Paris La Défense, ranked as the leading European business district

This is the third edition of this ranking which assesses the attractiveness of 30 of the largest international business districts.

According to Pierre-Yves Guice, CEO of Paris La Défense: “For the first time, Paris La Défense has ranked first among European business districts, ahead of the City of London, becoming the most attractive business district in Europe. It is positioned as the main gateway for investors and businesses to the European market. This is both a sign of the business district's attractiveness and resilience, and a symbol of its ability to reinvent itself. This ranking also confirms the validity of our territorial development strategy, which combines diversification and decarbonization.”

Among the strengths that have allowed Paris La Défense to occupy the top of the rankings, its access to a pool of skilled labor and prestigious schools and universities, the density of its business ecosystem (2.800 companies and 200.000 employees), and its international connectivity have all made a difference. The tourist and economic influence of Paris is also an asset for the attractiveness of La Défense, which directly benefits from the capital's influence and its status as a leading destination for organizing international events, its substantial and high-quality hotel offering, and the numerous international institutions located in Greater Paris.

The International Business Districts Barometer

ULI, EY and the Global Business District Innovation Club have selected the 30 global business districts, characterized by their dense urban planning and vertical architecture, which develop an office area of ​​more than 500.000 m². All are located in metropolises of more than 2 million inhabitants, marked by a high concentration of international corporate headquarters, financial services and institutions.

Located in 19 countries and from all regions of the world, the business districts were analyzed using 2.400 data points divided into eight categories: the macroeconomic conditions of the country and territory, proximity to markets and customers, the concentration and quality of talent, the international influence of actors and activities, the quality and quantity of real estate supply, the range of urban services, innovative activities and infrastructure, and finally energy equipment and sustainability strategy.