In the same way that we speak of ecological or energy transition, the entrepreneurial one occupies a place of choice in our society. More than a trend, it is a real phenomenon which is gradually invading the territory and involving new challenges. Inventory of entrepreneurship in France.

Each year, more than 550,000 businesses are created, compared to 216,000 eighteen years ago. On the occasion of its 19th edition, Salon SME (formerly Salon des Micro-Entreprises) published a study to better understand how the French integrate entrepreneurship into their professional career. The results of the survey reveal, for France, a real entrepreneurial transition, as defined by the president of the Salon, Alain Bosetti. But what is it exactly?

Towards a society of independents and entrepreneurs

Concretely, the entrepreneurial transition refers to a gradual evolution from a company of employees on permanent contracts towards a company of self-employed persons and entrepreneurs. Clearly, the opposite movement to that initiated in the 19th century by the industrial revolution, where technical and human means of production, as well as capital, remained very concentrated. Two centuries later, the French do not hesitate, for many, to include entrepreneurship in their professional trajectory, permanently or temporarily, in main or secondary activity. As society is changing rapidly, the phenomenon is gradually gaining momentum in recent years. This gradual shift should, in fact, increase due to the democratization of business creation, considered taboo a few years ago, and opportunities linked to the web as well as to innovation. But above all, the desire for independence and freedom haunt more and more French people. If it is strewn with pitfalls, entrepreneurship remains, above all, the opportunity to live off your passion or even, who knows, to change the world.

These factors that promote entrepreneurship

Difficult and rewarding, the entrepreneurial experience would give rise to a feeling of pride in 40% of entrepreneurs (or ex-entrepreneurs), according to the study published by Salon SME. More than 50% consider themselves ready to renew it without hesitation, while 34% would perhaps do it again. There are also 81% of entrepreneurs who started by choice, against 19% by obligation to create their own job or supplement their income. If the phenomenon of entrepreneurial transition cannot really be imposed (not everyone has the will or the capacity to undertake), it can, on the other hand, be encouraged. Many employees, tired of the rules imposed on them by their hierarchy, want to create their own company. The sometimes tumultuous relationships, experienced on a daily basis, with their employer or the lack of internal development prospects seem to push them to take the plunge.