Descartes Cluster, a metropolitan calling devoted to sustainable cities


In these days where cities are engaged in worldwide competition, the Greater Paris project aims at making the capital region into a model of sustainable metropolis. Descartes Cluster was chosen by the Government as a cluster of excellence to contribute to this major project.


As announced by President Nicolas Sarkozy in his speech on April 29th, 2009, Descartes Cluster was chosen as one of the seven clusters of excellence in the Paris conurbation.

«Immersion System» research

It plans on becoming a catalyst for innovation, as well as the future worldwide cluster of reference in sustainable city construction, maintenance and services. Its objective is to foster the inception of bonds between research laboratories, universities and leading post-graduate schools, businesses and public services.

Acting as a genuine lever, it will encourage connections with the world’s major exchange networks as well as cross-fertilisation opportunities, thereby promoting the economic growth of Eastern Paris.

To favor its growth, Descartes Cluster aims to attract not only the sustainable development sector leading companies but also the innovative SMEs/SMIs wishing to position on the cluster development sectors. These companies would settle their research, management and operation units on its territory.

The second development lever consists in stimulating the creation of links between universities, high schools, research laboratories, companies and public utilities to set up a process of innovation on the theme of sustainable cities. The role of the cluster is to foster connections with the world’s major exchange networks as well as encouraging all cross-fertilisation opportunities.

  • Cité Descartes at the heart of the cluster
    University of Marne-la-Vallée, the Lavoisier bilding at Cité Descartes in Champs-sur-Marne © Epamarne / Architectes : JOURDA & PERRAUDIN / Photo : Emile Luider

The cluster is focused on Cité Descartes, a centre for science and technique excellence in eco-technology.
 
A catalyst for innovation, it is the leading research campus in Eastern Paris, boasting close to 1,500 teachers and researchers, engineers and PhD students working in its 18 further education establishments.

The cluster is therefore destined to expand on clusters of tertiary-sector and eco-business like Champigny, Chelles-Vaires, Neuilly-sur-Marne, Noisy-le-Grand and Torcy, as well as competitiveness clusters Advancity (sustainable cities and mobility) and Cap Digital (digital content).

  • Activity channels to boost economic growth 

There are nine channels of economic growth primarily supported by Descartes Cluster: traditional urban services (transport, networks and infrastructures), virtual reality for design and governance, real-time sensors, new urban services, new construction materials, energy for buildings and for cities, water treatment and management, CO2 storage and “green” finance.