Atos, Dassault Systèmes, Groupe Renault, STMicroelectronics and Thales are to join forces to create the Software République, which is being billed as a “new ecosystem for innovation in intelligent mobility”.
By pooling their complementary expertise, the partners hope to develop and market systems and software to provide mobility solutions for cities, regions, businesses and citizens. The group notes it will also welcome new members and wants to develop open collaborations.
According to the Boston Consulting Group, the global mobility market will grow by 60% by 2035 to reach €11tn (US$13tn). This growth is mainly driven by the emergence of technological disruptions – electric vehicles, new components, new after-sales services and other value-added services – whose share will increase from 5% to 45% of the global mobility market. Major industrial players on other continents, with state support, are already positioning themselves to develop many of these new technologies through enhanced integration strategies. The founding members of the Software République expressed that it is a matter of urgency for France and Europe to collectively build a sustainable ecosystem that aims to ensure their sovereignty in this field.
Three main areas of cooperation have been identified by the group:
- Intelligent systems to facilitate secure connectivity between the vehicle and its digital and physical environment.
- Simulation and data management systems to optimize flows for territories and companies.
- Energy ecosystem to simplify the charging experience.
To foster innovation, the Software République will also seek to create an investment fund to finance the most promising startups and an incubator to host startups in the field of smart mobility technologies, where they will have access to a collaborative virtual development and experimentation environment, and mentoring through a value network.
Bernard Charlès, vice chairman and chief executive officer of Dassault Systèmes, commented, “Far beyond the automotive sector, it is a question of thinking in terms of use – mobility offering a work and leisure environment that is part of a sustainable economy. This experience economy goes hand in hand with an ‘industry renaissance’ worldwide: the new mobility economy will be organized into new, collaborative value networks based on digital platforms. The Software République is thus a multi-industry and multidisciplinary ecosystem that aims to accelerate innovation and grow the driving forces of tomorrow.”
Luca de Meo, chief executive officer of Groupe Renault, added, “In the new mobility value chain, onboard intelligence systems are the new driving force, where all research and investment are now concentrated. Faced with this technological challenge, we are choosing to play collectively and openly. There will be no center of gravity, the value of each will be multiplied by others. The combined expertise in cybersecurity, microelectronics, energy and data management will enable us to develop unique, cutting-edge solutions for low-carbon, shared and responsible mobility, made in Europe.”