does IBISWorld source its data?

IBISWorld is a world-leading provider of business information, with reports on 5,000+ industries in Australia, New Zealand, North America, Europe and China. Our expert industry analysts start with official, verified and publicly available sources of data to build an accurate picture of each industry.

Each industry report incorporates data and research from government databases, industry-specific sources, industry contacts, and IBISWorld's proprietary database of statistics and analysis to provide balanced, independent and accurate insights. 

IBISWorld prides itself on being a trusted, independent source of data, with over 50 years of experience building and maintaining rich datasets and forecasting tools.

To learn more about specific data sources used by IBISWorld's analysts globally, including how industry data forecasts are produced, visit our Help Center.