THE CIVIL NUCLEAR INDUSTRY: TOWARDS AN ORGANIZATIO NAL HISTORY

Abstract

This editorial explains the motivations, both contextual and theoretical, behind the publication by the journal Entreprises et Histoire of this thematic issue on civil nuclear organizations. The objective is to recognize the unprecedented revival of the industry and to analyze its causes and e.ects, paying particular attention to the organizational dimension. Reviewing the large volume of research carried out on the civil nuclear industry since the 1980s, we highlight how the study of organizations and organized processes has, in part, been neglected by researchers in favor of an approach biased towards science, technology and society (STS). Nowadays the major challenges facing our societies include the fight against climate change, decarbonization, and sovereignty, and the nuclear industry may, or may not, be able to provide the necessary responses. The key to understanding the potential for the industry to respond appropriately lies in further research of major organizational transformations and such research needs to be conducted across di.erent time periods and di.erent geographic locations.