A French: groupement d'intérêt économique (abbreviated GIE; in English Economic Interest Grouping or Economic Interest Group, abbreviated EIG) is a Francophone consortium of related businesses, companies, foundations, organisations or institutes which are formally pooling their efforts for competitive advantage.[1] Most partners come from the private sector but inclusion of public sector partners is not unusual.
For example, a number of businesses in the umbrella industry located in Aurillac, France, Europe formed a GIE to better meet the challenges of competing globally.[2]
Another example is Luxinnovation GIE, the National Agency for Innovation and Research of Luxembourg. It is composed of 6 partners that come from both the private and the public sector (including three Ministries).[3]