HEC in the press

The EU faces a political shift as centrists lose ground to the right, with Giorgia Meloni rising as a key figure. Antonio Costa becomes Council President, but Ursula von der Leyen’s weak confirmation exposes fractures. Interviewed by The Times, Alberto Alemanno, law professor at HEC Paris Business School, warns this marks the end of the centrist era, as Germany and France’s instability threatens the bloc’s cohesion.

Poets & Quants reports that the HEC Foundation successfully concluded its “Impact Tomorrow” campaign, raising over €213 million—an unprecedented amount for a French school. This funding will support scholarships, curriculum innovation, and other initiatives focusing on entrepreneurship and AI in business. Contributions came from 6,000 donors, including 30% international support, reinforcing HEC’s role as a global leader in business education.

Handelsblatt reports that Germany has failed to submit its debt reduction plan to the EU Commission, a requirement under the new fiscal rules, due to delays caused by the collapse of its coalition government. While Finance Minister Jörg Kukies assures compliance and expects the EU to grant an extension, law professor at HEC Paris Business School Armin Steinbach argues that this undermines Germany’s credibility.

MiM Guide explores the impact of AI on careers for MiM graduates, emphasizing the importance of both technical and human skills. Jean-Amiel Jourdan, Executive Director of HEC Talents, highlights emotional intelligence, cross-cultural competence, and learning agility as key differentiators for graduates. HEC also integrates AI workshops, such as "Using Responsible AI in Consulting," to prepare students for the evolving job market, where AI proficiency is becoming essential across industries.

Based on a research led by finance professor at HEC Paris Business School Matthias Efing, WirtschaftsWoche analyzes the integration of ESG criteria into executive compensation systems. While ESG goals are increasingly included in contracts, Efing highlights that binding goals represent only a small portion of variable compensation, suggesting that many companies prioritize appearance over substance. He notes that companies with a vested interest in climate action, such as energy providers, are more likely to set meaningful, binding ESG targets for their leadership.

In this article, Euronews discusses the shifting power dynamics in the European Parliament, with the European People's Party (EPP) increasingly aligning with right-wing forces on key votes. Alberto Alemanno, law professor at HEC Paris Business School, notes that for the first time in its history, the European Commission may depend on variable majorities, including right-wing alliances, to pass its policies. He warns that this could lead to a rightward shift in priorities, potentially weakening the Green Deal and emphasizing stricter migration policies.

In an op-ed published in The Guardian, law professor at HEC Paris Business School Alberto Alemanno warns of the unprecedented rightward shift in the European Union, with a Parliament dominated by conservative and far-right forces. According to him, Ursula von der Leyen may rely on these alliances to govern, potentially at the expense of priorities like the Green Deal. This shift threatens to end the EU's historic centrist balance.

In an op-ed for The Conversation, marketing professor at HEC Paris Business School L.J. Shrum examines the effects of "shockvertising" and the nuanced ways in which shocking images influence consumer behavior. He highlights how different types of disgust—moral and physical—trigger distinct subconscious responses, such as charitable donations or status-driven consumption, urging marketers to use such tactics thoughtfully.

The Financial Times explores the evolving role of business schools in balancing rigor, relevance, and societal resonance in academic research. It highlights HEC Paris Business School as one of the schools contributing to this shift, emphasizing its faculty's engagement with research aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and their impact on both academic and non-academic audiences through teaching materials and policy influence.

In an op-ed published in Harvard Business Review, Kristine de Valck, associate professor at HEC Paris Business School, discusses the limitations of relying solely on moderators to address online toxicity, emphasizing that such behavior is deeply rooted in community culture and systemic issues. She highlights how online platforms and social media have transformed consumer behavior and marketing practices, underlining the need for comprehensive, proactive strategies to foster healthier online environments.