Spring-Summer 2025

FOREWORD
Dr. Samir Saadi

Vice Dean for Research

Welcome to the summer edition of the PSB Research Newsletter! 


As we wrap up another successful academic year, this edition offers an overview of the recent achievements od PSB researchers. From prestigious research awards and impactful scholarly contributions to high-profile media appearances, national and international events, the past few months have once again highlighted our commitment to academic rigor and societal relevance. 


Among the many highlights, we are proud to feature PSB’s growing influence in international academic networks. The organization of the 3rd edition of the DTS International conference, along with the latest editions of ICCEM and the Workshop on Banks and Financial Markets, illustrates the vibrancy of our research environment. This issue also highlights our strong presence at EURAM 2025, and our contributions to major events in cultural and creative entrepreneurship, reinforcing PSB’s interdisciplinary reach. 


Our presence in high-level policy forums further underlines our engagement with today’s most pressing societal debates. 


Equally noteworthy is the growing media visibility of our faculty’s expertise. These appearances help shape public discourse on strategic issues such as geopolitical economics, fiscal reform, and industrial policy, amplifying the societal impact of our research. 


We are also pleased to feature the increasing reach of our faculty's work through widely-read contributions in The Conversation France, and through active engagement with both academic and professional audiences via our Matinales and Meet-the-Editor workshops. 


These achievements reflect the collective ambition of our institution to foster innovative thinking and meaningful dialogue across disciplines and sectors. Wishing you all an inspiring summer and continued momentum in your scholarly pursuits.  


 Happy reading !

 
 

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS
 

PSB Research Awards 2024 – 2025

This year, the PSB Research Office recognized three outstanding scholars whose work exemplifies academic excellence and societal impact. :   

Established Researcher of the Year :

Dr. Francesco Appio

Professor of Management and expert in innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation. Widely published in leading journals and currently serving in multiple editorial roles.
 

Junior Researcher of the Year :

Dr. Whelsy Boungou

Assistant Professor of Finance, whose research focuses on banking, financial stability, climate change, and monetary economics.  
 

Most Media-Featured Researcher :

Dr. Thomas Porcher

Professor of Economics and a leading voice on energy and finance. Regular contributor to France Inter (the most popular radio station in France, with over 5 million listeners) and other major media outlets. Author of L’économie pour les 99%.  
 
 

These awards celebrate not only academic excellence, but also real-world impact and thought leadership. The prize-winning professors’ remarkable research journeys embody these values and serves as an inspiration to their peers.  
 

ACIEK Best Paper Award

Dr. Wissal Ben Arfi, Head of the Marketing and Communication Department, was awarded Best Paper at the 22nd Edition of the ACIEK Academy Conference, held in Spain and hosted by the University of Alcalá from 18-20 June.

Her award-winning paper, “From Pixels to Profit: AI-Driven Trading and Consumer Well-Being in Virtual Markets,” offers a compelling analysis of how artificial intelligence is reshaping digital marketplaces and influencing consumer behavior and well-being in the virtual age.

This recognition not only celebrates Dr. Wissal Ben Arfi’s outstanding research, but also highlights her deep commitment to academic excellence and forward-thinking scholarship in the fields of artificial intelligence, innovation, and digital transformation.

The ACIEK (Academy of Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Knowledge) Conference brings together leading global scholars advancing theory and practice in innovation and knowledge.
 

LATEST EVENTS
 

LES MATINALES
 

Women's leadership: a leverage for CSR commitment 

and performance?

12 June 2025

On 12 June 2025, the PSB Research Office's final Matinale of the academic year brought together researchers, professionals and committed stakeholders at the Paris School of Business to discuss a strategic topic at the heart of today’s transformations: Women's leadership: a leverage for CSR commitment and performance? (Leadership féminin : Levier d'engagement RSE et de performance?) 

On this occasion, we were honored to welcome a distinguished panel of speakers :

• Laurence Dors, Corporate Director

• Dominique Druon, Founder of Aliath, Independent Director

• Sylvie Justine Locatelli, Managing Director of Led by Her

• Caroline Maitrot-Feugeas, Founder and Chairwoman of Nomad Education

• Pierre Victoria, Chairman of the Corporate Responsibility Working Group, Fondation Jean Jaurès. General Delegate, Cercle français de l'eau

• Martin Richer, CSR Consultant, Founding Director of Management & RSE

Our guest speakers shared invaluable expertise and real-world insights that continue to inspire and drive forward research on this topic. Dr. Nathalie Bitbol-Saba, Professor of Finance at PSB, also contributed with key academic insights drawn from her latest research. 

