Challenges Remaining

Transformation faces significant obstacles:

Resistance to Change

Entrenched interests oppose transformation: - Import lobbies protecting monopolies - Public unions fearing job losses - Political class benefiting from status quo - Metropolitan French incomprehension - Generational risk aversion

"Every innovation threatens someone's rice bowl," observes change management consultant Dr. Patricia Sinapin. "Overcoming resistance requires coalition building."

Capacity Constraints

Small populations limit possibilities: - Skill shortages in specialized areas - Limited domestic market scale - Infrastructure investment challenges - Research and development capacity - Regulatory expertise gaps

"We need critical mass for some transformations," acknowledges economist Dr. Michaël Goujon. "Regional cooperation becomes necessity."

Global Competition

Territories compete with larger, subsidized economies: - Agricultural products facing unfair competition - Tourism destinations multiplying globally - Digital services commoditization - Environmental standards cost disadvantages - Currency strength challenges

"Level playing field doesn't exist," states trade negotiator Tearii Alpha. "We need niches where uniqueness matters more than scale."