The World Entrepreneurship Forum arose from the discussions held between a few international decision-makers concerned by the state of our world.

The entrepreneur, being used to face ambiguity with pragmatism and creativity, appeared to be a cornerstone in imagining and implementing sustainable solutions to tackle with our world’s major problems.

Mr. Patrick Molle, President of EMLYON Business School was one of the decision-makers involved in these discussions. Based on his experience and vision, he imagined a global think-tank uniting international entrepreneurs from the economic, social, political, and academic fields.

The think tank aims at facilitating exchanges, being a place to share best and continuously renewing practices and promoting entrepreneurship and social justice on the global scale.

Supported by Mr. Jean-Luc Decornoy, President of KPMG, the first World Entrepreneurship Forum was held in Evian, France in November 2008 with EMLYON Business School and KPMG as Founding Members. The second edition of the World Entrepreneurship Forum was held in Lyon, France in November 2009.

In 2010, two additional founding members joined the World Entrepreneurship Forum: the Singaporean institutions Action Community for Entrepreneurship (ACE) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU).

The Action Community for Entrepreneurship is a movement that involves both the private and public sectors to create a more entrepreneurial Singapore. ACE works with partners to enhance our pro-enterprise environment; fosters an entrepreneurial culture and mindset; and facilitates networking and learning among entrepreneurs.

One of the fastest-growing research universities in the world, Nanyang Technological University is ranked among the world’s top one percent of the world’s universities according to the 2010 QS World University Rankings, and has been cited as a model for science and technology education.

In 2011, City of Lyon and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Lyon joined as well as founding members and actively participate in the Forum's 4th edition held in Singapore from 2-5 November, accompanying french delegations of entrepreneurs.

Lastly, Zhejiang University (China) signed the MOU to become official members during the Gala Ceremony in Singapore.

All founding members are highly interested in the future development of the Forum.

More information lebrun@em-lyon.com