Compétences et dynamiques territoriales: Quelles interactions?

Abstract

Do abilities of people who belong to a territory contribute to its destiny? This question implies to think about how to choose public policies that decide of formation. These policies usually consider that abilities are not central to development, and that they can be produced by a simple addition of teaching. We analyse the dynamics of evolution of the most important economic activities near Briançon and the way abilities are built and used. From this analysis we deduce that abilities are consequences of complex processes that depend on teaching but also on experience of social networks, and working culture. Abilities of individuals contribute to territorial dynamics, but these dynamics also rely on collective abilities. Collective abilities are the result of the identification of common interests and the gathering of resources that enable to protect common interests. There is a kind of tension linking the ability to cooperate at the local scale and the proximity of needed resources. © 2009 Lavoisier, Paris. Tous droits réservés.