Introduction

It is often assumed that the tremendous increase in communication, information and communications technology (ICT), travel and the free movements of capital, labour, citizens and services facilitated by the European Single Market over the past few decades have transformed and deepened inter-state relationships. But the evidence does not wholly support this assumption. At the end of the nineteenth century, not only was globalisation as much a real driver of trade and exchanges as it is today, but inter-state exchanges at many levels were intensive and constructive. Between France and the UK there was a level of understanding and respect between the respective national research institutions, albeit often driven by competitive forces evidenced in exploration, discovery, colonial ambition and simple rivalry for prestige and position on a European and global stage.

Today, the mantra of globalisation can lead people to overlook the potential for closer bilateral ties across the Channel. The phrase ‘elevated bilateral relationships’, as used in June 2010 by the British Foreign Secretary, more often refers to links with developing countries than with member states of the European Union (EU). And much of the thrust of French planning and funding under the Grand Emprunt is to provide the country, via a small group of French research centres, with much greater international visibility, attractiveness and prestige.

Examples of Franco-British academic partnerships have, in the main, been informed and sustained by an array of enthusiastic individuals, succeeding often despite an equal array of limitations and barriers.