Context
Lopez-Ridaura et al (2005) propose a formal framework, based on linear programming, for analysing the trade-offs involved in multi-scale, multi-criteria problems. The method involves optimising a given indicator at a given scale under the constraints of other indicators. We then look at what we gain and what we lose on each criterion by changing the constraints or the optimised indicator. The method can be used :
- For a given scale: for example 1) we try to maximise the value of regional agricultural production without constraints, 2) we maximise it under a regional food self-sufficiency constraint, 3) we look at what we have gained and lost.
- To analyse trade-offs between scales (which is what interests us most here): for example, we maximise the value of regional production by setting a food self-sufficiency constraint first at regional level, then sub-regional level, then municipal level (i.e. increasingly restrictive) and we look at what we lose at global level as a result of this local constraint.
Objectives of the internship
The aim of the internship is to try to transpose this method to the issues, tools and data developed by STEEP to analyse production chains. The main question is to identify what types of hypotheses are needed for this. For example, consider the question ‘what scale of relocation is needed for flour mills’ or ‘for food self-sufficiency’ (in raw materials? in processed products?) or ‘for methanisation plants’ or ‘for the manufacture of ball bearings’. If the framework is mathematical, the central question of the course will call on other disciplines (particularly economics). The final objective is to validate or not this analytical framework as the main avenue of research for posing the problem of the relevant scales of relocation.
