INSEAD at ChangeNOW 2025: Focus on Emerging Economies
INSEAD at ChangeNOW 2025: Focus on Emerging Economies
Overview
To mobilize and share knowledge and expertise, INSEAD is joining forces with the ChangeNOW Summit as its Academic Partner for the 7th consecutive year. Building on the success of previous editions, the school’s faculty, alumni, graduates and partners will present their latest research on innovative business practices, with a particular focus on emerging economies.
As part of its tradition, INSEAD Hoffmann Institute in partnership with INSEAD Africa Initiative will host its Impact Entrepreneurship Forum, titled “Impact Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies: Building Inclusive Futures”. This forum is designed for INSEAD alumni and graduates of executive education programmes.
A highlight of this year’s event is a session from the Business Schools for Climate Leadership coalition, which will address climate change and its integration into business education.
For the second year in a row, INSEAD and INSEAD Centre for Corporate Governance is partnering with ChangeNOW and Chapter Zero to design its flagship programme the Board For Change Programme. Its goal is to equip board members with the necessary tools to effectively integrate sustainability into corporate strategy. Dr Thomas Keusch, INSEAD Assistant Professor of Accounting and Control, will be speaking at ChangeNOW alongside Directors of the Boards from the top companies.
INSEAD MBA students will attend the Summit to network with the founders and CEOs of the top innovative companies in social impact, sponsored by the Hoffmann Institute and INSEAD Careers Centre.
Virtual Gathering: Building Inclusive Futures
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16 April, 13:00 – 14:35 CET
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13:00-13:05
Welcome & Setting the Stage
Maria Fedorova, Partnerships and Projects Manager, INSEAD Hoffmann Institute
13:05-13:10
ChangeNOW for Impact Entrepreneurs!
13:10-13:40
Keynote: Navigating Geopolitical Shifts in the Age of Uncertainty: The Emerging Economies Context
Speakers: Marcos Troyjo, President of NDB, Social Scientist, Diplomat, Former Brazilian Deputy Minister for Foreign Trade & International Affairs
In a rapidly evolving global landscape, emerging economies face unprecedented challenges but also offer opportunities. In this keynote address Marcos Troyjo, a political economist, social scientist and diplomat, former president of the New Development Bank, and a Hoffmann Institute Distinguished Fellow, will explore the shifting geopolitical context. He will analyze how the changing energy market and technological advancements are reshaping international market systems, with a focus on addressing inequalities and the evolving role of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. As the social component of ESG gains prominence, Marcos Troyjo will delve into the future of work and its implications for these economies, especially considering the ongoing energy transition. In this context, he will explore how emerging economies can prepare for this shift—fostering innovation, training the workforce, and unlocking the financial and resource support needed to empower its communities. He will also speak about the role of impact entrepreneurship and the sector’s potential in the region.
13:40-14:25
Panel Discussion: Driving Sustainable Change in the Global South: Strategies for Entrepreneurs and Investors
Speakers: Jaideep Prabhu, Professor of Marketing and Jawaharlal Nehru Professor of Indian Business and Enterprise at Cambridge Judge Business School, Claudia Zeisberger, Senior Affiliate Professor of Entrepreneurship & Family Enterprise at INSEAD, Jadesola Adedeji, Co-Founder and CEO, STEM METS RESOURCES
Panel Chair: Vinika Devasar Rao, Director, INSEAD Africa Initiative & Hoffmann Institute, Founding Executive Director, INSEAD Emerging Markets Institute & Gender Initiative, Visiting Fellow, Judge Business School, Cambridge University
Following the keynote address, this panel will delve into the changing global sustainability landscape and the associated challenges faced by impact entrepreneurs in emerging economies as they strive for long term viability. Focusing on innovation, investment, and practical experiences, panel chair, Dr Vinika Rao ,will draw upon the unique knowledge and experience of our panellists. Professor Jaideep Prabhu's extensive research on frugal innovation (doing more with less) will provide insights on how resource-constrained environments can drive creative solutions that meet the needs of underserved populations. Professor Claudia Zeisberger will shed light on investment strategies that support sustainable growth in these regions. Ms Jadesola Adedeji, award-winning entrepreneur from Nigeria, will illustrate these concepts through concrete examples providing actionable insights into fostering impactful ventures in emerging markets. The panel will invite questions and insights from our global audience.
