2027 EFMD Deans Conference

1A — AI as a research tool and its implications for the ecosystem

Moderated by Lakshmi Goel, Dean, AI Akhawayn University in Ifrane, School of Business Administration, MA

1B — When business meets politics: Preparing leaders for a new era
As geopolitical tensions, economic nationalism, and competing political systems reshape the global landscape, the boundaries between business and politics are becoming increasingly blurred. This workshop will explore how these developments are changing business leadership and decision making, and discuss how business schools can prepare future leaders to navigate a world where commercial, societal, and geopolitical considerations are increasingly interconnected.

Moderated by Filipe Santos, Dean, Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, PT

1C — The global alumni pulse: What graduates tell us about the value of business schools
Drawing on new global research to be unveiled in Davos during the World Economic Forum, this workshop will provide a data-driven perspective on how alumni assess the value of their business school experience. Participants will explore insights on career progression, employability, and alumni satisfaction, while discussing how business schools can better engage graduates and use their feedback to shape the future of management education.

• Stefano Caselli, Dean, SDA Bocconi School of Management, IT
• Pia Furchheim, Professor of Marketing, ZHAW School of Management and Law, CH
• Session leader: Reto Steiner, Dean, ZHAW School of Management and Law, CH

Moderated by Mark Alder, Head of Learning ZHAW School of Management and Law, CH

1D — Financial sustainability and the future business model of business schools
Business schools are facing growing financial pressures driven by changing student demand, evolving employer expectations, technological disruption, and increasing competition. This workshop will explore how institutions are adapting their business models through revenue diversification, new partnerships, executive education, philanthropy, and other growth opportunities. Participants will discuss what financial sustainability and strategic resilience look like for business schools in a rapidly changing environment.

• Sherif Kamel, Dean, Onsi Sawiris School of Business, The American University in Cairo (AUC), EG
• Vicky Knight, Dean, Kent Business School @ University of Kent, UK
• Janet Lenaghan, Dean, Frank G. Zarb School of Business @ Hofstra University, US

Moderated by Delphine Manceau, Dean, NEOMA Business School, FR

2A — AI and student learning
Artificial intelligence is transforming how students learn and how educators design learning experiences. This workshop will explore how AI can enhance education through personalised feedback, adaptive learning, simulations, and other innovative teaching approaches, while ensuring that critical thinking, creativity, and other essential human skills remain at the heart of learning. Participants will discuss how business schools can leverage AI to improve learning outcomes and prepare students for a future where human and artificial intelligence increasingly work together.

Moderated by Martin Boehm, Executive Vice President and Global Dean of Undergraduate Programs, Hult International Business School, UK

2B — Values, standards, and internationalisation in an era of geopolitical change
Growing geopolitical tensions and diverging societal priorities are challenging many of the assumptions that have long underpinned international management education. This workshop will explore the future of internationalisation, examining the role of shared standards, institutional values, and global partnerships, and discussing how business schools can navigate an increasingly complex and changing global environment.

Moderated by Peter Møllgaard, President, Copenhagen Business School, DK

2C — The new value proposition: Skills, employability, and employer engagement
As AI reshapes the labour market and prospective students increasingly question the return on investment of a business school degree, institutions must rethink how they create and demonstrate value. This workshop will explore how business schools can strengthen the connection between education, employability, and employer needs through industry partnerships, skills-based learning, and curriculum innovation. Participants will discuss how to better serve both students and employers while preparing graduates for the future of work.

• Laoise Flanagan, Director, Deloitte EMEA, UK
• Jana Herrmann, Global Head of Integrated Workforce Strategies, Roche, CH

Moderated by Hannah Holmes, Deputy FPVC and Dean of Business School, Manchester Metropolitan University Business School, UK

2D — The future of philanthropy: Funding, partnerships, and institutional independence
Philanthropy is becoming an increasingly important source of support for business schools, while expectations from donors, foundations, corporations, and alumni continue to evolve. This workshop will explore emerging models of philanthropy and external partnerships, examining how institutions can build meaningful relationships with supporters while preserving their mission, values, and academic independence. Participants will discuss the opportunities and challenges of securing sustainable funding in a changing environment.

Moderated by Himanshu Rai, Director, Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIMI), IN

3A — Future-proofing business schools in the age of AI
AI is transforming not only what business schools teach, but also how they operate, compete, and create value. This workshop will explore the strategic opportunities and challenges AI presents for management education, from changing learner expectations and workforce needs to new educational models and institutional capabilities. Participants will discuss how business schools can remain relevant, resilient, and impactful in an increasingly AI-driven world.

• Dinesh Kumar, Director In-Charge, Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB), IN
• Leisa Sargent, Dean, The University of Sydney Business School, AU

Moderated by Rupert Sausgruber, Rector, WU Vienna University of Economics and Business, AT

3C — From science to impact: Bridging research, business, and society
Business schools are increasingly expected to demonstrate their impact beyond the classroom and academic journals. This workshop will explore how institutions can transform knowledge into action through research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration with business and society. Participants will discuss how to strengthen the connection between research and practice while creating meaningful impact and public value.

• Zsolt Bedö, Vice Dean for Social Impact, University of Pécs, Faculty of Business and Economics, HU
• Ana Freire, Vice Dean for Social Impact and Academic Innovation, UPF Barcelona School of Management, ES
• Marc Salomon, Dean Amsterdam Business School, University of Amsterdam (UvA), Faculty of Economics and Business, NL

Moderated by François Bonvalet, Director BSIS, EFMD Global

3D – The new social contract of business schools
The expectations placed on business schools are evolving, with institutions increasingly expected to contribute not only to education and research, but also to societal progress, economic development, and responsible leadership. This workshop will explore how business schools can respond to changing stakeholder expectations and examine what a new social contract between business schools and society might look like. Participants will reflect on how institutions can remain relevant, trusted, and impactful in a rapidly changing world.

• Joakim Gullstrand, Dean, LUSEM – Lund University School of Economics and Management, SE
• Stéphanie Lavigne, Dean & Director General, TBS Education, FR
• Keith Willoughby, Dean, Edwards School of Business, University of Saskatchewan, CA

Moderated by Frank Pons, Dean, Université Laval, Faculté des Sciences de l’Administration, CA