Energy for Society Institute

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In a context of rapid change, the Energy for Society Institute’s mission is to analyse social, economic and political dynamics related to energy in order to shed light on collective choices and promote sustainable, inclusive and responsible models that serve society.

Created as an extension of the work of the Energy for Society Chair, the Institute is broadening its scope to address the upheavals in the energy sector. It aims to become a leading centre on the interplay between energy, sovereignty, democracy and transition. Rooted in the dialogue among researchers, business and local communities, it serves as a true think tank dedicated to the European energy transition.

Objectives

To achieve this goal, the Institute draws on research, experimentation, and cooperation among public, private, and academic stakeholders. It aims to transform knowledge into tools for action that support a fair and effective transition.
Its main objectives are:

• Support strategic, independent and collaborative research
• Develop strategic observatories
• Decode current events and contribute to public debate
• Make the energy transition a core pillar of education at GEM
• Develop practical tools to support action-taking (serious game)

Governance

The Energy for Society Institute relies on a structured, collaborative governance framework built around three complementary bodies. It will be soon chaired by an external figure who will ensure overall strategic direction and validation. Operational leadership is entrusted to Carine Sebi, Senior Professor of Economics at GEM, responsible for coordinating activities, leading research and managing partnerships. The Institute is also guided by a scientific and strategic committee composed of three groups:

• Funding partners
• GEM faculty members contributing to the research areas
• A panel of external experts and academics, ensuring scientific quality, expertise and diversity of perspectives

In this context, Carine Sebi highlights:

The research areas of the Energy for Society Institute are currently being consolidated and will draw from the expertise of GEM professors from the “Energy Management and Marketing” faculty team. They will address topics such as:

• Energy markets and pricing
• Business models
• The European energy transition
• Flexibility
• Energy efficiency
• Social acceptance
• Combating misinformation etc.

The selection of research themes will be based on both scientific and strategic alignment, validated by the Institute’s scientific and strategic committees.

By launching its strategic plan EAGLE 2030, GEM Alpine Business School reaffirms its ambition to fully embody its commitment to major transitions. Its roadmap is structured around three key pillars:

• Journey, a pedagogical innovation that rethinks how students learn through experiential and immersive pathways
• Sciences, positioning GEM as a central player in scientific innovation and technological transitions
• Transitions, mobilizing the entire community to support the sustainable transformation of organizations and society

Through EAGLE 2030, GEM is reinventing its educational model to offer a learning experience that is hybrid, engaged and focused on the major challenges of our time: climate, technology and society. The EnerG Institute contributes fully to this dynamic through its research and educational activities.

The work of the Energy for Society Institute is composed of a team of experts in energy economics and business models and are part of the “Energy and Environmental Management” research team.