The first report on mathematics and its socioeconomic impact in France, published by AMIES (Agence pour les mathématiques en interaction avec l'entreprise et la société) in partnership with the Fondation sciences mathématiques de Paris (FSMP) and the Fondation mathématique Jacques-Hadamard (FMJH), and in association with the mathematics Labex programs, concludes that our favorite subject makes a major contribution to the national economy.
First, the value added generated by mathematics in France amounts to €285 billion, or 15% of France's total value added. Moreover, 2.4 million jobs are directly affected by mathematics: that is 9% of all jobs across every sector of the economy (2012 figures). The top five sectors most affected by mathematics are information technology (75%) and scientific research and development (62%), as well as electricity generation and distribution (57%), oil and gas extraction (56%), and the manufacture of electronic products (54%). In other words, its impact extends far beyond research and education. Furthermore, 30% of jobs involving mathematics result from the direct application of research findings and mathematical tools. Finally, the role of mathematics in industrial development is expected to grow even further.
A wealth of figures, one conclusion: long live mathematics!
