Sectors of excellence in Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Aeronautics, space, defense
The aerospace, space, and defense sector in Nouvelle-Aquitaine is a true economic engine, positioning the region as a major global player. As France’s leading region in defense aerospace and Europe’s leader in civil drone testing, Nouvelle-Aquitaine stands out for its excellence in launch vehicles, military aircraft, and business jets. With an impressive turnover of €6 billion – 60% of which is from exports -and 70,000 direct jobs spread across 900 establishments, the region ranks third nationally in the aerospace sector.
Agri-business
Renowned for its gastronomy and its wide variety of plant and animal raw materials, Nouvelle-Aquitaine ranks first in France for its agricultural production, recognized by 210 official quality labels. This production supports the development of a network of primary and secondary processing companies, which are growing stronger notably through the integration of applied new technologies.
Battery
Nouvelle-Aquitaine is a true European hub for research and innovation in battery development. The region boasts a major technological and industrial ecosystem, bringing together leading companies and internationally recognized expertise. Nouvelle-Aquitaine is home to the majority of France’s battery manufacturers, with most segments of the value chain represented — from R&D, raw materials, and components to design and manufacturing (cells, modules, packs), BMS, recycling, certification, and testing.
Chemistry and advanced materials
Nouvelle-Aquitaine stands out for its particularly dynamic chemicals and advanced materials sector, supported by a rich and diversified ecosystem. Thanks to a comprehensive environment that combines a dense industrial fabric, high-quality research and training infrastructure, and strong regional support, the chemicals and advanced materials sector in Nouvelle-Aquitaine positions itself as a key driver of the region’s economic and technological development.
Cosmectics
Nouvelle-Aquitaine stands out for its dynamic cosmetics sector, rooted in a proactive regional policy and supported by a rich ecosystem. The region offers a favorable environment for the development of the cosmetics industry, combining abundant natural resources, industrial expertise, technological innovation, and institutional support.
Digital sector
Nouvelle-Aquitaine boasts a rich and dynamic ecosystem across multiple digital sectors, particularly in e-health, video games, connected transportation, and digital commerce. The digital industry accounts for around 50,000 jobs spread across 21,000 businesses.
Forest products and sustainable construction
With the largest forest area in mainland France (2.8 million hectares), Nouvelle-Aquitaine benefits from an exceptional resource to support the timber construction sector. Having made a strong comeback in construction over the past 20 years, wood offers significant advantages thanks to its mechanical properties and environmental performance. Its use in buildings also helps structure and enhance the local forest-timber sector through short supply chains. Driven by the region’s attractiveness and backed by public authorities due to its economic development potential, the regional wood and construction industry is gaining momentum and investing in innovation to contribute to climate action and sustainable urban development.
Health-Care
The health sector in Nouvelle-Aquitaine is dynamic and innovative, with a strong presence of key players in biotechnology, digital health, and medical devices. The region actively supports research, development, and the industrialization of healthcare solutions. Competitiveness clusters and networks foster collaboration between companies and research laboratories.
Leather, luxury, textile, crafts
The regional momentum surrounding the Leather, Luxury, Textiles, and Craft Trades sector is breathing new life into time-honored skills that have earned international recognition. Nouvelle-Aquitaine stands out both for its cutting-edge industrial development, its rich architectural and cultural heritage, and its excellence in fine craftsmanship.
Nautical industry
The nautical industry in Nouvelle-Aquitaine is a key sector, supported by 720 kilometers of coastline, numerous ports and recognized expertise in the design of recreational boats, upholstery, marine electronics, and yacht refitting. The region hosts major events such as the “Grand Pavois” and is a leading hub for surf culture. It also benefits from dedicated infrastructure and specialized training programs to support businesses in the sector.