From public timber auctions to supply contracts?Original Title Des encheres de bois public aux contrats d'approvisionnement?

摘要

This article suggests to apply the evolution of the merchant institutions used to sell public timber, with reference to the theory of "Path Dependence". First we present, in a socio-economic perspective, the features which led, since the 17th century, to the appearance of a path dependence situation around the auction. Then we describe the exogenous and endogeneous factors in favour of a change in the institutional trajectory, due to the emergence of supply contracts chains based on private agreements. Finally, we present economic and social arguments given by part of the timber industry to maintain the auction as the main sales method.