A.I. & Industry: the 2024 Finnish investment footprint in France

2024: a great year for Finnish investments in France   

In 2024, France once again confirmed its position as the leading European destination for foreign direct investment. According to the latest EY Attractiveness Survey, France secured its position for the 6th consecutive year, with 1,025 new foreign investment projects announced. This continued success is driven by the country’s strong industrial base, advanced R&D capacities, and public policies that encourage innovation. 

Finnish companies took advantage of this favorable context in France with 8 new investment projects in 2024 — the highest number since 2020, doubling from that year. Over the past three years, 65% of Finnish investment projects were greenfield investments, a sign that new Finnish companies are establishing a presence in the French market, proving the dynamism in the French-Finnish relationship. 

Finnish investments are heavily industry-oriented. With 50% of projects in the industrial sector in 2024, Finnish investors align with France’s national priorities of reindustrialization and innovation. Given its proven expertise in high-tech manufacturing and engineering, Finland is a strategic and complementary partner for France. 

France’s leadership in A.I. and quantum technology attracts Finnish investors  

France’s European leadership in AI continues to attract international attention. According to EY, in 2024 alone, France received the most AI-related foreign investment in Europe, with 41 new projects. 

Finnish companies are increasingly turning to France because of its combination of cutting-edge infrastructure and world-class talent. France trains more than 40,000 AI interns annually and boasts a thriving innovation ecosystem with over 750 AI-focused startups. At the Choose France 2025 summit, French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed €20.8 billion in private AI investments, establishing France as a leading European hub for advanced technology. This environment provides Finnish businesses with the necessary resources for innovation. 

France 2030, a €54 billion strategic public investment plan targeting innovation, sustainability, and key technologies like AI and quantum computing, further strengthens this ecosystem.  

Read more about France 2030 strategic investment plan.

Reflecting growing Finnish interest, IQM announced at the Choose France 2024 summit its intention to invest in the French AI and quantum sectors. IQM is expected to open a new fabrication facility in France, reinforcing its commitment to long-term collaboration. 

High-value investments shaping a future-oriented partnership  

In 2024, Finnish investment projects focused on sectors with significant technological and industrial impact, including artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technology, and advanced manufacturing. This momentum is building on the countries’ long-standing bilateral collaboration, which began with a common AI declaration in 2018 and deepened in 2020 with a strategic partnership between the French Institute for Convergence in AI and the Finnish Center for Artificial Intelligence. 

Finnish companies such as Treon, a leader in IoT technology, and Nokia, a leader in telecommunications, have both expanded their operations in France in recent years, demonstrating shared ambitions for innovation, industrial resilience, and European technological sovereignty. 

These investments highlight the direct attractivity of France’s strengths in manufacturing, R&D, and deep tech on Finnish business strategies. They provide a strong model to navigate together the global shift toward a digital, greener and stronger Europe.  

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