HEC research professor Craig Anderson has been exploring the impact of “awe” on well-being for over a decade. The specialist in affective science recently published a paper on culture and awe, comparing the emotional approach of Americans and Chinese to this phenomenon. Anderson’s research was at the heart of a 2023 National Geographic documentary “Operation Arctic Cure” which traces the use of awe to alleviate PTSD in veteran soldiers. The American academic shares his insights into a new science reshaping policies in sustainability, marketing and health.
June 20 is World Refugee Day, designated by the United Nations to honor refugees around the globe and to celebrate the strength and courage of those forced to flee their home countries to escape conflict or persecution. By the end of 2023, UNHCR estimated that over 117 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide due to persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations, and climate shocks, often a combination of these factors. Notably, nearly 32 million new internal displacements were due to climate-related hazards, highlighting the urgent need to address this issue. It is high noon for us to step up, reach out, engage with this diverse talent pool, and unlock their true potential.
HEC Paris Professors Laurence Lehmann Ortega and Hélène Musikas have been working together for over 15 years on a business framework they call Odyssey 3.14. This strategy helps companies better invest in business models that promote innovation and sustainability. The result is a book which entered its third edition in September, entitled “(Re)invent Your Business Model with Odyssey 3.14”. The two academics describe the three pillars and 14 directions which have evolved significantly in the past decades.
We interviewed Quentin Rouyer, the Founder and CEO of Alternative Café, a trailblazing fair-trade coffee importer and distributor. Through its unique model of importing directly from producers and advocating for in-country roasting, Alternative Café is revolutionizing the coffee industry's approach to sustainability. From its renowned World Coffee Challenge to its commitment to empowering growers, Alternative Café's innovative practices are reshaping the coffee sector while promoting social and environmental responsibility.
At HEC Paris, the integration of research, teaching, and action is a fundamental philosophy that we embody. In today's dynamic landscape, where environmental and social challenges are increasingly prominent, HEC serves as a beacon of innovation and responsibility. As Europe's leading business school, we acknowledge our responsibility to guide future leaders in navigating the complexities of a world in flux.
HEC Paris undergoes a transformative shift in its curriculum. Building on its legacy of sustainability initiatives, the institution now prioritizes planetary boundaries and societal impact. The updated curriculum emphasizes sustainability integration and student empowerment for real-world impact. This reflects HEC's dedication to nurturing leaders prepared to address modern challenges.
The past six years have seen an exponential leap in student engagement going well beyond the classroom. Arguably, this came to public attention in 2018 when HEC Paris students joined representatives from France's most prestigious schools and universities in calling for radical change, called the "Manifeste étudiant pour un réveil écologique" (Student Manifesto for an Ecological Awakening). So far, it has been signed by over 34,000 students. Then there was Anne-Fleur Goll's June 2022 graduation speech that concluded with a plea to tackle climate change from within the system. This drew a standing ovation and created quite a media stir.
How will the world look in 10 or 20 years? How can we chart new paths to create value while preserving or even enhancing the balance of the Earth and human life conditions? What role can businesses play in shaping desirable futures? Established in 2009 as a pioneering entity within HEC Paris, the Sustainability & Organizations (S&O) Institute is an interdisciplinary organization fostering a community of researchers, business leaders, organizations, and individuals deeply committed to serving human and planetary well-being. Thoughtful reflection, innovative experimentation, multi-stakeholder dialogue, and evolving pedagogy are at the core of our approach.
Ever since he published “Strategic Management”, Edward Freeman has been at the forefront of a theory that stakeholders are interconnected. For his collective body of work, the economist from Darden School, Virginia, received an Honorary Doctorate from HEC Paris, adding his name to the 48 illustrious scholars on the HEC Honoris Causa list. The March 4 ceremony was followed by several thousand spectators, both live and online. Freeman’s visit to the Jouy-en-Josas campus was the occasion to discuss his stakeholder vision with a prism of the 21st century. Extracts from the exceptional Breakthroughs podcast, recorded for Knowledge@HEC.
As the world grapples with sustainability issues, industries renowned for their environmental impact, such as fashion, face increasing scrutiny. A recent research thesis has shed light on alternatives to environmentally detrimental linear models prevalent in the fashion industry. This article, authored by SASI Master's student Andrea Murguia under the guidance of Professor Sam Aflaki, summarizes the thesis, “Sustainable Business Models in the Fashion Industry”, and delves into these findings, revealing innovative ways to navigate towards sustainability.
