Business schools adapt curricula to AI’s rapid advancements

Business schools are rapidly adapting to the artificial intelligence revolution by transforming their curricula and teaching approaches. Nearly 80 percent of institutions have now incorporated AI into their programs, according to the Graduate Management Admission Council. Rather than focusing on technical coding skills, these schools are prioritizing the development of “strategically fluent leaders” who can navigate AI’s implications across business functions. This shift reflects a growing recognition that tomorrow’s executives need to understand AI’s capabilities and limitations to make responsible decisions in an increasingly automated business landscape.

The big picture: Business schools are embracing diverse approaches to AI education that extend far beyond technical training to include ethical frameworks, creative applications, and human-centered implementation strategies.

• Institutions like Essec Business School focus on demystifying AI’s “black box” to help executives make informed, responsible decisions rather than blindly delegating to machines.
• Trinity Business School combines digital fluency with human-centered approaches to help leaders foster the cultural changes necessary for successful AI integration.
• ESCP Business School has partnered directly with OpenAI to embed generative tools throughout their learning environments.

Key implementation strategies: Schools are developing specialized programs that address different aspects of AI leadership, from technical understanding to creative applications.

• Imperial Business School requires all staff to complete an AI for Business Innovation program, demonstrating institutional commitment to AI literacy.
• Insead offers courses specifically addressing AI ethics and EU AI regulations, teaching leaders to use artificial intelligence to “think with many minds.”
• Audencia has developed profession-specific AI application courses, recognizing that different business functions require tailored approaches to AI implementation.

Real-world impact: Executives report that understanding AI’s strategic implications has tangible benefits for their organizations.

• An ON Semiconductor executive highlighted how AI knowledge has directly influenced product development processes within their company.
• Understanding data sets and training algorithms proves crucial for strategic implementation rather than just theoretical knowledge.

Creative approaches: Some business schools are exploring unconventional methods to help executives develop AI-related thinking skills.

• ESCP Business School uses the intersection of AI and art to break rigid thinking patterns that can inhibit innovation.
• Several programs encourage students to use AI tools for productivity and reflection, integrating the technology into the learning process itself.
• Iese employs AI-powered negotiation platforms to help executives refine their emotional intelligence in parallel with technical understanding.

Why this matters: As AI becomes central to business strategy across industries, executive education must evolve to help leaders understand both its promises and pitfalls, ensuring technology serves business goals rather than dictating them.