By combining research findings and feedback from the field, the discussions highlighted the synergies between the feminization of governance bodies, responsible governance and the overall performance of organizations.  

3rd INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON 

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION SOCIETY

22 - 23 May 2025

The third edition of the International Conference on Digital Transformation Society (DTS 2025) took place on 22-23 May 2025, at Paris School of Business. Co-organized with the University of Naples Parthenope, the event brought together more than 150 participants from 25 countries around the central theme: “Human-AI Collaboration as a Strategic Driver of Innovation.” The conference explored how the synergy between human creativity and artificial intelligence is reshaping productivity and innovation in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. 


Over two days, leading researchers, industry experts, and professionals exchanged insights on key topics including artificial intelligence, open innovation, smart cities, green finance, and digital transformation in the workplace. A keynote address by Prof. Pattie Maes (MIT), a pioneer in human-machine interaction, set the tone for high-level discussions. 


A standout moment was the exclusive roundtable featuring executives from  UNESCO, Sanofi, Qatar Airways and Bouygues, which fostered rich dialogue between academia and industry. The conference also offered exceptional academic visibility, with strong support from top-tier journals : Technovation, Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Journal of Engineering and Technology Management, European Journal of Innovation Management, and IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, helping to advance impactful research in digital transformation.


The next edition of the Conference will take place in Naples on 21-22 May 2026. You can follow the Conference announcements on its LinkedIn account. 

4th PSB WORKSHOP ON BANKS AND FINANCIAL MARKET

27 June 2025

The 4th PSB Workshop on Banks and Financial Markets took place on 27 June 2025, at PSB. The event brought together scholars and policy professionals to discuss current challenges in the financial sector. 

This year’s presentations focused on: 

  • Sustainable finance and credit allocation – including green investment financing and the design of credit relationships. 
  • Shocks in credit markets – with new approaches to disentangling supply and demand forces in European lending. 
  • Safe assets and investor behavior – examining the global hunt for safety, investor similarity, and treasury market dynamics. 
  • Corporate responses to political and economic uncertainty – with a focus on firms' cash policies under populist leadership. 

The workshop continues to serve as a platform for exchanging research findings and ideas that inform both academic inquiry and policy decisions. By focusing on timely and relevant topics, it helps bridge the gap between theory and practice in banking and financial markets.  
 
 

3rd INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE  AND MARKETING

15 - 16 May 2025
 

The 3rd International Conference on Customer Experience and Marketing (ICCEM 2025) took place in Bucharest Romania, alongside the 6th International Management Conference (CIM 2025) on 15-16 May 2025.

Co-organized by Paris School of Business (France), the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at Universitatea, Dunărea de Jos” din Galați (Romania), and Cadi Ayyad University’s Research Laboratory on New Management Practices (Morocco), ICCEM reaffirmed its commitment to advancing academic excellence and fostering international, interdisciplinary collaboration across the fields of marketing, customer experience, and management.

The conference featured an inspiring lineup of keynote speakers, while the interactive sessions and thought-provoking contributions from participants greatly enriched the discussions and overall value of the event.

Following the success of this third edition, Paris School of Business is delighted to announce that it will host the 4th edition of ICCEM in Paris next year.
 
 

The 2nd International Conference on Sustainable Development, Social Responsability and Business Ethics

9–10 April 2025


Paris School of Business supported the International Conference on Sustainable Development, Business, and Economics (ICSDBE), hosted by Gulf University for Science and Technology in Kuwait on 9–10 April 2025. The event was held in collaboration with leading institutions, including the Mediterranean School of Business, Telfer School of Management (University of Ottawa), Audencia Business School, Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, University of Southampton, and Sultan Qaboos University. 


This global initiative provided a dynamic platform for academics, policymakers, and industry leaders to engage in critical dialogue on the most urgent challenges of our time. With a focus on sustainable development, climate change, renewable energy, corporate social responsibility, business ethics, and Fintech, the conference addressed the evolving global landscape shaped by the post-COVID-19 recovery and ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainty.  
 

MEET THE EDITOR WORKSHOPS
 

Professor Marina Dabić - Management

12 June 2025
 
 

The PSB Research Office hosted Professor Marina Dabić, Editor-in-Chief of Technology in Society, at the 5th edition of the Meet the Editor Workshop held on 12 June and organized by Dr.Nessrine Omrani, Head of the Management Department at Paris School of Business. 

