While in London I met my French blog pal Loic LeMeur. We shared stories and confidences. I’ve said before but it’s worth repeating, Loic was one of the first bloggers to really encourage me in what for many is still a new medium.
Today, Loic posts about his experiences as an advisor to Nicholas Sarkozy during the recent French general election campaign, the mistakes and lesson he learned along the way but most important his motivation and influence on the policies upon which Sarkozy was elected:
But the most important reason for me to join forces with Sarkozy was because I thought France had to become more entrepreneurial. The Internet can become an entire economic sector in our Country, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs by bridging the economic ecosystem between entrepreneurs, business angels, venture capitalists and other players as it is happening in Silicon Valley. I was pleased to work with Sarkozy’s team on the Internet program of the President and see that most of my proposals were added to the program.
Ups and downs
During LeWeb 3, Loic took a terrible hammering for what some saw as personal politicking. I wasn’t there but I followed events very closely. I know Loic well enough to say that while he made some mistakes, it sure as heck wasn’t the blog equivalent of a hanging offence as some thought it merited. It brought out what I believe was some of the worst excesses in this medium. At the time I said:
Loic LeMeur, responding to an avalanche of critics, assembled a brilliant response. It was a masterstroke in both PR and the establishment of credibility in the face of a critical shitstorm. I was delighted for the man.
Regardless, there is no denying the positive influence Loic has had in shaping the incoming government’s policy towards business. While living in France, I saw first hand the way its love affair with outdated economic policies crippled the entrepreneurial spirit. The small businessman has a tough time not just raising capital, but retaining enough to grow the business. Especially when employment costs run north of 50%. It is hardly surprising there is a thriving shadow economy. If Sarkozy delivers, then it will be a change for the better. If he doesn’t then he can be sure the hand that fed him will come back to bite. Hard.
As someone who lived in France for a number of years and retains a deep affection for the country and its people I’m proud to count Loic a friend. It is for that reason that I am honoured that Loic asked me for input into this year’s LeWeb. I hope I can add value.
The UK’s response to innovation?
Where is the UK’s equivalent? At one of my meetings last week, I asked representatives of a large organisation how it responds to barbs aimed by individuals. The answer I got was startling:
We don’t.
These are supposed to be industry leaders and yet this is the kind of answer I would expect from a Kryptonite executive c.2005. Without conversation, there is no influence.
The UK has a tremendous record for invention yet capitalising on novelty continues to elude the country’s inventors. Now is a very good time to be dreaming up new ways to use technology for delivering value yet I see little evidence of public support and no real influencers rising to become aligned with those in political power. As for the profession? Apart from pockets of enthusiasm here and there, I don’t see professionals falling over themselves to help young entrepreneurs.
Loic’s story is well worth reading. It contains many lessons for all of us who believe that supporting EU innovation is a worthy cause.
