Sustainability & Organizations Institute Sustainability & Organizations Institute
The Sustainability & Organizations Institute (S&O) is an interdisciplinary institute at HEC Paris whose members study and teach about the contemporary challenges faced by organizations and how these organizations influence society.
Its three pillars of research, teaching and action give rise to the motto of our Institute: Think, Teach, Act for an inclusive and sustainable world!
While business and capitalism have massively contributed to social and economic development, including a material reduction of poverty, it has become clear that the system is failing in several important ways:
- The planet is under stress due to the impact of business on the environment
- The level of inequality has reached unacceptable levels in many countries
- Business falls short in engaging, inspiring, and fulfilling the majority of employees
- The pace of change and the level of uncertainty in the world is leaving many people confused, ill-equipped, and disoriented, as many old rules and skills are seen as outdated or ineffective.
The Sustainability & Organizations Institute is an interdisciplinary Institute at HEC Paris that brings together over 60 professors and educators. Together, they carry out research, teach and implement ideas to organize and lead our responses to the daunting challenges of our time. These contemporary challenges include climatic constraints, social inequality, loss of purpose, technological disruption, epidemics, social contestation, ethical imperatives, and liberalization and regulation.
Its mission statement is to contribute to our understanding of these phenomena, support anyone with a role to play in these transformations, and prepare future generations of managers to lead in these complicated times. We seek to participate in a re-foundation of business and market organization, inside-out through research, education and action, and outside-in through the recognition of key stakeholders, including investors, civil society, and regulators.
Our Thematic Labs and Exploratory Initiatives
In a world undergoing deep upheavals, a decline in intellectual debate, and growing distrust of science, we are reaffirming our role as a global source of knowledge and make it freely accessible to all.
Business and Geopolitics LAB
To provide leaders with fast, reliable, and actionable strategic intelligence in a world shaped by technological disruption and geopolitical instability.
Making the Transition Possible LAB
To position the climate transition as a strategic, economic and societal opportunity, rethinking value creation, business models, markets, and technologies to align sustainability with competitiveness and resilience.
Social Cohesion & Trust LAB
to restore trust at the core of organizations and society, viewing it as a key driver of social justice, collective well-being, and sustainable economic performance
Climate & Migrations Initiative
To transform a crisis into a driver of inclusion, social innovation, and economic opportunity.
Silver Economy Initiative
To address the economic and societal challenges of demographic ageing, while turning increased longevity into a strategic opportunity.
Empowering Disenfranchised Communities Initiative
To reduce structural inequalities by expanding access to education, economic opportunities, and entrepreneurship for underrepresented and marginalized groups.
Annual Forum fostering multi-stakeholder dialogue
S&O News
VIDEOS
A community of thought and action
We are deeply grateful to our community of partners, 250 donors, Majors Donors to the HEC Foundation, without whom none of this would be possible
