Foundation for
Value Creation
The foundation works with academics, policy makers, business leaders and citizens – from all generations and backgrounds – to develop ideas and derive actions that lead to higher levels of elite quality and governance.
The foundation’s current flagship project, the Index of Elite Quality (EQx), aims to shape central debates on elite quality and help build valuable future prospects.
The Foundation for Value Creation Activities
The foundation is a not-for-profit foundation based in Switzerland.
- To develop, publish and maintain the annual Index of Elite Quality (EQx) with its own country ratings and global ranking.
- To conduct cutting-edge research on elites and elite quality, on the causes of long-term economic growth and human development, on the rise and fall of nations, and on institutions and policies for enlightened and competitive value-creating elites.
- To develop ideas, policies and models with practical implications based on research findings and to build an open international network of collaborators by involving citizens and society in a unique dialogue on elite quality.
Schuppisstrasse 8
9016 St. Gallen, Switzerland
discover@elitequality.org
Executive Team
Responsible for the index production, operations and outreach
Prof. Tomas Casas
Index Director
Assistant Professor at the University of St. Gallen, Director China Competence Center (FIM-HSG), visiting professor at the SKOLKOVO Moscow School of Management and at various Chinese business schools
Prof. Guido Cozzi
Chief Economist
Full Professor of Macroeconomics at the University of St. Gallen School of Economics and Political Science
Camille Zeller
Data Manager
Lead Coordinator of global EQx Research Team
Céline Diebold
Statistics Manager
PhD candidate at University of St. Gallen
Advisory Board
as well as the development of value creation concepts for policy, business practice and teaching
Prof. Michael Hilb
Vice Chair of the Foundation
Titular Professor at the University of Fribourg, founder of DBP Group and member of various Boards of Directors and Trustees, including the International Board Foundation and the European Confederation of Directors’ Associations
Academic Leaders
The international leadership of the Elite Quality Index (EQx) project
Research Institute for International Management, University of St.Gallen (FIM-HSG)
FIM-HSG advances the understanding of globalisation, foreign business structures and different cultures. The institute focuses on the implications of globalisation on organisational strategies, structures and processes. As a result, it promotes effective ways to deal with the challenges of global business by providing sound and relevant education, rigorous and relevant empirical research, and thorough yet speedy advice to private and public sector practitioners. In this regard, the comparative study of elites across countries has deep implications for the understanding and for the practice of international business. Elite quality is posited to be one of the defining contextual variables for market entry choices, the degree of internationalization of organizations or even the profitability of international operations.
Institute of Economics, University of St. Gallen (FGN-HSG)
The FGN-HSG is an institute of the University of St.Gallen that provides internationally recognized contributions to research in economics and economic policy debates, and offers excellent teaching at all levels. The FGN covers a broad range of topics in academic research, from applied microeconomics (industrial economics, game theory, contract theory) to public economics and economic policy (tax reform, business taxation, European integration, banking regulation) to macroeconomics (economic growth, innovation, economics of property rights). Competitively acquired third-party funding makes a significant contribution to basic research. FGN members publish their research in prestigious scientific journals, while being actively engaged in informing the public debate and providing scientific policy advice.
Strategic & Academic Partners
International teams investing in and researching on the Elite Quality Index (EQx) project
International Board Foundation
The International Board Foundation is a Swiss-based not-for-profit foundation dedicated to excellence in governance for the benefit of the individual, the organization and society by providing a global platform for professionals and academics in the field of corporate governance to network, develop and innovate. It operates the International Center of Corporate Governance, an international platform of corporate governance experts, the Swiss Board School, the leading training institution for corporate directors in Switzerland, and the Swiss Institute of Directors, the largest network of corporate directors in Switzerland, a member of the European Confederation of Directors’ Associations (ecoDa) and the Global Network of Director Institutes (GNDI).
Faculdade de Economia da Universidade do Porto
The Academic Partner of EQx for Portugal is the School of Economics and Management of the University of Porto (FEP). Founded in 1953, FEP is one of the best Portuguese Universities in all international rankings. From its inception, FEP has stood out for its multidisciplinary educational approach and its strong and unique connection to the surrounding economic and social environment. It offers a wide range of programmes: 2 Bsc, 16 Msc, and 2 PhD. FEP has the most qualified faculty in the country with a research orientation, and has a solid reputation in Economics, Management and Finance. FEP has strong corporate and alumni networks and its graduates are prepared for leading positions in national, and international, corporations and institutions. More information here.