STRATEGY FOR HIGHER EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
- 2Universities
- + 5,000Researchers and research-professors
- + 20 M€Investment by MMM
A dynamic ecosystem
Montpellier is a leading center for higher education and scientific research. With two prestigious universities, more than ten national research organizations, and internationally renowned higher education establishments (grandes écoles), the Montpellier area's dynamic ecosystem tops many highly regarded rankings. For example, University of Montpellier is ranked second worldwide in the Shanghai ranking for ecology.
Common goals for higher education, research, innovation, and economic development
The Montpellier metropolitan area benefits from an outstanding academic, scientific, and entrepreneurial ecosystem to tackle the major challenges of our time. Through its strategy, the metropolitan area reaffirms its commitment to strengthening synergies between the academic, economic, and civic worlds.
By promoting links between research, innovation, and the local economic fabric, the Métropole is committed to making knowledge a strategic lever for local development. It actively supports the emergence of collaborative projects between universities, laboratories, start-ups, and businesses in key sectors such as health, agri-food, cultural and creative industries, and renewable energies.
This strategy is fully aligned with the principles of ecological, social, economic, and democratic transition, by mobilizing knowledge and innovation to transform the area in a sustainable manner. The goal is to position Montpellier as a living laboratory, where scientific and social innovation contribute to economic competitiveness, international appeal, and the construction of a more resilient and united future.
The six pillars of higher education, research, and innovation strategy
1. Support for research
The Métropole is investing to equip laboratories and modernize scientific infrastructure in support of research excellence (€19 million over the period 2021-2027).
2. Improving student life
Montpellier strives to ensure the well-being of its students by tackling issues such as financial insecurity, mental health, housing, sustainable mobility, culture, and sports.
3. The link between science and society
Science at the heart of the city: participatory projects, scientific outreach (Agora, Genopolys, SUAPS), and broader access to knowledge for all.
4. Innovation transfer
As a key player in innovation, Montpellier BIC (Business Innovation Center) works with SATT AxLR and the University of Montpellier's Innovation Hub to transform research into concrete business projects.
5. International presence
A shared international vision among universities, businesses, and the local area to strengthen global appeal and cooperation and engage in joint initiatives.
6. Campus in the city
Sustainable, connected campuses that are integrated into the city and designed for the well-being of the entire university community.
Let’s talk about impact
In June 2023, the Paul Valéry University Montpellier 3 once again earned the “dd&rs” label, for Sustainable Development and Social Responsibility, covering a new four-year period. The university had already been granted the label in 2019, illustrating Montpellier Métropole's strong commitment to socially responsible and sustainable higher education and research.