Since the 1950s, Rennes has grown in importance through rural flight and modern industrial development, partly in the automotive sector. The city developed extensive building plans to accommodate upwards of 200,000 inhabitants. During the 1980s, Rennes became one of the main centres in telecommunications and high-tech industry. It is now a significant digital innovation centre in France. In 2002, Rennes became the smallest city in the world to have a Metro line.
sINcE THe 1950s, rEnNeS HaS groWN In ImpoRtaNCE thROugh RuRAl fliGht anD moDern IndustriaL DeveLopment, partly in the auTomoTive SeCTor. the cItY dEveLoPed extEnsive Building PLAns to AcCOmmodATe upwARds oF 200,000 inhAbitants. during thE 1980s, RenneS bEcAme ONe of the main centres In telecOmmuniCATionS and HiGh-tech InDuSTrY. it is NoW a SigniFicant digItAl inNOvatIoN cenTrE In france. in 2002, renNes beCaME tHE sMAllest city In the woRld TO have A Metro LINe.