An EDHEC Initiative
This guide is the result of collaborative efforts with several partners, initiated by EDHEC Entrepreneurs, the network of the three incubators of EDHEC Business School.
The development of this unique reference guide for startups aligns with the school's commitment to redefine entrepreneurship teaching practices and methods, aiming to nurture companies that fully integrate global performance challenges into the core of their models.
This commitment is embodied in the Responsible Entrepreneurship by Design (RED) model, led by the Centre for Responsible Entrepreneurship (CRE) and EDHEC's incubators.
EDHEC Entrepreneurs' Ambition: Nurturing the Next Generation of Committed Entrepreneurs
At EDHEC Entrepreneurs, our aim is to assist startups to integrate responsibility as early as possible into their internal operations and the heart of their business models.
That's why, last year, we conducted the first study in France on responsible practices in startups in partnership with STATION F.
Discover the results of this study
This groundbreaking study, involving over 200 French startups, enabled us to accurately assess ESG practices in startups. In particular, it revealed a strong desire among startups to engage in more responsible practices and a growing interest in these issues because of the benefits they can bring in terms of talent acquisition, reputation, and market credibility.
However, there can be challenges in implementation because of a lack of guidance, paucity of reference frameworks for these practices, and even lack of consensus on what responsibility in startups entails.
Our ambition, embodied in this Guide and the EDHEC Center for Responsible Entrepreneurship, is to equip entrepreneurs and to foster the emergence of a new form of entrepreneurship that considers these responsibility issues from the outset and maintains them at the heart of the business model.
EDHEC's Commitment to Foster the Emergence of Responsible by Design Entrepreneurship
A startup responsible by design is one that intentionally integrates global performance challenges (economic, environmental, and social) from the outset and at the core of its business and operational model, aiming to build the company on the most solid foundations possible.
A responsible by design startup is built on 2 pillars:
1. The Power of Beginnings
Responsibility is often integrated relatively late, by mature companies. Integrating responsibility from the outset of the project helps avoid significant corrective efforts later on, preventing the accumulation of "ESG debt."
2. The Power of Coherence
Placing responsibility at the core of the startup prevents it from being treated as an additional component, thereby increasing coherence. This fosters alignment within the company and enhances stakeholder trust.
Founding Principles
This model is designed as a:
- Universal: It isn't limited to impact-driven startups but applies to 100% of startups, across all sectors and business models, to drive change.
- Global: It's built upon a comprehensive view of performance (economic, social, environmental) and a holistic perspective of the company (purpose, operations, business model).
- Pragmatic: The RED methodology provides both practical tools tailored to startups and enlightening concepts for building a responsible enterprise.
Interested in the initiative? Want to join a community of committed entrepreneurs and experts on this journey? Join us!
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