Marking the 125th anniversary of its founding, French publishing house Le Cherche Midi has released a new book chronicling HEC's transformation into a globally-renowned management school: HEC: European Excellence with a Global Reach by Patricia Defever and Tristan Gaston-Breton.

"HEC is an ambassador of France throughout the world," remarks Patricia Defever. "Having evolved in step with the French economy, it is emblematic of the country's success in the face of increasingly fierce competition."

Toward a European business model

Beginning with the decision by the Paris Chamber of Commerce to establish a business school on a par with the Ecole Centrale engineering school, HEC: European Excellence with a Global Reach traces the key events that have shaped the school's undertakings and identity. "Early on, HEC had to carve out a place among existing academic institutions," says Ms. Defever.

The end of post-war reconstruction ushered in growth-driven business models requiring new management approaches. Major curriculum reform starting in 1957 resulted in significant milestones such as the creation of an MBA program (1969) and a PhD program (1975). Changes continued at an accelerated pace following the school's move to its present-day campus in Jouy-en-Josas near Versailles (1964).

Meeting the challenge of globalization

The school's decidedly international outlook has enabled HEC to attract a highly-qualified tenured teaching staff. For Ms. Defever, the sheer diversity of HEC's campus population provides a unique environment fostering cultural awareness and exchange, further enriched by the school's corporate board memberships and partnerships with other business schools.

Ms. Defever affirms that the school's consistently high ranking in business school surveys is due to its exceptional curriculum and published research. This will prove key in charting its future, especially abroad. "Education lies at the heart of globalization," says Ms. Defever, "and business schools cannot exist without world-class research. HEC has made tremendous contributions in this area."

Over the course of their research, Mr. Gaston-Breton and Ms. Defever conducted a number of interviews with HEC professors, alumni and corporate partners. "What struck me most were the enduring ties maintained by graduates, and the fact that many world-renowned business leaders are HEC graduates," says Ms. Defever. "Clearly, HEC has succeeded in providing a window on the world while remaining anchored in traditional European values."