AN ECONOMIC DYNAMIC
Living
here
Saint-Étienne Métropole, the historic industrial capital of France, now boasts more than 31 550 businesses , making it the 2nd largest area for SMEs and SMIs after the Paris region.
As a land of innovation and professional opportunities, it stands out from the rest and extends its influence thanks to its areas of excellence: New Manufacturing, New Medtechs and New Design, as well as fast-growing sectors and business models such as digital, sustainable development and the Social Economy.

New Manufacturing
Saint-Étienne Métropole is France’s leading centre for mechanical engineering, and is renowned for its longstanding expertise in advanced mechanics and metallurgy. The region has successfully driven its development through innovation, in particular the technologies of the Industry of the Future, such as photonics/optics, advanced manufacturing processes including additive manufacturing, surface treatment and new machining processes :
24 000
jobs in metallurgy and mechanical engineering.
4 500
industrial companies.
leading international companies
HEF Groupe, Siléane, Mecaconcept, Setforge, Haulotte, Thalès Angénieux, Aubert & Duval, ArcelorMittal, AxleTech International, Clextral, SAM Outillage…







New Medtechs
As a leader in medical devices for prevention and care, Saint-Etienne Métropole has developed an area of expertise that now covers the entire field of medical technologies. Medtechs includes all the technologies used in healthcare, such as medical devices, diagnostics and e-health, and are based on technologies from cutting-edge sectors such as aeronautics, digital technology, robotics and biology…
leader
in medical textiles in Europe.
2 000
direct jobs in healthcare textiles.
leading international companies
: Thuasne, Gibaud, L&R Medical Products France, Sigvaris group.





New Design
As France’s leading design hub, Saint-Étienne Métropole has created an economic sector based on innovative design, an expertise that puts usage at the heart of product design, space planning and digital experiences, drawing on invention and innovation to serve the new world. More than a methodology, it is a lever for growth, a concrete operational design that rises to the challenges of development, life in society and the future.
Only French city to be recognised as a Creative City of Design by UNESCO.
1 innovation through design platform : The Cité du Design.
1 school of excellence : Saint-Étienne Higher School of Art and Design (Esadse).
1 major design event in France and internationally : the Biennale internationale Design Saint-Etienne, which attracted 262 000 visitors from 32 countries, with 130 companies and 13 000 professionals in 2022.








Discover our
sectors of excellence
Saint-Étienne Métropole offers you a unique setting for living and working differently.
Explore our strengths now !