Whatever Happens, Let's Continue the GERPISA Experiment

The last session of the fourth International GERPISA meeting broached the theme of cooperation between network members. It is an important question, but not simple to solve, for reasons which are often beyond the control of the researchers themselves. If we are very synthetic we can say that the debate was about Michel Freyssenet,s proposal to define the theoretical questions of common interest and to draw up a research programme from them, and about my proposal, which I believe is more realistic, to have a GERPISA-Agora, which would be an open meeting place where network members meet up at regular intervals to compare their personal research. My proposal is not necessarily an alternative to Michel,s, it is just complementary. To express this in a concise, less boring way I will present it in the form of an auto-interview.

Question: Dear Giusseppe, what do you think of the propositions for the organization of work made by Jean-Pierre Durand and Michel Freyssenet in La Lettre nodeg.5 ?

Answer: They are very interesting propositions that I would be pleased to work with, but I am afraid that may be difficult for me.

Question: In what way are they incompatible with your possibilities? Answer: From a logical point of view I agree wholeheartedly with them. Recently I launched some research about relations between suppliers and car manufacturers and naturally we defined the general research hypotheses and we divided the work as Michel and Jean-Pierre propose.

Question: So, why couldn't you apply this approach to the work of GERPISA?

Answer: I am not saying that it is not possible, I am saying that I would not like to commit myself to something which I may not be able to guarantee due to lack of time and finance.

Question: But, during the first programme, that is how we proceeded. Answer: In fact we had timely financing from the EEC and as far as I am concerned, more time available and less university obligations.

At present, with an increased workload and research financing reduced to ridiculous levels, it seems impossible to me (unless we get new EEC financing) to participate in a structured GERPISA programme

Question: So, do you propose to turn GERPISA into a network where everyone does his research within the time limits and in the way that suits him ?

Answer: Exactly. Everyone would do what he could in whatever way or time possible for him.

For example, the French researchers, who are the most numerous, who can meet up systematically and who can count on less restricted research financing than that of researchers from other countries, could and should try to define a programme with precise objectives and methods, as Michel and Jean-Pierre propose. The others would participate as much as they can.

Question: But then, if I understand rightly, you are not opposed to a well structured research group?

Answer: Absolutely, I am not against that. I even hope that there will be a steering group continuing with its own research programme and acting as a strong central core for the network. This core will play an essential role for the durability of GERPISA. I am only proposing that GERPISA should remain an open structure, able to welcome researchers who do not all participate to the same degree. What I am not in favor of is a closed GERPISA where you are either in a structured project or you are outside. I am in favor of a GERPISA that is open to anyone who can contribute in varying proportions according to time available to them and the resources they can dedicate to GERPISA. Some will have a more leading role and some an accompanying role.

Question: But don't you think that GERPISA could be in danger of being colonized by the central research group?

Answer: On the one hand, being in a position of dependence does not frighten me at all as I think I know how to defend my ideas, On the other hand, I must say as I paraphrase a Mexican revolutionary: "The land belongs to those who work it with their own hands", that is to say "GERPISA belongs to those who involve themselves in it on a day to day basis with their workso that it develops".

Unfortunately, this is not possible for me (for example, I am writing these few lines on a Saturday afternoon having written my Company Administration classes which I must give to my students, before correcting the proofs of a new book).

I am very grateful to Michel, Bécir, Nicolas, Carole and all my other GERPISA friends for all the fantastic work that they do and that I hope they will continue to do. What I wish is that my contribution, like those of others in the same situation, will be able to enrich GERPISA so that it can continue to be an essential point of reference for those who are concerned with the automobile industry.

Index of number 107 ;
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