Sustainable Development

May 06th, 2024

New Odyssey 3.14 Edition Adds Social Rights and Sustainability to Business Model

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.

Associate Professor (Education Track)

Strategy and Business Policy

Sustainable Development

April 26th, 2024

Impact Investing: How HEC Alumni Karen Degouve Engages in the Transition

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.

Sustainable Development

April 24th, 2024

Coffee Roasted at Origin: How HEC Alumni Quentin Rouyer Engages in the Transition

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.

HEC Paris shares its vision

Aligning Business with Planetary Boundaries

This special edition of the Knowledge@HEC review focuses on the Earth’s planetary boundaries. The issue highlights HEC Paris' approach toward organizational, environmental, and societal challenges linked to the nine planetary boundaries within which humanity can develop for generations to come. The review showcases research and initiatives aimed at informing and empowering businesses, policymakers, and future leaders. We highlight the multidisciplinary approaches in the school's research, teaching, and action, inviting HEC Paris students, graduates, professors, entrepreneurs, and donors to share their visions of a more sustainable future. "Aligning Business with Planetary Boundaries" will be officially launched at the HEC Climate Day on May 22. Meanwhile, you can find the pdf here.

April 23rd, 2024

Greenleaf123_iStock_Earth Day eco concept with rainforest background

Sustainable Development

April 23rd, 2024

What Incites Companies to Invest in Green Technologies?

If companies anticipate that the government might impose caps on carbon emissions, they will likely invest in green technologies. This, in turn, drives down the cost of achieving reductions for all. That’s according to HEC Paris finance professors Augustin Landier and Bruno Biais. In “Emission Caps and Investment in Green Technologies,” the co-authors also show that if these firms don’t think carbon restrictions are coming, they won’t invest, and the government eventually will find it too costly to the economy to impose caps. In other words, companies’ expectations about future government action play a crucial role in reducing the carbon emissions driving rapid climate change. So, ask the researchers, how can a balance be found? 4 key findings: Anticipating future regulations spurs green technology investments, lowering emission reduction costs; Early investments in green technologies create a self-fulfilling prophecy, facilitating feasible emissions caps; Private and public actions synergize for desired outcomes through a complementary equilibrium; One large investor can have a significant influence.

By Bruno Biais , Augustin Landier

Sustainable Development

April 23rd, 2024

5 minutes

How Can Management Research Address Environmental and Societal Challenges?

For a long time, addressing sustainability problems has been regarded as a technological challenge. Today, supporting the transition to a more sustainable world has transcended this technological status and emerged as a quintessential management, economic, and behavioral challenge. Within this realm, research in social sciences and management assumes a pivotal role, offering insights across various crucial dimensions of the transition.

Associate Professor

Information Systems and Operations Management

Sustainable Development

April 23rd, 2024

5 minutes

Aligning Business with Planetary Boundaries: Editorial Letter

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.

Professor, Dean

Economics and Decision Science

Sustainable Development

April 23rd, 2024

Bridging Sustainable Supply Chains with AI

When it comes to the renewable energy transition, all actors in the supply chain have different stakes, incentives and barriers. HEC Paris Professor Sam Aflaki aims to help organizations contribute to this renewable energy transition in the fields of supply chain management, sustainability and energy efficiency. In this interview, he discusses his ongoing research, exploring the dynamics of stakeholders' incentives, technological advancements, and the challenges shaping sustainable practices in today's world.

By Sam Aflaki

Sustainable Development

April 23rd, 2024

Reshaping Core Courses for Sustainability

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.

Sustainable Development

April 22nd, 2024

Aligning Corporate Lobbying with Planetary Boundaries

Millions of consumers, employees and investors are seeking to align their purchases, jobs and investments with their values. They want transparency and clear understanding of the brands they consume, work for, and invest in to be able to verify how they are contributing to sustainable development. Amid such a growing, unparalleled scrutiny, companies are increasingly held responsible for their business behavior, notably their environmental and social footprints. Yet there is one impact that is rarely discussed, as it remains hidden to the public eye. This is the ‘political footprint’ companies leave behind through the exercise of corporate political activities, be it lobbying or political contributions, and which often contradicts companies’ public statements.

By Alberto Alemanno