Annual Report 2021

Research Centers

Enterprise for Society (E4S) Center

Introduction

The Enterprise for Society Center, a joint venture established in 2020 by IMD and its Lausanne-based neighbors EPFL and UNIL-HEC, is on a mission to spearhead the transition to a sustainable, inclusive and resilient economy through education, innovation and research.

In its first year of activity, the center laid the foundations of this ambitious, yet crucial, mission, increasing its team to 16 from three, adding a new Co-Managing Director – Jean-Philippe Bonardi, and inaugurating its new headquarters, the E4S House on the EPFL-UNIL campus. In addition, IMD Dean of Innovation and Programs David Bach joined the E4S Executive Committee, succeeding Albrecht Enders – an instrumental figure in the establishment of the center.

Year in review

Programs
The center welcomed the first cohort for its new Master in Sustainable Management and Technology, co-directed by Professor of Strategy Arnaud Chevallier, with 32 participants representing 17 nationalities. The program, which attracted more than 250 applicants, equips participants with skills in three areas: technology and innovation, economics and management, and sustainable solutions.

The Fintech for Society program, also launched in 2021 and dedicated to supporting impact-driven fintech entrepreneurs, brought together 14 startups for a two-day knowledge building and networking workshop, including a session with Professor of Finance Arturo Bris.

Highlights

Highlights

Master in Sustainable Management and Technology
14 startups supported
4 events
7 new partnerships

Employees: 16 (3 in 2020)
1 new HQ

1 +
applicants
1
participants
1
nationalities
1
white papers involving 80+ EPFL, UNIL & IMD faculty

Research
The center’s academic studies, including 13 white papers, focused on a range of themes, such as carbon taxation, negative emission technologies, Green Domestic Product, and the impact of carbon divesting strategies in investment portfolios. This output, involving more than 80 professors from the three E4S partners, made a big splash with media and policymakers around the world.

E4S is an outstanding initiative that will have a profound influence on knowledge, policy and practice in regard to sustainability.
Colin Mayer, Peter Moores Professor of Management Studies, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford

Outreach
E4S curated several in-person and virtual events in 2021, including its annual summit which featured presentations on the future of mobility by Professor of Sustainable Innovation and Business Transformation Julia Binder, and how to lead with purpose by Professor David Bach. Participants at the launch event of the new E4S master program were treated to an inspirational speech from Swiss explorer Bertrand Piccard.

The center has signed more than 15 partnerships with leading businesses and foundations, deepening its footprint for future research and engagement.

It is now clear that we have to transition towards a new economic system, in which sustainability and innovation will play critical roles. 2021 has certainly been an exciting first year with our research and innovation initiatives, as well as with the successful launch of our new master program.
Jean-Philippe Bonardi, E4S Co-Managing Director