Poverty remains a strong reality in the “developing world,” even in countries which experience high growth rates. It is also on the rise in many – if not all – rich countries. While philanthropic action, public authorities, and international institutions have shown their limits in the fight against poverty, firms are increasingly contributing by developing innovative “market-based solutions.” This module critically investigates the set of reasons that prompt firms to contribute to poverty alleviation and analyzes the innovative inclusive and social business models that they develop. It explores how firms transform themselves when seeking to become more inclusive. More fundamentally, this module also challenges participants to question their roles as managers and future executives.

Company visits: The Chair is sponsored by Danone, Schneider Electric and Renault. In addition, the Chair has helped create an independent “Action Tank” which collaborates with a dozen multinational firms to develop inclusive and social businesses.

Other elements: Networking evening with HEC MBA students, visit of Paris or Versailles

Hong Kong is Asia’s World City and ranked #2 by the World Bank Group in the category of Ease of Doing Business. Many entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and private investors choose to set up their footprint in this small city. In recent years, social responsibility, ecosystem, and sustainability have aroused huge concerns in the community. Many of these entrepreneurs took the initiative to transform their business model to be more socially conscious. They realized that it is not just the responsibility of MNCs. You will have opportunities to talk to executives about how companies can develop profitable and socially responsible models, and about their visions for making society better.

Latin America is one of the most thriving regions in the World. Growing income, successful economic integration, booming markets, and a privileged geography makes this region a must for big and small companies. However, there is a stark competitiveness and sustainability divide between and within countries. This module will analyze the current challenges and opportunities for doing business in the region both from a macro and micro perspective covering the most important topics to comprehend the intricacies of the region. Lectures include the political economy of regional integration, microeconomics of competitiveness, sustainability management, public-private partnerships, implementing CSR strategy, BoP and creating social value, agribusiness and global value chains and investment in emerging markets.

Company visits: Dos Pinos (Dairy Coop), Florida Ice and Farm (Brewery), DHL Express (Logistics).

Other elements: Britt Coffee Tour, Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfalls.

A conceptual and contingent analysis of the different LATAM financial investments markets, including Stock markets, Fix Income assets, Investment funds, Institutional & Pension funds, Venture Capital Funds.

Company connections: GNAM week will include company visits to Vineyards such as Conchay Toro (4th largest wine company in the world), Panels with executives from the Stock Market, Investment Banking & Central Bank of Chile; Also, several corporate executives (CFO) will be invited to share their experiences in LATAM.

China’s internet industry has developed rapidly despite a late start relative to that of developed economies and even other emerging markets. Several of China’s high-tech companies such as Alibaba, Lenovo, Huawei, and Baidu have entered the list of Fortune Global 500 firms. Their approaches to product innovation and value proposition have led to new and successful business models that are worth exploring. In addition, while positioning itself at the first place in the world in terms of the number of internet users and the number of mobile users, China is still a great source of opportunities for entrepreneurs who are willing to do business here. This GNW module aims to help visiting students understand the development of China’s internet industry and Chinese firms’ innovations in this area. Several related industries such e-commerce, social media, internet financing and E-health will be covered, and students will learn about the impact of the Internet on peoples’ lives as well as on traditional industries in China.

Company connections: Tencent, Alibaba, Baidu, Lenovo, Xiaomi, E-health Company LATAM.