Critical Materials: opening of a new Executive Master at École nationale des ponts et chaussées
Faced with the growing challenges linked to the availability of resources and the securing of supply chains, École nationale des ponts et chaussées is opening an Executive Master's degree in Critical Materials in October 2025. This top-level course is designed to train managers and experts in the strategic challenges of rare and critical materials, which are vital to the environmental transition and industrial innovation. Backed by the expertise of 7 major partner companies: Michelin, Orano, Vinci, Ernst & Young, Ashurst, Vicat and Demeter, this programme is rooted in the professional world and offers a practical and strategic approach to the challenges of critical materials. The admissions campaign has been launched, with the 1st class due to start in October 2025.
Anticipating resource scarcity for sustainable value creation
While the availability of energy resources has been widely studied, the issue of strategic minerals and metals has emerged more recently as a fundamental challenge. The Critical Materials Executive Master's programme is characterised by its systemic and multidisciplinary approach, enabling students to acquire concrete tools and methodologies for developing sustainable strategies and securing supplies of critical resources.
After defining the concept of resource criticality (minerals, metals, transformed materials, etc.), considering relevant geographical scales, the program will cover key topics such as:
• Global Geopolitics
• Material flow analysis
• Usage analysis and demand assessment
• Eco-design
• Technical and business model innovation
• Circular economy
• Recovery and recycling strategies
• Life cycle analysis
These systemic analyses will also incorporate geopolitical considerations, industrial strategies, risk assessments, and long-term supply chain security across different value chain stages. Additionally, the program will cover financial aspects, particularly decision-making in uncertain business and technical environments, as well as legal and regulatory frameworks.
A programme at the heart of industrial issues
Anchored in the professional world, this programme benefits from the involvement of 7 major partner companies: Michelin, Orano, Vinci, Ernst & Young, Ashurst, Vicat and Demeter. Nearly half of the courses will be taught by experts from these organisations, guaranteeing an applied approach that can be directly transposed to industrial issues.
In addition to theoretical lessons, participants will work on practical cases in collaboration with professionals from the sector. In this way, they will develop supply strategies adapted to economic and geopolitical realities, on different geographical scales (countries, regions, territories).
A diverse and international audience
Delivered in English over a one-year part-time period (classes will be held from Wednesday afternoon to Saturday lunchtime), the Critical Materials Executive Master is aimed at managers and experts in corporate strategy, industrial operations, innovation, environment, sustainability, procurement, supply chain, international business, finance, and CSR from industrial companies and financial organizations.
The program is also open to recent graduates pursuing further studies, including engineers, political science students, and business school graduates.
A launch as part of a process of exchange and reflection
The launch of the applications in April 2025 will be accompanied by a round table co-conceived by Louis-François Durret (programme director), in partnership with Leonard (VINCI), during the Building Beyond festival on 13 May 2025 from 9.30 am. This event will bring together experts and key players to discuss the issues surrounding critical materials and their sustainable management.
► Find out more about the Executive Master