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Patrick Schmitt
Directeur Innovation - Recherche - Nouvelles Technologies @MEDEF
Professional Background
Patrick Schmitt currently serves as the Director in charge of Research and Innovation at MEDEF, a key organisation that represents the French private sector. With several years of experience overseeing the development of MEDEF's positions on the evolution of the French Research and Innovation System (Système Français de Recherche et d’Innovation - SFRI), Patrick has been an influential figure in the dialogue surrounding critical topics such as the safeguarding of the Research Tax Credit, updating patent laws, and the facilitation of artificial intelligence (AI) development in French enterprise.
Over his career, Patrick has led numerous comprehensive studies within MEDEF, which have allowed him to forge lasting partnerships with major stakeholders in higher education. This includes collaboration on the valorization of public research, cooperation initiatives like competitiveness clusters and doctoral schools, and intellectual property rights management through networks such as CURIE, the Carnot Institute, and CPU.
Patrick has also represented MEDEF in the creation of the "Futuris" platform, a significant effort that has provided essential insights for the development of laws and organizational improvements in French research since 2004.
In addition to these responsibilities, he is a co-designer of the awareness campaign titled "Pourquoi se priver des docteurs?", aimed at encouraging businesses to leverage skills from doctoral graduates, and has established the "mydocpro" platform for promoting the competencies of PhD holders to enterprises. Patrick maintains strong cooperative relationships with networks in higher education, including universities, grandes écoles, and national organizations like ANRT/CIFRE, as well as with their alumni associations such as Bernard Grégory Association, ANDES, and Engineers and Scientists of France.
Working closely with the Association of Centraliens, Patrick has co-led several studies and surveys focused on open innovation (November 2015), the barriers and drivers of innovation (December 2017), and the perception and usage of AI in businesses (January 2019). Each of these efforts culminated in the organization of national events, such as the Innovation Space during the MEDEF Summer University and the Centraliens-MEDEF Forums.
Education and Achievements
Patrick Schmitt has a strong educational background that provides him with a solid foundation for his career in research, innovation, and policy-making. He pursued an MBA at EMLYON Business School, recognized for its commitment to develop entrepreneurial leaders, equipping him with the leadership and strategic skills necessary in the corporate environment.
In addition to his MBA, Patrick holds a Master’s degree in Political Science from Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne. This academic experience has honed his analytical abilities and understanding of the socio-political frameworks that inform policies in the research and innovation sectors. Furthermore, he earned a Maîtrise en Droit from the Institut Français de Presse at Université Panthéon-Assas (Paris II), which has furnished him with comprehensive knowledge of legal frameworks surrounding intellectual property and business law, further enriching his role at MEDEF.
Patrick’s career trajectory is marked by significant contributions to the sectors of research and innovation, underscored by his active participation in initiatives aimed at enhancing collaboration between business and academia. His efforts are not only pushing for innovations in policy but also fostering a culture of partnership that is essential for thriving in the modern landscape of research and industry.
Notable Achievements
Patrick Schmitt has facilitated numerous pioneering initiatives through his role at MEDEF. Noteworthy among them is his contribution to the "Futuris" platform, a pivotal mechanism that directly influences critical legislation in the French research landscape. His input has been instrumental in shaping policies that secure funding and support for research and innovation activities, particularly regarding the Research Tax Credit and patent law adaptations.
The awareness campaign "Pourquoi se priver des docteurs?" has emerged as another significant achievement, emphasizing the value that PhD graduates can bring to the workforce. This initiative has provoked thought and dialogue about employment opportunities for highly skilled individuals, encouraging businesses to consider PhDs in their hiring strategies.
Additionally, Patrick’s studies on open innovation and the applications of AI have garnered national interest and engagement, resulting in events that gather thought leaders, industry experts, and academic professionals to share findings and push the agenda for innovation in France. Through these efforts, Patrick continues to solidify his role as a key player in the French research and innovation ecosystem.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
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