The Société d'encouragement pour l'industrie nationale (French pronunciation: [sɔsjete dɑ̃kuʁaʒmɑ̃ puʁ lɛ̃dystʁi nɑsjɔnal]; transl. Society for the Development of National Industry) is an organization established in 1801 to support French industry.
Over the years it has provided prizes and support to inventors, promoted transfer of technology and management techniques, sponsored efforts to improve safety and efficiency and reduce pollution, and promoted vocational education.
Contents
Foundation
In 1800 Napoleon was firmly in power as ruler of France and continental peace seemed assured. Napoleon resolved to make French industry greater than that of all other nations, particularly England.
At the initiative of the Minister of Interior Jean-Antoine Chaptal, the second Exposition des produits de l'industrie française was held in Paris from 19 to 25 September 1801. Following this, a preparatory meeting for the Société d'encouragement pour l'industrie nationale was held on 4 October 1801 to discuss the formation of a society similar to the British Royal Society of Arts to encourage and improve French industry.
A month later, the opening meeting chaired by David Etienne Rouille de L'Etang (1731–1811) was held on 31 October 1801, with 92 attendees including the three Consuls.
Within a few weeks there were over 900 subscribers, including Napoleon Bonaparte with 100 subscriptions, Chaptal with 50 subscriptions, and many others with multiple subscriptions.
History
The third Exposition des produits de l'industrie française was held in 1802 and lasted seven days, with 540 exhibitors.
After this the government decided that more time was needed between the expositions to allow for advances in manufacturing to mature, and put off the next exposition until 1806.
In the interim the Société d'encouragement pour l'industrie nationale continued to give prizes for many branches of industry.
The society received considerable subsidies from Chaptal's ministry, which distributed its bulletin.
Between 1801 and 1845 the emphasis of the society was on stimulation of inventions, transfer of technology and improvements to business processes.
Hundred of inventors and researchers received support, as did various companies.
The society sponsored transfer of technology from foreign industrial companies, supported the expositions universelles and arranged for foundation of Arts & Crafts schools and the École centrale des arts et manufactures.
Between 1846 and 1885 the society undertook many initiatives to counter the negative effects of industrialization, such as protection of children working in factories, workplace hygiene and safety, reduction of pollution and unemployment funds.
The society continued to fund researchers, supported creation of regional industry societies and supported foundation of the École Libre des Sciences Politiques.
From 1886 to 1954 the emphasis was on encouraging industrial research, including energy saving and the fight against pollution, standardization, scientific management (Taylorism) and industrial design.
Presidents
Presidents of the society have been: