The event opened with  two  plenary sessions  during which the EDHEC research and development division led a debate on the financing of higher education . This debate focused on  the merits of cost-sharing by the student and the collectivity and the definition of fairer methods of financing which would no longer exclude young people from disadvantaged backgrounds gaining access to higher education. It also highlighted financing mechanisms used abroad and the question of whether the finance system in France is adapted to a globalised economy. The second session highlighted the impact of management research on the world of business.