TBS Education, a French business school, has been recognized for its strong ties to the local economy, receiving the News Tank Emerging – Contribution to Territorial Dynamics award at the annual Think Education & Recherche event . The award, presented by News Tank Education and Research, highlights the school’s commitment to preparing graduates for the job market and fostering partnerships with businesses.
The award was presented to Stéphanie Lavigne, Director General of TBS Education, acknowledging the school’s sustained engagement with regional economic forces and its active role within local ecosystems. The selection process, as detailed by Emerging and News Tank Education, was based on a survey of 1,433 French professionals involved in recruitment, evaluating institutions on both graduate employability (40% weighting) and cooperation with companies (60% weighting).
This recognition underscores a growing emphasis on the practical application of academic learning and the importance of bridging the gap between education, and industry. The Emerging-News Tank Awards methodology specifically prioritizes collaboration with the business world, while still recognizing the fundamental importance of quality training. This dual focus reflects a demand from employers for graduates who are not only academically proficient but also possess the skills and experience necessary to contribute immediately to the workforce.
During the Think Education & Recherche event, held at Sorbonne Université, Lavigne participated in a roundtable discussion with other award recipients. The discussion centered on strategies for aligning skills development with market needs and fostering robust territorial dynamics. This suggests a broader industry conversation around the role of higher education in driving regional economic growth.
The award comes at a time of increasing scrutiny on the relevance of higher education in a rapidly changing economic landscape. European policymakers are actively considering ways to enhance the competitiveness of the EU, as evidenced by recent discussions surrounding the Draghi report on EU competitiveness, as reported by News Tank Academic. While the report is considered by some, including French President Macron, to be already outdated, the underlying concern about maintaining a skilled workforce and fostering innovation remains paramount.
the European Commission is actively working on strategies to support university alliances and provide longer-term support for collaborative research initiatives. This focus on collaboration extends beyond national borders, reflecting a recognition that addressing complex economic challenges requires a coordinated, international approach. Switzerland’s recent launch of six National Centres of Competence in Research demonstrates a similar commitment to strengthening cutting-edge research and innovation.
The emphasis on employability and cooperation with businesses is also reflected in initiatives aimed at attracting and retaining talent within the EU. The Commission’s proposed visa strategy seeks to make the EU a more attractive destination for skilled workers, acknowledging the need to address potential labor shortages and maintain a competitive edge in the global market. The UK’s decision to contribute £570 million to Erasmus+ in 2027, despite its departure from the EU, further highlights the value placed on international exchange programs and the development of a skilled workforce.
News Tank Education’s recent LinkedIn posts also highlight key leadership changes within French higher education institutions. These appointments – including Valérie Gibert’s re-election as president of the ADGS, David E. Kalisz’s appointment as director of Excelia Business School’s PGE and MSc programs, Philippe Stée’s election as president of the Observatoire de Paris | PSL, Dominique Froment’s appointment as director general of the Crous de Bordeaux-Aquitaine, and François Houllier’s continued presidency of Ifremer – signal a period of transition and potential shifts in strategic direction within the sector. These changes, while seemingly administrative, can have significant implications for the institutions’ long-term goals and their engagement with the broader economic environment.
The Emerging-News Tank Awards, and TBS Education’s recognition, represent a growing trend towards accountability and demonstrable impact within higher education. The focus on quantifiable metrics – such as graduate employability and corporate partnerships – suggests a move away from purely academic measures of success and towards a more holistic assessment of an institution’s value to society. This shift is likely to continue as employers demand increasingly specialized skills and as governments seek to maximize the return on investment in higher education.
The University Paris-Saclay also received recognition from the News Tank-Emerging Awards, securing the 2nd place ranking for cooperation between institutions and businesses at the event. This further reinforces the importance placed on these partnerships within the French higher education landscape.
The launch of the Chalmers Maritime University in Sweden, as reported by News Tank Academic, is another example of a targeted approach to skills development, aiming to address specific industry needs and attract students to naval officer programs. This demonstrates a proactive response to evolving labor market demands and a commitment to providing specialized training in critical sectors.
