The Chair has defined several objectives: the development of a European Center for Expertise and Research that will examine the strategy and management of private initiatives serving the public interest and social enterprise, the contribution of Research to the concept of public interest, the corporation’s role as a responsible citizen of its society, and measurement of the efficacy of social enterprises.

As for training, the Chair has defined two objectives : development of professionalism and the capacity to innovate for organizations in the social economy to encourage cooperation, training for motivated individuals who can then chose a career in this sector or become involved as partners or volunteer workers.

The Chair teaches a number of courses and seminars, both mandatory and optional. It also organizes operational projects, scholarships and annual business plan competitions. It implements applied research projects in collaboration with the Chair’s partner companies, and organizes conferences, such as the February 2004 session on the topic “Alternative Enterprises”.

A mid-term objective is to offer continuing education programs for professionals or volunteers in the sector.

The Chair hopes to create educational material (case studies) for initial and continuing education, publish research papers, and organize conferences and seminars.

The Chair brings together many players that guarantee its development: among others, a steering committee composed of founding members, a professional network of players from the social economy, and a tenured professor, Thierry Sibieude, with the support of the general secretary, Anne-Claire Pache.

 

Each year, the class includes about 20 students from different ESSEC training program (ESSEC MBA, Master’s degree).

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