Houston Endowment Dean of Jones Graduate School of Business and Virani Undergraduate School of Business
Professor of Strategic Management
Professor of Strategic Management
International Energy, Investment and Innovation
Program Fee
$5,500
Includes:
- Daily Sessions and itinerary meals
- Welcome Reception
- Farewell Reception
- Paris City Boat Tour
Does not include:
- Airfare
- Lodging/Accommodations
- Transportation to and from the airport
- Meals outside of the itinerary
- Any non-course planned excursions and incidentals
- Passport and visa fees (if applicable)
Overview
Join us in Paris for a program designed to help leaders navigate and shape the global forces redefining energy, investment, and innovation. The Paris Global Leadership Program, hosted at the Rice Global Paris Center, brings together the insights, people, and perspectives needed to understand how emerging energy systems can power growing economies—and create opportunities for people and businesses to thrive.
At Rice Business, a central pillar of our long-term strategy is to lead globally in the study and advancement of the energy transition. This work is not only about sustainability; it is about building the economic engines of the future. Around the world, nations and industries are rethinking how energy is produced, financed, and deployed to support development, create jobs, and strengthen competitiveness. Europe is at the forefront of this transformation, with organizations pioneering new investment models, innovative technologies, and large-scale transitions that offer critical lessons for the rest of the world.
This program is an opportunity to engage directly with global decision-makers, explore real-world strategies shaping the future of energy, and build connections that support long-term growth.
Who Should Attend
- Senior executives and decision-makers responsible for strategy, investment, or transformation initiatives
- Leaders in energy, infrastructure, finance, and adjacent industries navigating the global transition
- Executives from emerging and developed markets seeking global perspective and cross-border insights
- Government, policy, and regulatory leaders shaping energy, sustainability, and economic development
- Investors and financial leaders focused on energy transition, infrastructure, and global capital flows
- Entrepreneurs and innovators operating at the intersection of energy, technology, and economic growth
- High-potential leaders being prepared for enterprise or regional leadership roles
- Alumni and global partners seeking a high-level international immersion with peer executives
Participant Outcomes
- Develop a global perspective on energy, investment, and innovation trends shaping economic growth
- Understand how geopolitics, policy, and capital flows influence strategic decision-making
- Gain insight into energy transition pathways, including traditional and emerging technologies
- Evaluate investment strategies and financing models supporting large-scale energy transformation
- Explore AI and innovation impacts on business ecosystems and competitive advantage
- Engage directly with global institutions (e.g., IEA) and industry leaders to translate theory into practice
- Strengthen the ability to lead through uncertainty and complexity in global markets
- Build a trusted international network of senior peers, policymakers, and industry experts
- Return with actionable insights to inform strategy, partnerships, and investment decisions
Program Topics Overview and Cultural Activities
Sunday: Arrival and Program Launch
Evening Program Launch with Welcome Networking Reception at Local Paris Bistro
Monday: Global Economy & Business Environment
- Global economic outlook and contemporary issues
- European and Paris business ecosystem
- Entrepreneurship, AI, and regional innovation dynamics
- Geopolitics and implications for global trade and energy
Tuesday: Global Energy Systems & Institutions
- International Energy Agency (IEA) site visit, presentation and deep insights
- World energy outlook and investment flows
- Energy security, demand, and global market dynamics
- Institutional perspectives on the energy transition
- Culture – Paris Boat Tour and Dinner on the Seine River
Wednesday: Energy Transition, Risk & Climate
- Global energy outlook: risks and opportunities
- Climate scenarios and pathways to net zero
- Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS)
- Balancing traditional energy and clean energy systems
- Culture – French Wine Tasting Reception with Level 3 Sommelier
Thursday: Investment, Technology & Innovation
- Energy investment strategies and capital markets
- Role of global banking in energy transition financing
- Emerging technologies: geothermal, nuclear, solar, hydro, bioenergy, other
- Innovation ecosystems driving sustainable energy solutions
- Culture – Program Closing Reception
Friday: Regulation, ESG & Global Markets (Program concludes at noon)
- Energy regulation and market design (European perspective)
- ESG frameworks and sustainability integration
- Regional case insights (including Asia/South Asia perspectives)
- Strategic implications for global leaders
Meet Your Professor
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Associate Dean for Innovation Initiatives & Executive Director of Executive Education