Economist Philippe Aghion was honored by HEC Paris with the title of Doctor Honoris Causa during an event attended by over 700 students. The HEC Talks session explored how innovation can foster shared prosperity, a central theme of Aghion's work.
Antonin Bergeaud, an economist at HEC, outlined the origins of the theory of growth through creative destruction, developed by Philippe Aghion and Peter Howitt. This framework explains how new technologies and firms drive growth by displacing established ones, emphasizing the role of institutions, education, and social protection in economic policy.
Philippe Aghion noted that the journey from his initial research formulation to this high recognition spanned 38 years and three months, illustrating the collective nature of academic progress through debate and collaboration. He warmly acknowledged the intellectual ties connecting him to HEC Paris faculty, particularly Antonin Bergeaud.
According to Andrea Masini, Dean of HEC Paris, the honorary doctorate recognizes both exceptional scholarship and a conception of economics that aligns with the School's purpose. Aghion's work examines how institutions foster innovation, how competition prevents established firms from blocking new entrants, and how education and public policy can ensure progress is more widely shared.
These questions closely reflect HEC Paris's impact objectives, aiming to equip leaders to understand technological change, encourage entrepreneurship, and translate knowledge into societal solutions. Aghion's research offers a hopeful message: societies can reconcile innovation and inclusion by designing appropriate institutions.
The large student turnout, representing diverse nationalities and programs, highlighted the anticipation surrounding Aghion's visit. Discussions covered artificial intelligence, education, European competitiveness, and the green transition. Philippe Aghion reiterated the importance of creating conditions for new ideas to emerge, fostering open competition, and investing in research and education.
