IMD Annual Report 2021

Faculty and Research 56

Enterprise for Society (E4S) Center

The Enterprise for Society E4S 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.

“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.”

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.

JEAN-PHILIPPE BONARDI E4S CO-MANAGING DIRECTOR