Forum Champions Personal Transformation as Key to Societal Innovation

The recent Forum Innovation Sociétale 2026, organized by the Hub Entrepreneuriat et Innovation de l’Unil in Lausanne, offered a refreshing counterpoint to the often-hyped discourse surrounding technological innovation. Le Temps, committed to fostering thoughtful dialogue, was particularly struck by the event's emphasis on a more profound, human-centered approach to societal change.

Instead of focusing on venture capital or rapid growth, the forum championed an innovation that is "discreet but powerful," deeply embedded in real-world challenges and driven by personal journeys. The narratives of social entrepreneurs Esther Mottier and Sonja Betschart powerfully illustrated this point. Their experiences demonstrated that true innovation often arises from personal crises – illness, accidents, existential questioning – which become catalysts for inspiring action. As organizer Emilie Romon Carnegie aptly put it, "Without inner transformation, collective action risks reproducing the very logics it claims to overcome."

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Without inner transformation, collective action risks reproducing the very logics it claims to overcome.

This shift in perspective, from the project to the person, is a crucial departure from the "inflationary" approach to innovation that prioritizes tools and optimization. The forum rightly questioned the importance of personal coherence for those driving change. This resonates deeply with our editorial stance at Le Temps, which values depth, reflection, and the human element in all spheres of life.

The intervention by physicist and philosopher Aurélien Barrau was particularly impactful. His unvarnished assessment of the ecological crisis and the erosion of values served as a powerful call to action. Barrau's message transcended mere problem-solving, urging a fundamental reevaluation of our values and a move away from a purely utilitarian worldview. His call for a "poetry of the world"—one built on relationships, meaning, and responsibility—is a vital reminder that true progress lies not just in what we produce, but in how we think and live. This focus on ethical and cultural renewal, rather than just technological advancement, is what makes this discussion uniquely relevant from a Swiss perspective, where quality of life and long-term sustainability are paramount.

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The world is not given, we build it.