French Nuclear Energy Analytical Essay

A discussion on the role of nuclear power within France.
# 150502 | 2,601 words | 7 sources | APA | 2010 | GB
Published on Feb 28, 2012 in Engineering (Nuclear) , International Relations (Non-U.S.) , Environmental Studies (General)


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Description:

This paper examines the reasons behind the increase in manufacture and use of nuclear energy in France and the innovation behind it. It then looks at how French nuclear industry represents a considerable example of state led innovation and highlights the potential success that can be gained where the power of the state is used to push forward technology and the implementation of infrastructure.

From the Paper:

"It is worth beginning our analysis with a look at how the French nuclear energy industry is structured. Hecht argues that the French nuclear industry was born from a critical analysis of France's performance in World War Two (Hecht 2009 p.26). He argues that there were many within the state of France who blamed their performance on the fact that many in positions of power had been too interested in preserving the status quo for their own self interest and that France, as a result, had declined in power and was "no longer a great nation" (Hecht 2009 p.27). As a result of this it was decided that a radical new approach was needed in order to re-develop French power and radicalise the political, social and economic life of the French people. The most common conclusion reached in this quest was that the role of the state needed to be re-thought, particularly as it related to economic affairs. This was particularly relevant to the manner in which scientific, industrial and technological progress would be sought. As a result of this thinking, several key innovations were developed in France which were not developed in other nations. "

Sample of Sources Used:

  • Edquist, Charles. Systems of Innovation, in Fagerberg, J. et al (2004). The Oxford Handbook of Innovation. Oxford: Oxford University Publishing House. p.181 - 208
  • Fagerberg, J. et al (2004). The Oxford Handbook of Innovation. Oxford: Oxford University Publishing House.
  • Hecht, Gabrielle (2009). The Radiance of France, French nuclear power and national identity after World War Two. USA: Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
  • Kursunglu, B. and Mintz, S.and Perlmutter, A. (1999). The Challenges to Nuclear power in the Twenty First Century. Washington DC: Kluwer Academic.
  • Lundval, Bengt-Ake and Borras, Susana. Science, Technology and Innovation Policy,in Fagerberg, J. et al (2004). The Oxford Handbook of Innovation. Oxford: Oxford University Publishing House.

Cite this Analytical Essay:

APA Format

French Nuclear Energy (2012, February 28) Retrieved March 29, 2023, from https://www.academon.com/analytical-essay/french-nuclear-energy-150502/

MLA Format

"French Nuclear Energy" 28 February 2012. Web. 29 March. 2023. <https://www.academon.com/analytical-essay/french-nuclear-energy-150502/>

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