Foresight 2050: EDHEC Master’s Students Discuss Their Future-Forward Solutions

Foresight 2050 Workshop Structure

The “Foresight 2050: Environmental and Social Justice in Business Management” conference took place at the IE Tower in Madrid from June 21st to 22nd. It included students and faculty from institutions such as POLIMI, EDHEC, TUM, UCL, and IE, totaling approximately 50 attendees. The event featured collaborative sessions where students discussed ideas, received guidance from mentors, and presented their visions. Key activities included brainstorming sessions, envisioning exercises, and Q&A rounds with faculty members.

The Envision 2050 Workshop: Concept and Selection

The workshop, organised by Guergana Guintcheva, director of EDHEC’s Master in Management – Business Management track, required participants to write an essay envisioning a company in 2050 addressing sustainability and social justice. A committee of instructors reviewed these essays, selecting participants based on their topics and grouping them into themes: transportation, fashion, bioenergy, and sustainable farming.

Workshop Dynamics and Activities

The workshop began with ice-breaking activities to foster camaraderie among participants. Faculty talks on sustainability within their institutions followed, setting the tone for the event. A unique guided meditation session encouraged participants to envision their futures in 2050, which they documented. The next day was dedicated to group work, brainstorming, and developing ideas under the guidance of assigned mentors.

The team explained that the first steps involved ice-breaking and envisioning exercises to spark creativity. Grouped by themes, participants brainstormed company ideas and developed presentations, which they delivered in the afternoon, followed by a Q&A session. The team also highlighted the challenge of condensing brainstormed ideas into a 10-minute presentation, emphasizing the importance of focus and conciseness.

Impact on Future Careers

The participants reflected on how the workshop would influence their future careers. They emphasised the importance of sustainability and social justice in future business leadership, realising the need for ethical and conscious professional practices. They appreciated the diverse perspectives that broadened their understanding of global issues. The challenge of aligning everyone towards a common goal, underscoring the importance of collective effort in tackling global challenges like sustainability. They also learned the value of broad knowledge across industries, inspired by interactions with diverse and knowledgeable individuals.

Memorable Moments and Key Takeaways

For many, the guided meditation envisioning the future stood out as a memorable moment. The team found the exercise to be a game-changer, and they appreciated how it helped warm up their brain cells and focus on their ideas.

Advice for Future Participants

The participants shared valuable advice for future attendees:
•    Approach the event with an open mind and readiness to learn from others.
•    Bring motivation and a willingness to add value to discussions.
•    Stay humble and confident, respecting others' ideas and remaining open to new perspectives.

Business Schools and the Role of Sustainability

Guergana Guintcheva, director of EDHEC’s Master in Management – Business Management track, shared her perspective on the broader responsibility of business schools. She stated, "Business schools have the responsibility not just to teach but to evangelise sustainability. While integrating it into every course is essential, creating dedicated moments for reflection and visioning ensures that our current students and future leaders are truly prepared to drive sustainable practices in their careers. The Foresight 2050 event was such a moment of reflection, where professors and students from leading European schools could pause their daily duties and dedicate time to envisioning sustainability in education together."