Defence and Geopolitics: GEM, first business school to host a french government-affiliated young leaders program

Programs

In an international context marked by rising tensions and the renewed importance of sovereignty issues, GEM becomes the first business school to host a Young Leaders Program of the Institute for Advanced Studies in National Defence (IHEDN), placed under the authority of the French Prime Minister. Diving into the heart of defence and security challenges, engaging with military and institutional experts, and gaining insight into major geopolitical issues: this is the experience offered by GEM through a one-week program organized with the support of the IHEDN Dauphiné-Savoie regional auditors’ association.

72 young participants in strategic immersion: from SMOC Industries to the 27th Mountain Infantry Brigade headquarters

For its 161st edition, 72 students and young professionals from across France took part in a week-long immersion structured around three key modules: strategic challenges, understanding defence tools and armed forces, and conflict and international cooperation.

The program included conferences, hands-on workshops, case studies, and visits to SMOC Industries and the headquarters of the 27th Mountain Infantry Brigade (also a GEM partner). Participants also engaged directly with high-level speakers, including Sub-Prefect Élisabeth Castellotti, Admiral Anne Cullerre, and Generals Philippe Gimbert, Laurent Michon, and Laurent Bitouzet.

These exchanges, combined with group work, enabled participants to gain a concrete understanding of strategic issues and to develop skills directly applicable to their future careers. At the end of the week, participants presented their work at the Isère Prefecture.

Visit to the 27th MIB in Varces

Developing strategic analysis skills

Located at the heart of a unique European ecosystem at the crossroads of industry, science, and defence, GEM provides an ideal environment for this type of program. Hosting the IHEDN cycle highlights strong collaboration between academia, public institutions, and defence stakeholders.

The program is based on a multidisciplinary approach and active learning formats, enabling participants to develop a defence culture, as well as skills in strategic analysis and competitive intelligence. It also fosters exchanges between diverse profiles (management, engineering, law, political science) and provides access to a high-level expert network.

The decisions shaping today’s economy are increasingly influenced by global power dynamics. GEM’s uniqueness lies in providing direct access to these realities through partnerships with leading institutions such as IHEDN. Students benefit from demanding formats, usually reserved for senior executives, and direct interaction with high-level stakeholders - a decisive competitive advantage for our graduates. de force internationaux. La singularité de GEM réside dans l’accès concret à ces réalités grâce à des partenaires de référence comme l’IHEDN. Les étudiants bénéficient de formats exigeants, habituellement réservés aux responsables en fonction, au contact direct d’acteurs de haut niveau, un avantage compétitif décisif pour nos diplômés.

Mourad Chabbi,

Professor and researcher at GEM

GEM is a strategic partner for our regional association. This collaboration reflects a shared vision: to offer participants a demanding environment where academic knowledge meets realworld challenges…

Rosène Charpine,

President of the IHEDN Dauphiné-Savoie Regional Auditors’ Association

Through its programs, IHEDN aims to raise awareness and develop young people’s understanding of defence and security issues. The Young Leaders Programs provide hands on immersion in strategic and operational realities through a structured approach combining conferences, debates, site visits, and group work. Partnering with a business school like GEM allows us to expand the reach and impact of our programs.

Elisabeth Castellotti

Sub Prefect and Head of Regional and Specialized Activities, IHEDN

For students, this immersion represents a transformative experience , enabling them to deepen their understanding of strategic issues, work across disciplines, and build a high level professional network.

In response to the growing interest among students in defence , sovereignty, and geopolitical issues, GEM is already working with its partners on the next edition of the IHEDN Young Leaders Program. The School also aims to further develop educational initiatives in these strategic areas, in line with increasing demand and evolving global challenges.

Participating in this Young Leaders Program was a real opportunity for me. These exchanges have provided me with a valuable professional network and strengthened my ability to operate in complex and multidisciplinary environments.

Noé Frossard

GEM student in PGE program

Group photo of the 161st IHEDN Young Leaders Program at GEM

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