In description
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.
It can be hard for microbusinesses to undertake digital transformation initiatives. A recent study by Shirish C. Srivastava of HEC Paris, along with co-authors Anuragini Shirish of Institut Mines-Télécom Business School and Niki Panteli of Royal Holloway University of London and Norwegian University of Science and Technology, examined how microbusiness owner-managers in Ireland are getting the support they need to undertake digital transformations – and how it could apply to the wider global community.
By Shirish Srivastava
There’s a debate amongst online retailers over trade-offs between the value of tracking cookies and their impact on customer privacy. However, little is known about the effects of limiting cookie duration. Klaus Miller, Assistant Professor of Quantitative Marketing at HEC Paris, and Bernd Skiera, Professor of Electronic Commerce at Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, examine the value of cookies over time and what it means for advertisers and regulators.
By Klaus Miller
2024 marks 20 years since the birth of social media. Since then, it has become a major communication force in the lives of teenagers - a 2024 Pew survey claims that 93% of American youth use it, for example. Unsurprisingly, research on its impact has followed suit. But just how reliable are the conclusions in this new field of studies? In April 2024, HEC Professors Tina Lowrey and L.J. Shrum co-authored a research paper with their former doctoral student Elena Fumagalli (H18), showing conflicting findings on the negative and positive effects of social media on youth. They warn against major policies and lawsuits founded on inconclusive studies and contradictory scientific research. Professors Lowrey and Shrum share with Breakthroughs their study to try to make sense of a subject matter inflaming public debate. Extracts.
By Tina M. Lowrey , L. J. Shrum
Lobbying can be a powerful tool for social change, but paradoxically, it is also what is holding us back from making progress, be it on climate or social justice. It’s time for a new kind of lobbying, argues Alberto Alemanno, Professor of EU Law at HEC Paris. He describes a new movement of nonprofits, philanthropies and progressive companies that are reclaiming lobbying as a legitimate form of political innovation, capable of redistributing power across society.
By Alberto Alemanno
How important are individual “star” performers compared to their teams in driving scientific innovation? A recent study by Denisa Mindruta, Janet Bercovitz, Vlad Mares, and Maryann Feldman shows that while “star researchers” contribute significantly, the collaborative synergy between stars and their teams is crucial for success. In management, this research addresses the fundamental question of how to optimize team composition to maximize performance, underscoring the balance between individual brilliance and collective effort. Three main key findings: Star scientists enhance collaboration performance through direct contributions and resource attraction. Diversity in team composition, both in expertise and seniority, fosters innovation. Research shows that collaborative efforts usually surpass individual contributions in scientific discovery.
By Denisa Mindruta
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.
“Gravity-defying fashion” business case has been published recently on The Case Centre. Luxury expert, professor of Marketing Anne Michaut, investigated books, articles, and online databases on the fascinating yet still unknown topic of digital fashion, and from this study, shared insights through a fictitious business case.
In this interview, Karen Degouve (H.94) explains her pivotal role in coordinating sustainable finance efforts within French banking groups, which face challenges in developing profitable yet planet-conscious businesses. Degouve offers valuable guidance for graduates entering the business world and investors seeking to align their financial decisions with sustainability goals. She also took the time to share her opinion on research findings on ESG and impact investment conducted by the HEC Paris faculty.
The Data and Impact Investment Chair directed by Finance Professors Jessica Jeffers (Tenure Track) and Ferdinand Petra (Education Track), has been established by Rothschild & Co, HEC Paris, and the HEC Foundation to advance research and education in impact finance. These initiatives aim to address economic, technological, climate, and social challenges through sustainable finance initiatives. We interviewed the chair-holding professors and Géraldine Gouges, Head of Responsible Investment at Rothschild & Co, Wealth & Asset Management, about their collaboration.