Nuclear industry: a model market for other industrial sectors

Nuclear industry plays an important role for instrumentation manufacturers and for service suppliers. This role is more an question of high-tech, know-how and company image than a matter of turnover. Nuclear activities are highly regulated and procedural: a lot of tests, checks and calculations have to be performed for new equipment and the consequences of the Fukushima accident and the EDF's policy of extending the operating life of reactors have strengthened this trend. The high levels of excellence demanded for companies working in the nuclear sector allows them to apply the same standards in other industrial sectors which is good for their competitiveness. Although the nuclear sector appears to be ahead of its time for issues concerning quality, reliability and safety, it has to face other challenges such as digitalization, 2.2 future industry, composite materials, internet of things or cyber-security, like any other industrial sector. Progress in robotics, additive manufacturing and artificial intelligence open the way for promising technological applications in the nuclear industry. (A.C.)