The future of regions lies in the hands of entrepreneurs

• Michel DRANCOURT
  Economist
  
• Jean-Pierre BRIAND
  In charge of Géris (Groupement d'intérêt économique pour la reconversion et l'expansion d'industries et des services : association for developing commercial interests to help the restructuring and expansion of industries and services)
  

Summary

Michel Drancourt and Jean-Pierre Briand believe that the future of regions is clearly in the hands of the entrepreneur, and that at the present time, the regions should be undergoing restructuring. Although they are convinced that it is necessary to encourage more people in the region to expect changes, their experience has convinced them of the efficiency of urgent actions in times of crisis. Michel Drancourt founded the Géris association at Thomson and took part in the restructuring programme of the Lorraine region. This region has old industries and today owes its vitality to the service sector. Today, Jean-Pierre Briand runs the Géris association which operates both to serve the needs of the group as well as those of clients (such as Philips, Toyota and Moulinex). Taking the analogy of a fireman, his skill, combined with an element of chance, enables him to put out fires which impede the expansion of a region, encouraging entrepreneurial activity.

Summary translated from French by Rachel MARLIN.

• The entire article was written by Élisa RÉVAH.

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