Here stands HEC Paris a name synonymous with business excellence. Founded in 1881 HEC Paris aimed to be for management what École Centrale de Paris was for engineering. Gustave Emmanuel Roy president of the Paris Chamber of Commerce had a vision. He wanted to create a school that would shape the future of commerce.
Initially HEC Paris had only 57 students. The school sought to provide education in management and commerce. In 1921 HEC Paris adopted the case-based method from Harvard Business School. This was a significant step towards practical learning. However most lectures remained theoretical for some time.
By 1938 the HEC Paris program extended to three years. This allowed for a more comprehensive education. After World War II French corporations demanded North-American-style management education. The case-based method became more widespread. A one-year classe préparatoire prepared students for the entrance examination. This made admissions more competitive.
In 1964 French President Charles de Gaulle inaugurated a new campus. This 250-acre campus was in Jouy-en-Josas. It provided a modern environment for HEC Paris students. Women were first admitted to HEC Paris in 1973. That year only 27 women were accepted. HEC jeunes filles another school for women closed. Its alumnae became graduates of HEC Paris. One notable alumna is Édith Cresson the first female Prime Minister of France.
HEC Paris established its doctoral course in 1975. Until 1985 students completed their thesis at a university. In 1985 HEC Paris gained the right to award the title of doctor. This was a milestone for the school’s academic reputation.
The HEC Foundation was founded in 1972. Its aim is to develop connections between HEC Paris and companies. It also finances the school through corporate partnerships. These ties with businesses strengthened in the 1990s. This led to specialization in finance and entrepreneurship. More HEC Paris graduates began working abroad.
In 1988 HEC Paris co-founded the CEMS network. This was with ESADE Bocconi University and the University of Cologne. On July 1 2008 HEC Paris joined ParisTech and later Paris-Saclay University. The HEC Paris campus is part of the Paris-Saclay technological cluster.
HEC Paris adopted a new legal status in 2016. It became a public-private partnership or École consulaire. It is largely financed by the Paris Chamber of Commerce.
In 2017 HEC Paris launched dual degree programs called M2M. These were with Yale School of Management and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. In March 2017 HEC Paris launched the Executive Master in innovation and entrepreneurship program. This was in collaboration with Coursera.
On September 15 2020 HEC Paris co-founded the artificial intelligence research center Hi PARIS. This was with the Polytechnic Institute of Paris. In October 2023 HEC Paris announced a Bachelor of Arts in data society and organizations. This is a collaboration with Bocconi University in Milan.
HEC Paris’s motto is Apprendre à oser or Learn to dare. It reflects the school’s commitment to fostering boldness. The non-literal translation is The more you know the more you dare. HEC Paris offers a variety of programs. These include Bachelor MiM MBA EMBA and PhD programs.
HEC Paris stands as a leading business school. Its history is marked by innovation adaptation and a commitment to excellence. It continues to shape future leaders. HEC Paris remains at the forefront of management education.