Spending by French firms on R&D has outstripped growth in the economy,
according to a recent survey. Investment in R&D showed an 8.1 per cent
increase in 1989 compared to 1988. GNP went up by 3.9 per cent in the same
period.
Much of the rise has been attributed to a new tax relief system for
firms embarking on their first R&D projects, under which companies receive
50p in tax relief for every 拢1 they spend on R&D.