Territorial Dynamics and Technological Innovation: What the Interactions can be? Case Analysis of the Urban Center of Grenoble in France[Dynamique territoriale et innovation technologique: quelle(s) interaction(s) ? Analyse du cas de l’agglomération grenobloise en France]

Metropolisation is generally analysed as the expression of globalisation at the urban level. Its advantage is to favour a strong interaction between innovation and development of the territory (in the local sense). At this point of view, the case of Grenoble agglomeration is exemplary. As second French scientific research center (after Paris), Grenoble has built its socioeconomic vitality on a tradition of close cooperation between universities and the economic environment, as well as on a proven practice of industrial exploitation of research results. To such extent that Grenoble is, nowadays, amongst the top five centers in the world in its field of specialization, namely information technology, microelectronics and nanotechnology. The analysis expounded here shows that territorial development based on innovation, in Grenoble area, owes part of its effectiveness to appropriate coordination of local actors, as well as to adequate institutional regulation. However, if so far the Grenoble experience has been consensual, henceforth the strategy of local specialization in nanotechnology is not any longer accepted unanimously, particularly because of the social and environmental risks it presents. Whether actual or only potential, these risks should not be concealed or minimized. They should be subject to a public debate open to all citizens. However, according to the opponents, nano-technological option has been adopted without any real democratic consultation. Therefore, it is urgent to correct this situation. Getting the reflection on the future of the Grenoble area out of the small circle of experts, by organizing a broad discussion on the main choices concerning the local development, is the only way to legitimize these choices and to ensure that the risks associated with them, are borne by the Grenoble community as a whole.