
Motivated by the pressing concerns of climate change, increased global political instability and economic inequality, André Hoffmann MBA’90D and his wife Rosalie gifted a landmark endowment to establish the Hoffmann Global Institute for Business and Society. Since its inauguration in 2018, the Institute has emerged as a linchpin, marking a significant milestone in the Force for Good Campaign and in INSEAD's overarching mission to be a pioneer in sustainability within the world of business.
emphasised Lily Fang, Dean of Research, underlining its critical role in advancing sustainable business practices.
In its first five years, the Institute has ignited a transformative wave at INSEAD, infusing sustainability into every facet of the institution's identity. It stands as a testament to the enduring commitment of INSEAD alumni, with over 85% of them actively engaged in tackling societal and economic challenges. The unwavering support from these champions has fuelled the Institute's initiatives, enabling it to finance an array of impactful research projects and introduce eight specialised knowledge funds and four prestigious fellowships, each aimed at addressing distinct aspects of sustainability and diversity. A closer look at the impact of your gifts :
Research projects:
- Research Advancements: An impressive €1.85million has been allocated to INSEAD's R&D committee, funding 76 research projects undertaken by 44 faculty members across all academic disciplines. This has allowed for a deeper exploration of sustainability-related topics.
- Direct Impact: €175,000 has been directly distributed to support ad hoc research projects featuring sustainability components, empowering faculty members to drive change.
- Fellowships for Excellence: A generous €150,000 has been invested in two WEF-Hoffmann Fellowships designed to amplify sustainability research efforts, reinforcing INSEAD's commitment .
Motivated by the groundbreaking strides achieved in sustainability research and a fervent desire to magnify the Institute's impact, James Pitt MBA’94D and his wife Bianca delivered a generous gift that paved the way for the creation of the esteemed Bianca and James Pitt Chair in Environmental Sustainability.
The inaugural occupant of this role, Professor Atalay Atasu, passionately shares his vision, stating,
Leading the way in sustainability education
But the Institute's transformative impact doesn't stop there. INSEAD has taken it one step further by incorporating sustainability into the very core of its educational programmes. In 2023, INSEAD announced a bold plan to incorporate sustainability into all 14 core MBA courses, alongside innovative elective courses, including Energy Transition Finance, Well Being at Work, Sustainable Finance, and Thoughtful Consumption. Real-world practicums, such as the Master Strategists Day working with impactful organisations such as Unjani Clinics in South Africa, set INSEAD apart as a trailblazer in sustainability education.
INSEAD is unwavering in its mission to become a global thought leader in sustainability. The establishment of the Business Schools for Climate Leadership, collaboration with the ChangeNow summit, and active participation at Davos and the World Economic Forum attest to this dedication. The remarkable progress achieved in the last five years is a testament to the contributions of the INSEAD community, but there is still much work to be done. With your continued support, INSEAD will remain at the forefront of sustainability in the world of business, illuminating the path to a brighter, more sustainable future for all.