During its last plenary session, the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolitan Council approved the Higher Education, Research, and Innovation Plan. This document defines the strategic directions of the Metropolis in terms of training and research.
Since 2008, the number of students in Nice has doubled, reaching 50,000 in 2025. This development is based on the University Côte d’Azur and the establishment of new institutions such as Centrale Méditerranée, 42 school, ISART Digital, Simplon, Rocket School, Aivancity, ISCOM, EFAP, and soon, Ferrandi and Vatel. This dynamic enhances the attractiveness of the region for students and economic players.
The adopted plan is based on five axes. The first is to adapt the training offer to the needs of the region while creating a stronger link with local businesses and institutions. Another point is to facilitate access to employment by developing professional pathways and bringing training closer to the realities of the job market. There is also a desire to encourage research and innovation by supporting collaboration between laboratories, startups, and industries. Additionally, the development of scientific culture is addressed by multiplying outreach activities and dedicated events. The last axis concerns structuring the higher education network by promoting the pooling of resources and infrastructures.
Concrete Actions
To realize these orientations, several projects are planned. Notably, the creation of a vocational training center in the East of the Metropolis aims to better distribute the training offer across the region. The establishment of the “Center of Possibilities” will help young people better identify their skills and career aspirations. The deployment of a Metropolitan Observatory of Higher Education is among the explored avenues, aiming to inventory and analyze the training offer and market needs. Lastly, the formation of a Higher Education Cooperation Group seeks to reinforce dialogue and collaboration between educational institutions and economic actors.
With this plan, the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis aims to assert its intention to organize and consolidate its university and scientific ecosystem.