In description
“Gravity-defying fashion” business case has been published recently on The Case Centre. Luxury expert, professor of Marketing Anne Michaut, investigated books, articles, and online databases on the fascinating yet still unknown topic of digital fashion, and from this study, shared insights through a fictitious business case.
In this interview, Karen Degouve (H.94) explains her pivotal role in coordinating sustainable finance efforts within French banking groups, which face challenges in developing profitable yet planet-conscious businesses. Degouve offers valuable guidance for graduates entering the business world and investors seeking to align their financial decisions with sustainability goals. She also took the time to share her opinion on research findings on ESG and impact investment conducted by the HEC Paris faculty.
The Data and Impact Investment Chair directed by Finance Professors Jessica Jeffers (Tenure Track) and Ferdinand Petra (Education Track), has been established by Rothschild & Co, HEC Paris, and the HEC Foundation to advance research and education in impact finance. These initiatives aim to address economic, technological, climate, and social challenges through sustainable finance initiatives. We interviewed the chair-holding professors and Géraldine Gouges, Head of Responsible Investment at Rothschild & Co, Wealth & Asset Management, about their collaboration.
We interviewed Quentin Rouyer, the Founder and CEO of Alternative Café, a trailblazing fair-trade coffee importer and distributor. Through its unique model of importing directly from producers and advocating for in-country roasting, Alternative Café is revolutionizing the coffee industry's approach to sustainability. From its renowned World Coffee Challenge to its commitment to empowering growers, Alternative Café's innovative practices are reshaping the coffee sector while promoting social and environmental responsibility.
This special edition of the Knowledge@HEC review focuses on the Earth’s planetary boundaries. The issue highlights HEC Paris' approach toward organizational, environmental, and societal challenges linked to the nine planetary boundaries within which humanity can develop for generations to come. The review showcases research and initiatives aimed at informing and empowering businesses, policymakers, and future leaders. We highlight the multidisciplinary approaches in the school's research, teaching, and action, inviting HEC Paris students, graduates, professors, entrepreneurs, alumni, and donors to share their visions of a more sustainable future. The printed issue of "Aligning with Planetary Boundaries" will be officially launched at the HEC Climate Day on May 22.
For a long time, addressing sustainability problems has been regarded as a technological challenge. Today, supporting the transition to a more sustainable world has transcended this technological status and emerged as a quintessential management, economic, and behavioral challenge. Within this realm, research in social sciences and management assumes a pivotal role, offering insights across various crucial dimensions of the transition.
HEC Paris undergoes a transformative shift in its curriculum. Building on its legacy of sustainability initiatives, the institution now prioritizes planetary boundaries and societal impact. The updated curriculum emphasizes sustainability integration and student empowerment for real-world impact. This reflects HEC's dedication to nurturing leaders prepared to address modern challenges.
When it comes to the renewable energy transition, all actors in the supply chain have different stakes, incentives and barriers. HEC Paris Professor Sam Aflaki aims to help organizations contribute to this renewable energy transition in the fields of supply chain management, sustainability and energy efficiency. In this interview, he discusses his ongoing research, exploring the dynamics of stakeholders' incentives, technological advancements, and the challenges shaping sustainable practices in today's world.
By Sam Aflaki
At HEC Paris, the integration of research, teaching, and action is a fundamental philosophy that we embody. In today's dynamic landscape, where environmental and social challenges are increasingly prominent, HEC serves as a beacon of innovation and responsibility. As Europe's leading business school, we acknowledge our responsibility to guide future leaders in navigating the complexities of a world in flux.
If companies anticipate that the government might impose caps on carbon emissions, they will likely invest in green technologies. This, in turn, drives down the cost of achieving reductions for all. That’s according to HEC Paris finance professors Augustin Landier and Bruno Biais. In “Emission Caps and Investment in Green Technologies,” the co-authors also show that if these firms don’t think carbon restrictions are coming, they won’t invest, and the government eventually will find it too costly to the economy to impose caps. In other words, companies’ expectations about future government action play a crucial role in reducing the carbon emissions driving rapid climate change. So, ask the researchers, how can a balance be found? 4 key findings: Anticipating future regulations spurs green technology investments, lowering emission reduction costs; Early investments in green technologies create a self-fulfilling prophecy, facilitating feasible emissions caps; Private and public actions synergize for desired outcomes through a complementary equilibrium; One large investor can have a significant influence.
By Bruno Biais , Augustin Landier