Professor Marina Dabić made a highly valuable contribution to our research community. Through her insightful presentation, she generously shared her editorial expertise, offering both practical and strategic guidance on publishing in high-impact journals—an essential resource for researchers aiming to enhance the visibility and impact of their work.

In addition, her availability for personalized one-on-one consultations allowed PSB researchers to engage in meaningful dialogue, ask targeted questions, and receive tailored feedback on their projects, making this a truly impactful and enriching experience.  
 

Professor Omrane Guedhami - Finance

12 June 2025

The PSB Research Office proudly welcomed Professor Omrane Guedhami, C. Russell Hill Professor of International Finance at the Darla Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina, for an enriching visit. 

On this occasion, the PSB Research Office hosted a special Meet-the-Editor workshop, on 12 June, led by Prof. Guedhami, who drew on his distinguished editorial experience with top-tier journals in International Business, Finance, and Accounting. His dynamic and insightful session offered PSB researchers a precious inside look at the editorial process, evolving expectations in scholarly publishing, and the key ingredients for high-impact research.

This event significantly contributed to strengthening our research culture, empowering faculty with practical strategies to navigate the publishing landscape and elevate the visibility and rigor of their work.  

DISSEMINATION OF KNOWLEDGE
 

ACADEMIC CONTRIBUTIONS BEYOND JOURNALS

Paradox of the durability index : eco-consumers replace their products more frequently, The Conversation France

In an article published in The Conversation France, Dr. Gisele de Campos Rebeiro (PSB), together with her co-authors, Dr. Emmanuelle Le Nagard (ESSEC), and Dr. Valérie Guillard (Université Paris Dauphine – PSL) explored different consumer typologies related to perceived obsolescence. The article, titled “Paradoxe de l’indice de durabilité : les écolos remplacent plus fréquemment leurs produits” (“Paradox of the durability index: eco-conscious consumers replace their products more frequently”), examines how environmentally concerned individuals are often the quickest to replace products—even when those products still work. 


The authors identify five dimensions of perceived obsolescence—technological, aesthetic, environmental, social, and commercial—and categorize consumers into three groups. Ironically, the most eco-aware segment is also the most inclined to replace their items early, driven by a desire for improved environmental performance.


The article highlights the urgent need to support second-life solutions such as repair, resale and recycling to reduce the environmental cost of premature product replacement.

The Silent War of Ethical Hackers, The Conversation France
 

In their latest article published in The Conversation France, Dr. Patrice Cailleba, Professor of Management, and Dr. Nicolas Dufour, Affiliate Professor of Finance at Paris School of Business, delve into the discreet but crucial world of ethical hackers; cybersecurity experts who are quietly hired by organizations to test digital defenses and uncover vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them.

Their missions, often carried out in silence and under strict confidentiality, help shield sensitive systems and data from ever-growing cyber threats. The authors introduce the concept of “silent ethics,” showing how ethical hackers operate within a professional code that requires discretion not only during the mission, but also before and after.

The article, titled “La guerre silencieuse des hackers éthiques” (“The Silent War of Ethical Hackers”), calls on public and private organizations to integrate ethical hacking into their cybersecurity strategies to better mitigate risks in an increasingly digital world.
 

PSB RESEARCH INSIGHT

CO₂ emissions and the Human Development Index 

In a landmark study titled “The Champagne Curve of Climate and Development Inequalities,” published in Applied Economics Letters, Dr.Thomas Porcher, Dr.Raphaël Boroumand and their co-authors Dr. François Gemenne, Antoine Giraldi, and Dr. Simon Porcher explore the intricate link between per capita, consumption-based CO₂ emissions and the Human Development Index (HDI). Drawing on data from 117 countries, their analysis unveils a pivotal finding: beyond an HDI threshold of 0.8, additional carbon emissions contribute progressively less to human well-being. In other words, high emissions no longer yield meaningful developmental gains. 


This trailblazing research offers a bold reframing of climate policy. It challenges the outdated “developed vs. developing” dichotomy and instead proposes a more nuanced framework based on countries’ transition capacity—classified as limited, moderate, or strong. This approach paves the way for more just and effective climate measures, such as carbon pricing, adapted to each country’s ability to act. Most importantly, it makes a powerful case for overcoming the deadlock in global climate negotiations: sustainable transition does not have to come at the expense of human progress—in fact, the two can and must go hand in hand.  
 
