Inclusive Economy Day

Management scholars and practitioners are invited to join us for our annual event for a series of discussions exploring the latest research at the intersection of management, social issues, inequalities and impact.

How can business help build a more inclusive society? 

Academics present original research on social and societal issues related to access to work and essential good and services, but also on social ties and social connectivity and social ties, enriched by diverse practitioners’ perspectives.

We usually break out in small group discussions to explore how experimental research could help organizations address concrete social challenges. 

Have a look to our dedicated page to deep dive to the topics thanks to the recording of our panel sessions and the reading of the presented research papers.

In a climate increasingly defined by social volatility and backlash, the concept of inclusive economy finds itself at a crossroads. How defiant can inclusive economy remain? Our Inclusive Economy Day reinforced the S&O institute's commitment to addressing crucial societal issues through reasoned thinking and innovative approaches.

Session 1: Social Connections in Decline? Yet Critical to Economic Life

The first session featured presentations by Yann Algan, Aparajita Agarwal, Charles-Edouard Vincent, as well as Marieke Huysentruyt, who facilitated a Q&A session. The presentations covered projects utilizing data from a global survey, a natural experiment in India, and a case in France. The work provided insights into the consequences of social isolation, the complex role of embeddedness, and how commercial projects may partially resolve issues of social isolation.

Session 2: Governing collective action: vector for systemic change?

The second session featured présentations by Aline Gatignon, Ilze Kivleniece, and Gilles Vermot Desroches. The panel explored the complexities and potential of collective action as a driver of systemic transformation, particularly in addressing grand societal challenges. Across the three interventions, a common thread emerged: while cross-sector collaboration holds promise, it is neither automatic nor effortless—it must be intentionally designed, critically assessed, and continuously nurtured.

Session 3: Can social labels truly guide consumer behavior—and drive systemic change?

The last session featured Patricia Crifo, Brian Hill, and Pierre-Martin Huet. This panel explored the promise and pitfalls of social product labeling, drawing on experimental research, economic theory, and corporate practice. From the gap between consumer intentions and actions to the complexity of label design and trust, the discussion highlights why clear, standardized, and participatory labeling could be key to aligning market behavior with social values.