HEC Montréal
IN-24: Innovation A

HEC Montréal created an experiential business history course comprised of a 12-day, 500-kilometer cycling trip where students see first-hand the forces behind Quebec’s industrial development. The group of cyclists is enrolled in the Montréal-Boston experiential course, giving them a first-hand look at the themes of sustainable development and entrepreneurship. Along the way, the students will go on company tours, including at Hydro-Québec (hydro and wind-powered electrical producer) and Téo Taxi (electric taxi company), in Quebec, and at the sustainable agriculture company Intervale, in Vermont. In Boston, they will visit the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship, at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Participants will also have the opportunity to enjoy some cultural activities en route. The intensive 3-credit course is given by Anne Pezet, Full Professor in the Department of Management, and Brian King, Associate Professor in the Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovation. The choice of the route, from Montréal to Boston, is no accident, as Professor King explains: “Having lived in Boston for 8 years, I see striking differences between these two university cities, even though they are much the same size. I would like the students to come away from this course with a better idea of the importance of culture and history in the business world.” The two professors were saluted for their initiative of launching a bicycle course in 2016, after the first edition travelling between Montréal and Quebec City, on the themes of history and development. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) hailed this experiential course as one of the 30 innovations that best represent the way business schools are reinventing and diversifying the learning environment.

http://www.aacsb.edu/about/awards/innovations-that-inspire/recipients/hec-montreal http://www.hec.ca/nouvelles/2017/campus-international-velo.html