Is the French National Funding Agency the vanguard of a neoliberal internationalization of French science policy (2004-2010)?

This article questions the shared belief that the establishment of the French National Funding Agency (ANR) is a direct consequence of a neoliberal internationalization of scientific policy. We tests two hypotheses that would be consequential of such configuration: on the one hand, we should find elements of the agence’s exteriority and incommensurability regarding the French scientific field, especially regarding the professional habits; on the other hand, we should find elements of such purpose in the conception and use of this instrument of conforming to an international agenda marked by liberal thinking motives. Our investigation on the political context of its genesis and the first years of operations shows that neither of these two inferences stand the test. Rather, the institutionalization of the ANR and the tensions came along its creation are the result of three distinct and incompatible motives for autonomy (conservative, liberal, and solidarist) that permeate the French academic profession.