France’s premier industrial gathering will return to the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center for its 8th edition, from March 30 to April 2, 2026. As a catalyst for innovation and collaboration, Global Industrie 2026 will bring together key players (manufacturers, regional authorities, federations, associations, and economic and political decision-makers) to envision and build the industry of tomorrow.
Yet this edition is also expected to bring its share of challenges. While the organizers aim to highlight the positive under the slogan “Let’s focus on the positives of industry!”, it comes amid a complex economic, political, and geopolitical climate. European industry remains under pressure, and France is grappling with political turmoil and a widening deficit.
An Industrial Sector Under Pressure: Lessons from 2025 and Outlook for 2026
At last year’s 2025 edition in Lyon, the theme of industrial rearmament dominated discussions, underscoring the urgent need to strengthen France’s and Europe’s defense and industrial capabilities. The event revealed how revitalizing the defense sector requires the mobilization of the entire industrial ecosystem, from machine tool manufacturers to precision metallurgy, foundries, and forging companies. Many exhibitors quietly positioned themselves in the defense sector, with some already in talks with the French government to establish delivery schedules.
The then–Prime Minister, François Bayrou, who has since resigned, attended the event in person to emphasize this objective of industrial rearmament.
This focus also highlighted the growing urgency to accelerate digitization, automation, and robotics across production lines. After more than a decade of promoting Industry 4.0 at trade shows, the concept has never been more relevant.
However, even as the sector demonstrated resilience, France’s political situation remains complex. The country continues to face political turbulence, heated debates on industrial policy, and social tensions that complicate the implementation of ambitious reindustrialization strategies.
A Hub of Opportunities Amid Uncertainty
Looking ahead to Global Industrie 2026, these lessons from 2025 provide both context and caution. While the exhibition will remain a hub of opportunity and a driver of growth and innovation, companies approach this edition with measured optimism, mindful of fragile economic conditions, political uncertainty, and ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting supply chains, energy costs, and European technological sovereignty.
Economic indicators remain mixed. Modest growth (+0.8% GDP in 2025), political instability — including the resignation of the Prime Minister — and the absence of a clear industrial strategy have all contributed to a more cautious outlook. For 2026, the challenge will be to balance innovation, collaboration, and resilience with the realities of a complex and uncertain environment.
“Focusing on the Positives”: Optimism Amid Challenges
Despite these headwinds, as in previous years, the organizers remain determined to inspire confidence and collective action.
“Let’s focus on the positives of industry! That will be the guiding principle of the 2026 edition, which, without ignoring the sector’s challenges, seeks to highlight positive initiatives: modernization of tools, decarbonization, youth employment, and greater gender diversity,” says Sébastien Gillet, Managing Director of GL events Exhibitions Industries.
Some indicators nonetheless remain encouraging. There is a temporary manufacturing rebound in France (+3.5% in June 2025), according to Insee, the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. A financial support of €500 million has been renewed for SMEs and mid-sized companies in the Defense Industrial and Technological Base (BITD). And there are ongoing efforts in decarbonization and reshoring, reflecting the “industrial rearmament” theme widely discussed last year.
Still, the landscape has changed. France faces a growing budget deficit and ongoing political instability, limiting room for maneuver. In this context, industry players are expected to attend seeking actionable solutions rather than celebratory announcements.
2026 Highlights: Innovation, Digitalization, and Collaboration
Still, what can we expect to see on the shop floor? Let’s take a look at the 2026 highlights.
The Booster Space: Connecting to Act
The Booster Space is a major new feature of 2026. It is designed to facilitate connections and accelerate industrial projects. At its core, a central hub will guide visitors along thematic paths tailored to their needs — research, financing, international expansion, skills, or consulting.
Around this hub, 20 selected startups will showcase ready-to-implement solutions. A call for expressions of interest will be launched in autumn 2025.
Digital Technologies Village
Artificial intelligence, 5G, cybersecurity, data, edge cloud, and digital twins will take center stage in the Digital Technologies Village, highlighting solutions that transform machine control, automation, data analytics, optimization, and industrial cybersecurity.
Connected Warehouse by GI
Following its success in Lyon, the Connected Warehouse by GI returns to Paris. Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the warehouse of the future, where robotics, sensors, and real-time visualization tools optimize logistics, handling, and workplace safety. The space will also feature the latest innovations in robotics and logistics, essential to the connected factory of tomorrow.
In 2026, Global Industrie will unfold in a climate that is both challenging and realistic. While it remains the flagship platform for France’s industrial ecosystem, the exhibition cannot ignore the economic, political, and geopolitical pressures weighing on the sector.
