About E4S
The E4S Center is dedicated to inspiring and activating the transition to a resilient and inclusive economy within planetary boundaries, mindful of the opportunities and challenges raised by scientific and technological change.
Dedicated to building economies that benefit people and the planet
The world is confronted with unprecedented challenges, notably climate change, biodiversity loss, economic and social inequality, the rise of populism and the digital and biological revolutions. All of them constitute major change factors as the responses to these challenges will shape the world of tomorrow. E4S is founded on the conviction that our world is at a critical juncture and that many drivers of our social and economic lives will soon be unrecognizable.
In order to leverage the opportunities and tackle the uncertainties of today’s world, we need to combine multiple perspectives and join forces with all sectors of society. It is in this spirit that three institutions of academic excellence, the University of Lausanne through its Faculty of Business and Economics (UNIL-HEC), the Institute for Management Development (IMD) and the Ecole polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), under the stewardship of its College of Management of Technology, have joined forces in the Enterprise for Society Center (E4S).
Our Mission
The E4S Center’s mission is to inspire and activate the transition to a resilient and inclusive economy within planetary boundaries, mindful of the opportunities and challenges raised by scientific and technological change.
We pursue this mission through three main activities:
- RESEARCH: Inspire social and economic transformation by supporting interdisciplinary research across our founding universities. Our research focuses on three areas: discover more here.
- EDUCATION: Train the next generation of responsible leaders by promoting a Master’s degree in Sustainable Management and Technology – a joint degree offered by HEC-University of Lausanne, IMD and EPFL. Discover the Master’s degree here.
- INNOVATION: Activate change by exploring and fostering the growth of the Swiss ecosystem of sustainable innovation that builds and expands on the capabilities and expertise of our three institutions. Discover the Innovation Pillar here.
Governance
Our Governance consists of a Steering Committee, an Executive Committee, and a Strategic Advisory Board.
Discover our governanceVision & Mission
We believe academia must play a crucial role in this societal transition.
Discover our vision & mission
People
The E4S Center’s strength comes from its diverse community of mission-driven professors, researchers, students, and in-house staff
Discover our team