Risque et innovation : un point de vue sociologique

Nowadays, experts are often said to be affected with a generalized "risquophobia", by using the notion of risk in order to blame technical innovations and business spirit. But a historical and sociological appraisal of the notion of risk leads to radically different conclusions. Firstly, the notion of risk has been built as an auxiliary for economic innovations. Secondly, contemporary societies are characterized by a "risk culture" which urge each of us to be the real entrepreneur of his own life. At last, the notion of risk can also be considered as a strategic resource which can be summoned to promote social change.