 

MEDIA
 

TV Interviews

Dr. Thomas Porcher :

Economic policies, Business and Government

Renowned economist and Associate Professor at Paris School of Business, Dr. Thomas Porcher, recently appeared on the leading current affairs TV program C dans l’air to share his expert views on two highly topical issues: 

  • France’s State Budget Cuts – What’s at stake and who will bear the burden?
  • Elon Musk & Billionaires in Politics : Can They Succeed in the Political Arena?   
 

Dr. Raphael Boroumand:

Economy, Energy and Climate Issues

Dr. Raphaël Boroumand, a leading economist and expert in energy and climate issues, recently appeared in two high-profile interviews on BFM TV, offering sharp analysis on critical geopolitical developments and their economic consequences. 

In one live interview (emission spéciale), Dr. Boroumand addressed the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, focusing on the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz; a highly strategic and a vital artery of the global economy. 

In a separate interview with Anne Seften, Professor Boroumand discussed the economic warfare initiated during the Trump administration, describing it as a critical wake-up call for Europe. He emphasized the urgent need for a cohesive industrial strategy, one that balances industrial sovereignty with the imperative of decarbonization.

Further expanding on these themes in a debate on France Info, moderated by Axel de Tarlé, Professor Boroumand explored the future of European industry, energy, and climate policy, in the context of rising economic tensions between the United States and Europe.  
 

Dr. Hassan Obeid :

Economics, Geopolitics

Dr. Hassan Obeid, Professor of Economics and specialist in geopolitical issues, has made numerous appearances on prominent international news channels, offering expert economic insights on major global developments. 

Through interviews with networks such as Asharq Bloomberg, Deutsche Welle, France 24, Al Ghad TV, and Al Arabiya, he has helped bring informed economic perspectives to a wider audience. 

Highlights include: 

Asharq Bloomberg : On the strategic risks surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and the potential market impact of its closure. 

Deutsche Welle : Discussing the economic fallout of the Iranian-Israeli conflict.

France 24 : Providing insight into the IMF’s warnings to France on rising debt and public spending.

Al Ghad TV : Assessing the market implications of former President Trump doubling tariffs on steel and aluminum. 

Al Arabiya : Commenting on the effects of lifting European and American sanctions on Syria

Asharq Bloomberg : Analyzing the possibility of renewed trade negotiations between Beijing and Washington

Al Arabiya : Exploring Trump’s trade tariffs and their consequences for Europe and China.
 
 
 

EXPERTS AND PRACTITIONERS 

NETWORKS
 
 

Forum Entreprendre dans la Culture, 1-3 July

Dr. Nicolas Aubouin, Associate Professor of Management and a member of the newPIC Chair at PSB, co-hosted a workshop titled "Atelier sur les enjeux de la prospective métiers pour l’entrepreneuriat culturel" at the 11th edition of the Forum Entreprendre dans la Culture, organized in partnership with the ‘Creative and Cultural Entrepreneurship’ thematic group of the Académie de l’Entrepreneuriat et de l’Innovation (AEI).  
 

Held from 1-3 July 2025, at the École nationale supérieure d’architecture de Paris-Belleville, the Forum is an initiative of the French Ministry of Culture. Each year, it brings together a diverse community of researchers, entrepreneurs, artists, authors, creators, technicians, experts, project leaders, recent graduates, and students. The event remains a major hub for innovation, dialogue, and collaboration in the cultural and creative sectors.
 

14th Congress of the Academy of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, 25-27 June

Dr. Nicolas Aubouin, Associate Professor of Management and member of the newPIC Chair at PSB, co-led a track on “Cultural and Creative Entrepreneurship – Entrepreneurship in the Arts and Culture in the Face of Societal Transitions: From Tensions to Transformative Dynamics” at the 14th Congress of the Academy of Entrepreneurship and Innovation (AEI), held from 25 to 27 June 2025, at Aix-Marseille University and hosted by the CERGAM Laboratory (Centre for Research in Management).

Alongside Dr. Isabelle Horvath and Dr. Joëlle Bissonnette, Dr. Nicolas Aubouin helped shape this dynamic track, which explored the evolving role of entrepreneurship in the arts and culture amid societal change.

As co-leader of AEI’s Thematic Group on Cultural and Creative Entrepreneurship, Dr. Nicolas Aubouin plays a central role in building a vibrant network of researchers and practitioners. The group is committed to bridging institutional, academic, and professional spheres while advancing and disseminating cutting-edge research in this emerging field.  
 

