Hyperconnectivité + talents du numérique = Euroméditerranée

Summary

Marseille’s Euroméditerranée project is positioning the city as a leading hub for digital transformation, with over €7 billion invested in infrastructure and future plans for an additional €5 billion. This development focuses on sustainable, hyper-connected cities, utilizing strategic global telecommunications links, including 14 submarine cables. The region’s growing tech ecosystem is fueled by investments in data centers, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, alongside a workforce of 49,000 digital professionals. Educational institutions are rapidly expanding, ensuring a continuous supply of talent in key fields like smart cities, big data, and e-health, making Marseille a pivotal player in the Mediterranean’s digital future.

Takeaways

• 😀 Euroméditerranée in Marseille is a major urban development project, investing over 7 billion euros in 30 years, with three-quarters coming from private investments.
• 🌍 The new phase of the Euroméditerranée project includes an additional 5 billion euros to build a sustainable, hyper-connected Mediterranean city of the future.
• 📡 Marseille is a strategic hub for digital content, data hosting, and telecoms, connecting four continents through 14 submarine cables.
• 🌐 The city facilitates global connectivity, enabling over 4.5 billion users worldwide by strengthening its data network with six new cables.
• 🏙️ Marseille has risen from 10th to 5th place worldwide in connectivity, positioning itself as a key player in the global digital economy.
• 💻 Local operator Jaguar Network and European leader Interxion have invested nearly 400 million euros in deploying four data centers in the region.
• 📶 These data centers support 130 telecom operators from 45 countries and major global digital platforms across various industries such as streaming, sports, and cloud computing.
• ⚙️ The Marseille region has a rich history in microelectronics and now focuses on a diverse digital industry with 49,000 jobs in sectors like Big Data, Cloud, Cybersecurity, and Smart Cities.
• 🎓 The region is expanding its digital talent pool through initiatives like Aix Marseille University, the Theodora Digital Campus, and numerous engineering schools and coding academies.
• 🚀 Euroméditerranée is positioning itself at the heart of the digital revolution, aligning state-of-the-art infrastructure with top-tier talent development to meet current and future business needs.

Q & A

What is the significance of digital infrastructure in today's business world?

Digital infrastructure is crucial for the growth of businesses as it supports human interactions, the digitization of services, and fosters the development of key technological solutions such as connectivity and data management. Businesses are increasingly reliant on strong digital foundations to stay competitive.

What is Euroméditerranée, and why is it important?

Euroméditerranée in Marseille is one of Europe's largest urban development and economic projects. It has already seen over 7 billion euros invested, with the majority of it coming from private investments. The project is focused on creating a sustainable, hyper-connected Mediterranean city for the future.

What role does Marseille play in global data connectivity?

Marseille is a key hub for digital content and telecommunications. With 14 undersea cables connecting it to Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, Marseille serves as a strategic point for data hosting and sharing, enabling access to over 4.5 billion users worldwide.

How has the connectivity in Marseille evolved over time?

Marseille's connectivity has strengthened with the arrival of six new undersea cables, increasing its global data capacity. By the end of 2021, the city had climbed from the 10th to the 5th position worldwide in terms of connectivity.

What investments have been made to support Marseille’s data infrastructure?

Significant investments have been made, such as nearly 400 million euros by Interxion, a subsidiary of Digital Realty, to build four data centers. These investments benefit over 130 telecom operators from 45 countries, as well as major global players in the digital space.

What are some of the key sectors in which the digital workforce in Marseille is involved?

The digital workforce in Marseille specializes in sectors such as big data, cloud computing, cybersecurity, smart cities, connected objects, e-health, transmedia marketing, and e-tourism. These sectors reflect the growing digital landscape and the region's expertise in these areas.

How does the region plan to address the growing demand for digital talent?

The region has developed an extensive educational and training ecosystem, including Aix-Marseille University, Theodora Campus, and various engineering schools, to train the next generation of digital talent. New digital schools and specialized programs are continuously emerging to meet the needs of businesses in the digital sector.

What is the role of 'Euroméditerranée' in the digital transformation of businesses?

Euroméditerranée plays a central role in the digital transformation of businesses by providing state-of-the-art digital infrastructure and fostering a dynamic ecosystem of innovation. This supports the development of smart cities, digital platforms, and other technology-driven initiatives that address current and future business needs.

How does Marseille’s digital infrastructure contribute to the global economy?

Marseille’s digital infrastructure, especially its connectivity and data centers, plays a vital role in the global economy by enabling seamless data exchange and hosting. Its position as a key junction between continents enhances the efficiency of international business operations, digital services, and global communication.

What makes the city of Marseille a strategic location for digital business development?

Marseille is strategically positioned at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and Asia, making it an ideal location for digital businesses. The presence of multiple undersea cables, combined with significant investments in data infrastructure and talent, has transformed the city into a digital hub with a competitive edge in global markets.