Faire éclore la diversité dans le Supérieur : questionnements épistémologiques, défis organisationnels et enjeux pédagogiques

In this evidence-based paper, we draw up a panorama of innovative initiatives and programs developed in Grandes Ecoles to address the ethic, strategic and organizational challenges of equity in French Higher Education System. Thus, we investigate several policies of social openness implemented. We focus on the Cordées de la réussite, programs developed to empower high-potential students from disadvantage areas and to increase the diversity of talentsin students' sociology. In this framework, the ESCP Europe's Talent Springs program is mentioned as an inspiring initiative. Thus, we move to pedagogy, investigating training initiatives focused on diversity, gender and intercultural issues. Addressing students as well as professors and teachers, an innovative approach initiated by ICN Business School, aimed at integrating the gender topics in teaching practices, is examined. Taking as an example the proactive CSR policy put in place by EM Strasbourg and Audencia Nantes, we plead in favor of the implementation of transformative diversity policies within Higher Schools for students and staff. Consequently, we advocate the development of action-researches rooted in a reflexive approach and mobilizing a fructuous process of triangulation. We consider, as an innovative experimentation, a recent initiative led by Mines Albi, an Engineering School, managing to articulate inclusive practices (social openness of the High School), teaching activities in relation with diversity topics (for all the students), dissemination and sharing of knowledge (to a large public) and the implementation of research programs, in synergy with firms and territory's stakeholders.