European Academy of Management, 22-25 June

At the 25th annual conference of the European Academy of Management (EURAM), held from 22-25 June 2025 in Florence, PSB faculty members made significant contributions to advancing the academic conversation on management and innovation. Most of them are members of the newPIC chair (new Practices for Management and Creativity) at PSB. 

As EURAM VP for the Dialogue with Practitioners and former chair for the Innovation community at EURAM, Dr. David W. Versailles (Professor of Strategic Management and co-head of the newPIC chair ) organized and facilitated several action labs bridging academics and practitioners.


Dr. Ignasi Capdevila (Professor of Innovation Management) and Dr. Alexandra Le Chaffotec (Associate Professor of Economics) contributed to the organization of the tracks on Creativity Management and Healthcare Innovation, respectively. Dr David W. Versailles and Dr Nessrine Omrani (Head of the Management Department) also organized and facilitated the track on Digital innovation. Dr. Valérie Mérindol (Professor of Innovation Management and co-head of the newPIC chair ) organized and facilitated the track on Innovation ecosystems.   
 

Le Grand RDV des Engagé.es, 12 - 13 June 2025

Dr. Thomas Porcher, renowned economist and Associate Professor at Paris School of Business, delivered a masterclass at the 3rd Grand RDV des Engagé·es, delivering a powerful analysis of today’s turbulent geopolitical, economic, social, and environmental context and its implications for business strategy.  
 

Held at La Cité des Congrès in Nantes, on 12 and 13 June, the two-day event brought together companies of all sizes from across the region to explore bold, actionable strategies for ecological, social, and economic transition.


Designed to help businesses develop impactful, values-driven CSR strategies, the event featured high-level debates, hands-on workshops, and inspiring testimonies from across Europe. Key themes included the circular economy, AI, low-tech innovation, European public procurement, and the evolving role of metropolitan areas within the EU.  
 

National Energy Conference, 5 June 2025
 

Dr. Raphaël Boroumand, Professor of Economics and specialist in energy and climate change, shared his research on the future of French and European energy policies at the French National Assembly during the National Energy Conference (CNE) on 5 June 2025. 


The CNE serves as a strategic forum for reflection and dialogue on public service and energy-related matters.Hosted at the Palais Bourbon, this high-level event gathered parliamentarians, industry experts, and key stakeholders to reflect on the future of electricity production in France and to examine the consequences and opportunities arising from the end of the Arenh mechanism (Regulated Access to Incumbent Nuclear Electricity). 


Dr. Raphaël Boroumand contributed valuable perspectives during a dynamic debate moderated by journalist Adrien Borne, in the presence of deputies Aurélien Pradié, Marina Mesure, Carine Delahaie, and Gwénaël Plagne. 
 

European Low-Carbon Mobility Forum, 

28 - 29 April 2025

Dr. Raphaël Boroumand, renowned economist and expert in energy and climate change, took part in the 4th edition of the European Low-Carbon Mobility Forum, held on 28–29 April 2025, at the Place Royale – Pavillon des Arts in Pau, France. 


Initiated by the Communauté d’Agglomération Pau Béarn Pyrénées, this annual forum brings together political leaders, industry stakeholders, and academics to exchange knowledge and accelerate the deployment of low-carbon mobility solutions across Europe. The forum seeks to develop innovative approaches that reconcile mobility needs with climate goals.


As a member of the forum’s Scientific Committee, Dr. Boroumand played a key role in evaluating and selecting the scientific papers presented during the event.


During his intervention in the panel discussion, he addressed one of the forum’s central questions: How can we effectively decarbonize transport? With the sector accounting for nearly a quarter of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions, he emphasized the importance of socially inclusive climate policies that also safeguard freedom of movement.  
 

Artificial Intelligence Forum, 8 April 2025

Management & Datascience Magazine, Dr. Olivier Mamavi was a featured speaker at the AI Forum, organized by Le Village by CA Charente-Maritime Deux-Sèvres, on 8 April 2025, in La Rochelle.


The forum brings together startups and large corporations to share diverse perspectives on better understanding, anticipating, and integrating AI into business operations.


During the roundtable discussion “AI integration by companies: Impact on organization and business performance”, Dr. Mamavi provided valuable insights in response to key questions:
 
  • Integrating AI into business: Challenge or opportunity? 
  • How is it transforming the organization of our companies? 
  • How can AI serve as a lever for growth? 
  • How can it enhance business performance and operational efficiency? 

Key Takeaway: Successfully integrating AI into the enterprise requires acculturating and training employees - and relying on experts.  

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