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Founded in 2020, the CEC (Convention of Companies for the Climate) association aims to organize awareness and transformation journeys for economic decision-makers. Its goal is to make the shift from an extractive economy to a regenerative economy irresistible by 2030, involving as many business leaders as possible.

On November 14 and 15, IÉSEG hosted the 4th stage of the CEC – Hauts-de-France 2024 program, which was themed “Counting What Really Matters.” Leaders from 55 companies in the Hauts-de-France region gathered to rethink their business models within the framework of planetary boundaries and accelerate the region’s transition by creating a regenerative and circular ecosystem within the territory.

Workshops, discussions, inspiring conferences (such as one by François GEMENNE, professor-researcher and co-author of the 6th IPCC report, on the theme “How Indicators Reflect a Company’s Prosperity”), and testimonies from IÉSEG students and alumni structured these two days.

“Hosting such an event is fully aligned with IÉSEG’s overall strategy. Our goal is to connect all stakeholders in the region—students, alumni, businesses, and professors—on our campuses to create synergies and have a maximal impact on society and the world around us,” explains David MONTENS, professor of strategy and sustainable development at IÉSEG. “Moreover, the objective of the professors at the School is to conduct impactful research for the region. Their findings should influence businesses, public authorities, and society in general. To truly understand the challenges and real needs of businesses, it is crucial to regularly listen to leaders share their economic and environmental concerns and their expectations regarding applied research… so we can be inspired and identify research topics to focus on. Hosting CEC Hauts-de-France offers our professors this unique opportunity.”

Two IÉSEG professors have already published research on the theme, “Counting What Really Matters.” Marion LIGONIE and Sarah MAIRE, both accounting professors at IÉSEG, recently published an article titled “What Value to Give Nature? A Narrative Review of Nature Valuation” in the Revue Française de Gestion. Additionally, Hugues CHENET, professor of Strategy and Sustainability, published an article in Bankers, Markets & Investors titled “How to Re-conceptualize and Re-integrate Climate-Related Finance into Society through Ecological Accounting?“

Moreover, IÉSEG students participated in two workshops. Their testimonies were eagerly anticipated, as explained by Alexis DELAMBRE, IÉSEG graduate of 2004 and managing partner of Equipstore Création, a participating company: “As an alumnus, I find it important that the School can host these events because it shows that IÉSEG is committed to its region and truly aims to make an impact. I found it fascinating to hear how CSR resonates with the younger generation through the testimonies of students and recent graduates. These students are our future collaborators, future leaders, and it is essential to have heard them speak openly, transparently, to better understand them and know how to address their expectations. It’s a rare opportunity to hear what they really think, unfiltered. Similarly, companies are often accused of greenwashing whenever they focus on CSR. It was also important to show that some companies are committed in a concrete and sincere way. As convinced leaders, we have already implemented a Vision process within our company. But to go even further and truly transform our business model, we needed tools, advice, methods, and a collective approach. This is exactly what CEC provides.”

For David MONTENS, “Programs like the CEC are essential. They require leaders to personally commit to the process because the involvement of top management is key to transforming business models, particularly towards a regenerative model. IÉSEG believes it is the School’s responsibility to support these leaders in their transition and provide them with all the tools to succeed in this strategic and societal transformation. This is achieved through the research results of professors and the testimonies of students and young graduates. Furthermore, numerous training programs (Executive Specialized Masters, MBA, certificates, tailor-made training) have been developed. These programs each address the needs of businesses to train their employees and provide them with the missing skills, especially in the sustainable transformation of business models and everything that entails in various sectors—marketing, finance, R&D, production, sales departments, etc.”

“We are thrilled with this session that took place at IÉSEG. The School was also an invaluable support in preparing for this event. Opening the conferences to the CFOs of the participating companies, as well as to IÉSEG students and professors, enriched the workshops and activities presented during the session. This openness showcases the energy and enthusiasm of our participants to rethink their business models, performance, and how to measure it. A big thank you to everyone for their commitment to the program,” concludes Olivia BERTOUT, co-pilot of the CEC – Hauts-de-France Program.