Technology and geopolitics are reshaping business and business higher education as we speak.

The World Economic Forum forecasts that AI and automation will replace 85 million jobs while creating 97 million new ones by 2025, which highlights a strong need for reskilling. On another front, digitalization is significantly boosting productivity, with firms experiencing a 20-30% performance increase. Meanwhile, geopolitical factors like the U.S.-China trade tensions are impacting global supply chains, driving businesses to adapt.

DEANS AT FOREFRONT OF CHANGE

Early next month, more than 700 business school deans from across the globe will have a golden opportunity to collaborate and discuss the future of business education at the AACSB International’s annual Deans Conference in Las Vegas.

“The conference is a call to action for business schools to lead boldly in a world defined by disruption,” says AACSB President and CEO, Lily Bi. “As AI and geopolitical shifts reshape industries and societies, business education must evolve to prepare leaders who can navigate uncertainty and drive innovation. Together, we will chart a path forward for a future defined by resilience and innovation.”

FOUR KEY TOPICS

Five years ago, the AACSB International Deans Conference centered on themes like the rapid changes in business education, faculty issues, enrollment growth, time management for deans, and financial challenges facing business schools.

Next month, their discussions will look a bit different. They’ll hone in on four key topics: the impact of disruptive technologies, how global power dynamics shape higher education, rethinking the role of businesses in societal wellbeing, and spotting trends that will define the future of work.

Keynote speakers include James Rhee, Johnson Chair of Entrepreneurship at Howard University and Ethan Mollick, Professor of Entrepreneurship at The Wharton School.

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