About HEC Paris

The Dean's Editorial

Investing in research: HEC Paris’ response to the global financial crisis

The European debt crisis, Italy’s mounting economic problems, alarm bells for France’s triple-A credit rating…who can truly claim to understand the complexities of Western economies today? As the effects of the 2008 financial crisis continue to be felt across the globe, everyone seems to have their own insightful explanation: lack of economic leadership, difficulties in reaching a political consensus in Europe and the United States, and fear of recession, among others. These explanations are designed to enlighten and guide us, but they do not offer any real answers.

This brings us to the crucial issue: concrete solutions won’t come overnight, but rather from researchers who can delve deeper by striking a balance between analysis and empiricism on the one hand and an understanding of history on the other. With their unique and global point of view, they are the ones who can offer us the innovative answers that will lead to recovery.

More research will provide more varied perspectives on today’s economic climate, and will increase the chances of uncovering long-term solutions. At HEC Paris, we take research very seriously. For the first time this year, HEC Paris entered the Shanghai Ranking, an academic ranking of the world’s top 500 universities. The school was placed 76th worldwide in the economics and business category. In 2010, HEC Paris recorded a 40% increase in the number of research publications in journals considered by the Shanghai Ranking. This achievement undoubtedly helped us secure a place on this very competitive list.

Today, research at HEC Paris is stronger than ever. We support our faculty as they increase the number of publications in noteworthy journals. To further reinforce our research capabilities, we will continue to work with an ever-growing network of educational institutions and corporate partners that share the same cutting-edge vision for management education. In addition, our innovative, practical approach to training tomorrow’s business leaders and complete range of educational programs will ensure that we drive, as well as reflect, the world’s business environment. As a result, HEC Paris will help develop the solutions necessary to successfully navigate today’s increasingly challenging global economic environment.

Bernard Ramanantsoa, dean of HEC Paris

This text is the The Dean’s Editorial of the HEC Paris Corporate Newsletter #29