IRENE means “peace” in Greek. Our institute was set up to meet the needs for negotiation learning in Europe. Filling the gap between negotiation theory and practice is the mission pursued by IRENE members at ESSEC for more than a decade.

Preparing a merger or acquisition, defining the terms of a contract, reducing tension among co-workers, managing social conflict, involving citizens in urban planning: whatever the context, whoever the protagonists, negotiation has become a key tool in decision-making.

Nevertheless, such a tool was not often studied in Europe, nor always inspired by best practices, although proven methods have been developed. While negotiation is the result of neither pure intuition, nor of scientific rules, it is a technique that can be refined through permanent dialogue between research and practice. It can be taught and learned: negotiators are made, not born.

Our institute focuses therefore on the art of negotiation, as a combination of knowledge (savoir), know-how (savoir-faire) and knowing how to be (savoir-être). It is at the same time a field of interdisciplinary concepts, a set of skills and a way of being with others. These three dimensions are at the core of our mission. The first aspect focuses on our academic goals and, in particular, on our theoretical and applied research at the Institute. The second translates operational concepts into training for practitioners through cases and simulations. The third casts light on our final objective, which consists in extending to the greatest number of people possible the best conflict resolution practices and a renewed approach to deal-making.