14:25-14:30
Closing remarks & Introductions to In-Person Session
Maria Fedorova, Partnerships and Projects Manager, INSEAD Hoffmann Institute
Impact Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies: Building Inclusive Futures, April 25th
15:10-15:15 | Opening RemarksMaria Fedorova, Partnerships and Projects Manager, INSEAD Hoffmann Institute |
15:15-15:20 | Dean's WelcomeFrancisco Veloso, Dean of INSEAD |
15:25-16:00 | Fireside Chat: “Beyond Impact to Income: Sustainability for Social Entrepreneurs”Subramanian Rangan, The Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court Endowed Chair in Societal Progress, INSEAD and Katell Le Goulven, Executive Director, Hoffmann Institute Social enterprises are often founded and focused on impact. But without income even the most admirable social enterprises will not be sustainable. Even social enterprises need a funding model. In this interactive session, Subi Rangan, Professor of Strategy at INSEAD, speaks with Katell Le Goulven, Executive Director of the Hoffmann Institute at INSEAD. They will discuss how all enterprises (social and commercial) might more reliably integrate economic and moral logics. They will begin by gathering a few questions from you and use that to frame and guide their discussion. |
16:10-16:50 | The Impact Dilemma: The Emerging Economies Context.Speakers: Jasjit Singh, (Professor of Strategy and the Paul Dubrule Chaired Professor of Sustainable Development), Goulnara Aguiar (CEO and Founder, Ormex, Technical advisor on carbon markets (Article 6) UNFCCC, COP28, Aline Sara, CEO & Co-Founder of Natakallam Panel Chair: Katell Le Goulven, Hoffmann Institute Founding Executive Director Emerging economies present big opportunities for impact-driven businesses—including those led by entrepreneurs based in the Global North. What unique challenges arise in this setup? Are these impediments specific to impact entrepreneurship in these regions, or are they universal to leading with impact? With foreign aid declining, impact entrepreneurship as a sector takes on new responsibilities. And while scale is often the focus, could collaboration be the key to lasting impact? This panel brings together Dr Jasjit Singh (INSEAD) and two impact entrepreneurs – Goulnara Aguiar (ORMEX) and Aline Sara (Natakallam) to explore key questions:
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16:50-17:30 | Creating Impactful Transformation at Scale: Challenges and Opportunities in the Emerging MarketsSpeakers: Lite J. Nartey, Affiliate Professor of Strategy, Aania Alam (Managing Partner and CEO, Aeon Advisors), Golvine de Rochambeau, Economist in the Economic Policy Research group at International Finance Corporation (IFC, World Bank Group), and a CEPR affiliate Panel Chair: Vinika Devasar Rao, Director, INSEAD Africa Initiative & Hoffmann Institute, Founding Executive Director, INSEAD Emerging Markets Institute & Gender Initiative, Visiting Fellow, Judge Business School, Cambridge University Achieving a just and equitable transition for impact requires more than vision—it demands structural change, cross-sector collaboration, and actionable strategies. This panel shifts the conversation from big-picture impact to the practical "how": What are the key challenges in scaling impact entrepreneurship in emerging economies? How can policymakers, corporates, and impact entrepreneurs align to drive systemic change? Through real-world examples, this panel will explore:
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17:30-17:45 | Closing remarksWith Vinika Devasar Rao, Director, INSEAD Africa Initiative & Hoffmann Institute, Founding Executive Director, INSEAD Emerging Markets Institute & Gender Initiative, Visiting Fellow, Judge Business School, Cambridge University |
18:00-19:30 | Private networking event |
Master of Ceremony: Maria Fedorova, Partnerships and Projects Manager, INSEAD Hoffmann Institute
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FAQs
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How do I register for the Event?
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Registration for this event is by invitation only. Should you have any questions contact [email protected]
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How do I get my Free ChangeNOW Pass?
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After registering for the Impact Entrepreneurship Forum, you will receive an email from the Hoffmann Institute with a specific registration link that will give you a complementary access to ChangeNOW Summit. The link can only be used once and cannot be shared.
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Do you cover travel and accommodation?
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INSEAD is taking charge of organising the event, sponsoring selected booths, providing passes to ChangeNOW, and hosting a networking reception but travel and accommodation are the responsibility of the participants.
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How do I get to know who is attending the event to make sure I enlarge my network?
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We will be organising an online networking session on April 16 ahead of the Forum with a goal to have as many participants as possible get to know each other before the event.
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Are the networking events before and after the Forum free?
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Yes, both online networking event and the networking event after the Forum are a part of the programme and are free, and open to the attendees of the Impact Entrepreneurship Forum. Networking is an important part of building connections and knowledge exchange and we encourage you to attend.
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Can I invite my colleagues to the event if they are not INSEAD alumni?
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No, this event is open to INSEAD alumni only. Our goal is to leverage INSEAD alumni community and tap into collective intelligence.
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Will the event be recorded?
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Yes, the event will be recorded. We will also create an archive with notes and post-event materials, photographs and stories to be published on INSEAD platforms.
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I want to know who is attending the Forum to get the best out of it – how do I do it?
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Please see this page for the full schedule, and ChangeNOW website for the Summit programme
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What is the refund policy?
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Refunds up to 7 days before the event. Please send an email to [email protected]. Eventbrite’s fee is non-refundable.
