The Plan Calcul was a French governmental program initiated in 1966 by President Charles de Gaulle to foster a national and European computer industry, along with associated research and educational initiatives [1]. The program aimed to reduce France's dependence on the United States in the burgeoning field of information technology [5].
History#
The Plan Calcul was approved in July 1966, spurred by concerns over France's reliance on the American computer industry [1]. Two key events precipitated its creation: the United States' denial of export licenses for American-made IBM and CDC computers to the French Commissariat à l'énergie atomique, preventing France from advancing its H-bomb project [1][2][3]. Simultaneously, in 1964, General Electric acquired a majority stake in Compagnie des Machines Bull, then the largest French computer manufacturer and a leading IT equipment maker in Europe [1]. This acquisition, known as the "Affaire Bull," led GE-Bull to discontinue two Bull computer models [1][3].Responsibility for managing the Plan Calcul was assigned to a newly established government agency, Délégation générale à l'informatique (Information Bureau), which reported directly to the prime minister [1][3].
Compagnie Internationale d'Informatique#
As a core component of the Plan Calcul, the Compagnie Internationale d'Informatique (CII) was founded in December 1966 [1]. CII's mission was to produce commercial and scientific computers, initially under license from Scientific Data Systems [1]. The company aimed to compete across various markets, including process control, military applications, and office computing [1].Objectives and Vision#
President Charles de Gaulle envisioned France playing a significant role on the world stage in the early 1960s [4][5]. His policies, particularly in international politics, sought to advance French interests [5]. De Gaulle was wary of the United States' influence and aimed for a gradual dissolution of the US-USSR blocs [5]. His policy of "national independence" involved distancing France from major powers while maintaining cooperation and neutrality [5]. This vision extended to technology, where the Plan Calcul aimed to counter American dominance in computer science and establish a "European industry" for computer and software manufacturing [5].De Gaulle and his advisors recognized the future importance of information technology in various fields, including medicine, media, and science [5]. This foresight coincided with significant technological advancements in the United States, such as the space program and the miniaturization of electronics [5].