Brahim Boudarbat and François Vaillancourt, both Professors at Université de Montréal and CIRANO Fellows and Researchers, are members of the Scientific Orientation Committee of the "États généraux du livre en langue française dans le monde" to be held in Tunis on 24 and 25 September 2020. They are contributing to the Prospective Economic Study of the French-language book market in the world.

This study is part of the research axis "Projecting the economic stakes of the development of the French-language publishing market", the objective of which is to propose a projection of what the French-language book market could be like by 2030 and 2050 and the conditions for its development. The horizon of 2030 allows a projection at the level of the current leaders, whether institutional or professional, to see what the French-language book market could be like in 2030 and 2050. The horizon of 2050 makes it possible to project oneself on the scale of a generation and mobilizes, in particular, issues related to educational policies. The multilateral stakes of the "États généraux du livre en langue française dans le monde" and the ambition of the project require that this prospective economic study be carried out on the one hand by researchers from different countries within the French-speaking world, and on the other hand guarantee the scientific quality that will ensure its credibility. This is why a Scientific Orientation Committee made up of experts from different disciplines has been set up to carry it out. The results of this study will be presented and will feed the debates during the "États généraux du livre en langue française" in Tunis in September 2020.

The organization of the "États généraux du livre en langue française dans le monde" is one of the measures of the Plan for the French Language and Plurilingualism presented by the President of the French Republic on 20 March 2018. These États généraux will be held on 24 and 25 September 2020 in Tunis, on the occasion of the Summit of Heads of State of the Francophonie.

The main objectives attributed to the États généraux are as follows:

• Develop a dynamic and balanced editorial space in the French-speaking world, based on exchanges and cooperation, in the service of the production and circulation of French-language books, works and authors;
• Promote awareness of the richness and diversity of literary and intellectual creation in the French language around the world
• Contribute to renewing and broadening the perception of the Francophonie among all French-speaking audiences;
• Integrate digital opportunities.

More information on the États généraux du livre en langue française (website of this project)