ESSEC

The École Supérieure des Sciences Économiques et Commerciales, better known by its acronym ESSEC, is a leading academic institution distinguished by its commitment to innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), and the development of responsible solutions in the technology sector. Founded in 1907, ESSEC Business School has established itself as a key player in management education and research, supporting initiatives that combine ethics, sustainability, and technology.

Areas of Expertise and Key Achievements

ESSEC has developed several chairs and research programs that demonstrate its expertise in AI and digital technologies. Among these, the ESSEC Accenture Chair "Strategic Business Analytics" stands out for its role in deepening knowledge in data analysis and artificial intelligence applied to business strategies. This chair has been the framework for numerous successful collaborations, such as the data analysis project conducted with ENGIE, which won the 2020 Grand Prix of the chair for its innovative approach in handling HR data.

Recent Contributions and Notable Projects

In 2025, ESSEC launched the Grand Prix AI for Responsible Leadership, in partnership with Accenture France. This event aims to promote a responsible and ethical use of AI in the professional environment by rewarding initiatives that have a measurable impact on society, the economy, and the environment. This award is part of the "AI for Responsible Leadership" initiative, celebrating the tenth anniversary of the ESSEC Accenture Chair, and aims to prepare leaders to tackle current challenges while fostering sustainable growth.

The winners of the first edition of this Grand Prix include Vinci, recognized for its Géovoie project, which optimizes railway infrastructure maintenance sustainably, and Logbook, an edtech startup that enhances education by facilitating the management of educational feedback. The event also highlights innovations such as AI Energy Score, a tool developed by Hugging Face to assess the energy consumption of AI models.

Position in the Technological Ecosystem

ESSEC plays a central role in the technological ecosystem, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence. It is involved in initiatives that strengthen skills in data science and AI, such as the partnership with Kantar Public to investigate data professions in major French companies. ESSEC also contributes to the growth of tech startups by supporting innovative projects and promoting a corporate culture focused on digital transformation, as evidenced by the incubation of ContentSquare, a startup that raised $42 million to develop its R&D capabilities.

Recent Developments and News

Recently, ESSEC has been involved in several initiatives aimed at enhancing the integration of AI in higher education and research. The appointment of Clara Chappaz, an ESSEC alumna, as the Secretary of State for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs in France, underscores the school's influence in training leaders capable of navigating an increasingly digital world.

Furthermore, the school continues to actively participate in academic and professional events that explore the implications of AI in various sectors. The Nasse Seminar, co-organized by ESSEC, recently addressed the economic and competitive challenges of AI in the media sector, highlighting the importance of regulation and responsible innovation.

In conclusion, ESSEC Business School positions itself as a pioneer in exploring the intersections between artificial intelligence, management, and sustainable development. Its commitment to the responsible use of technology continues to define its contribution to global education and innovation.