The French Version of the CAGE Mythology (Competitiveness—Attractiveness—Globalization—Excellence) and Some Ideas on How to Escape from It

International audienceThe recent period is characterized by the emergence of an attractive mythology in the field of economic development: the deepening of globalization would plunge all territories into an imperative of competitiveness, with only a few very big cities able to compete to attract the talents and leaders of tomorrow, which should therefore be supported by concentrating efforts on excellence. We summarize it by the acronym CAGE for Competitiveness, Attractiveness, Globalization and Excellence. A careful analysis of the different components of the CAGE shows that as reassuring as it can be, it tends to lock thought into conceptions that do not stand the test of facts. Despite this, and to a greater or lesser extent influenced by certain researchers and private or public analysis and advisory bodies, it underlies a whole range of public policies; it has even structured part of the debates around the results of elections in different countries. Enclosure in the CAGE causes adverse effects. As public resources are limited, dedicating them strongly to a few actors (start-ups, researchers deemed “excellent” …) or to a few places (“global” cities) leads to reinforcing socio-spatial inequalities. Some elements for reflection on possible alternatives, which seem healthier to us, will be presented in order to help escaping from it