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Societal impact
Research at Audencia: our impact on society and organizations. 9 key examples of research with impact in Audencia's 3 areas of excellence.
Types of impact
- Government institutions
- Society
- Companies
- NGOs
Area 1: Creating and Transforming Business Models in line with the Ecological and Social Transition
This ethnographic study on the entrepreneurial practices of Maasai women was carried out in partnership with the Economy of Francesco movement. The study has already led to the creation of educational programs on entrepreneurship and economics within the Maasai community and helped launch entrepreneurial projects focusing on regenerative agriculture. It will also give rise to new management practices inspired by Maasai methods of organization.
By Roberta Sferrazzo (Audencia) - with Sandrine Frémeaux (Audencia), Marianna Fotaki (Warwick Business School) and Maasai economist Samuel Lekato.
In France today, approximately 4 million people have been diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetimes. In partnership with the Institut de Cancérologie de l’Ouest, we are researching the benefits of this special approach to care, which is designed to empower patients and improve their autonomy. The first tasks were to develop a scale that measures the perceived value of therapeutic education (TE) in oncology (benefits, costs, overall value) and to analyze its history and potential outcomes. This enabled us to promote the value of TE to various stakeholders (e.g., healthcare authorities, health professionals, patients).
Patient satisfaction with therapeutic education in oncology: antecedents, consequences, and the moderating effect of perceived
value. Health Service Management Research, 2024, Vol. 37(1) 43-51
Same authors, with Didier Louis (Université de Nantes).
How can science fiction help us anticipate, identify, and prepare for future technological threats, environmental disasters, and geopolitical conflicts? This innovative work in design fiction is being carried out in partnership with the French military, NATO, and other defense stakeholders. It provides insights into unprecedented and alternative scenarios, combined with other approaches, like forecasting. As part of this effort, Nicolas Minvielle led the Red Team Defense initiative, which published the bestseller "Ces guerres qui nous attendent (2030- 2060)".
By Nicolas Minvielle (Audencia).
Area 2: Financing and Leading the Social and Ecological Transition
Our research has analyzed the consequences of the Florange Act, particularly the impact of double voting rights on international partnerships and business valuation. This work was cited in a report for the National Assembly by France Stratégie and has been presented at events such as the one led by think tank Droit & Croissance, as well as several conferences aimed at the general public. The results have received significant media coverage.
This report analyzes businesses that have implemented the so-called “Wates Principles,” in partnership with the Financial Reporting Council (UK accounting regulator) and several UK-based universities. The Wates Principles seek to improve standards for corporate governance and the quality of financial reporting in business. The report proposes practical recommendations for large companies as well as public policy suggestions for the UK government and regulatory bodies.
Research conducted by the Finance for Innovation Chair has supported ADEME (French Environment and Energy Management Agency) and project leaders in creating the new Environmental Impact Contract template to help finance innovative projects in the circular economy via private investors in collaboration with the public sector. Our researchers contributed to launching and supporting the first six Environmental Impact Contracts in France, based on the first model of its kind in the world. They then brought their expertise on the subject to the WWF, French government authorities (ADEME, Ministry of the Economy and Finance, Directorate General of the Treasury), and various private and international stakeholders.
Area 3: Training and Helping People to Take on the Social and Ecological Transition
Our research on refugee entrepreneurs contributed to the design of a teaching model on how to start a business for Ukrainian refugees in the Nantes metropolitan area in 2023. Some participants have already gone on to start their own businesses, helping them integrate into French society. A restaurant, a hair salon, and a manicure salon have all been launched thanks to this initiative. Another participant now teaches mathematics.
By Natalia Vershinina (Audencia).
Through conferences and press articles, our research on various forms of disability in the workplace has raised awareness in numerous organizations and professional federations, as well as amongst the general public. This research is part of Audencia’s ongoing efforts to better understand, identify, and support people with disabilities. To that end, Audencia is also piloting a research program in collaboration with the social protection group Malakoff-Humanis that seeks to support caregivers.
This project was a response to a request from the Bhutan government to fight against corruption in the mining industry and civil services sector. We sent two research and investigation teams to Bhutan to help shed light on the system’s inner workings, propose concrete solutions, and deepen our understanding of the corruption. The anti-corruption tools proposed by our researchers were approved and implemented by the Prime Minister of Bhutan, thus contributing to the development of new public policies. Our researchers have also published numerous articles on the subject.
Consequences of corruption: determinants of public servants' job satisfaction and performance. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 34 (20), 3825-3856. By Bertrand Venard (Audencia) - scientific director of the project, with Yehuda Baruch (Southampton
University), Julien Cloarec (Université Jean Moulin Lyon 3). Work carried out with Kezang Tshering (Anti-Corruption Commission, Government of Bhutan).