The special role of France as the initiator and engine of European construction is emphasized in the article. In this context the attention is drawn to the challenges and threats of the new type of industrial revolution because of the technological lag of France and of the other European Union (EU) countries from the main competitors in the world economy – primarily from the USA and China economies. The increasing importance of the key factor of production – human capital, its role in the value-added chains that are spreading is underlined. The factor of knowledge and of the State’s support are coming to the fore for economic growth.