Business education must innovate to stay relevant

The world has always looked to leaders to navigate times of change. Yet, as we enter the second quarter of 2025, the challenges confronting the leaders of today have reached a scale and complexity that feels unprecedented.

In its recently released “Global Risks Report 2025,” the World Economic Forum revealed a world fractured across geopolitical, environmental, societal, economic and technological fronts. Over the past year, conflicts have escalated, extreme weather events have intensified and society has become more polarized. According to the report, 52 percent of respondents anticipate an unsettled global outlook over the next two years, with an even bleaker long-term forecast.

There is a widening gap between the risks we face and the capacity of institutions — governments, businesses, nongovernmental organizations and academia — to respond effectively. This gap demands leaders who can unite people around shared goals, navigate complexity and drive solutions that work for the many, not just for the few.

We must equip leaders with the right tools and learning experiences to navigate the fast-changing environment

Sergei Guriev

The UAE is committed to being a global leader in economic diversification and innovation. The “D33” agenda includes the launch of innovative projects designed to drive sustainable economic growth and double gross domestic product by 2033. According to the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, the emirate aims to shift toward a knowledge-based economy, placing strong emphasis on leadership education, entrepreneurship and digital transformation. Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan further highlights the need for adaptive leadership capable of driving sustainable growth in an evolving global landscape.

These ambitious plans demand leaders who can bridge divides, navigate uncertainty and drive meaningful solutions. But as the complexities of business evolve, so too must business education. We must equip leaders with the right tools and learning experiences to navigate the fast-changing environment.

Leadership today requires more than just technical expertise or financial acumen. It demands systems thinking, agility and the ability to collaborate across disciplines and borders. Challenges such as climate change, technological disruption and economic instability do not exist in sectoral or geographical silos. Their interconnected nature requires leaders who can think holistically and act decisively.

Research has shown that diverse perspectives lead to better decision-making. When leaders embrace different viewpoints, they unlock innovation that benefits not just their organizations but society at large as well.

New market segments are appearing with the growing demand for flexibility and stackable qualifications

Sergei Guriev

Business schools, as well as being incubators of leadership talent, must create an environment where students learn not only from academics, but also from each other, from different experiences, industries and cultures. This is important at the organizational level and not just the individual level — for example, in the LBS Corporate 100, which brings 100 different organizations, industries and cultures together in a pre-competitive environment to discuss and tackle some of the world’s biggest interconnected challenges.

This is a new era for business education. The next generation of leaders is looking for more flexibility, real-world immersion and more focus on continuous learning, rather than a one-time educational experience. Demand for multiyear degrees is still strong, but new market segments are also appearing with the growing demand for flexibility and stackable qualifications. And our students want and need curricula based on real-world challenges that align with the fast-changing needs of the modern workforce.

In the UAE, universities and institutions such as the Dubai Future Foundation are integrating artificial intelligence, sustainability and digital leadership into their curricula. Dubai’s “One Million Arab Coders” initiative demonstrates the growing demand for upskilling programs that prepare professionals for a digitally driven economy.

Forward-thinking institutions are reimagining how they teach business. Accelerated programs are providing experienced professionals with specialized knowledge. Online platforms are widening participation in leadership training, enabling professionals to improve their skills wherever they are in the world. Executive education is shifting toward blended learning models, allowing professionals to integrate study with their careers.

The World Economic Forum estimates that, by the end of this year, 50 percent of all employees will require retraining, with critical thinking, leadership and problem-solving among the most sought-after skills. AI and automation are transforming industries and leaders must continuously evolve alongside these changes. This makes lifelong learning not just an advantage but a necessity.

The UAE supports lifelong learning through initiatives such as the National Strategy for Higher Education 2030, which equips future leaders with adaptable skills for a rapidly changing global economy, and Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority’s programs, which promote executive education. The Abu Dhabi School of Government and Dubai’s Future Academy provide ongoing leadership and innovation training, ensuring professionals stay ahead in a fast-evolving landscape.

Digital platforms are making high-quality learning more accessible than ever. Business schools are also playing their part. World-class research initiatives are translating cutting-edge academic insights into practical strategies. AI, human-machine collaboration and ethical decision-making are being integrated into business curricula. And a culture of continuous, lifelong learning is being fostered.

The coming decades will challenge leaders in ways we cannot yet predict. What remains certain, however, is that leadership is about more than just solving problems — it is about uniting people, inspiring progress and shaping a better future.

Business education has an important role to play in bringing together leaders from across the world and translating research into innovative, practical strategies for tackling the biggest questions facing business and the world.

• Sergei Guriev is Dean of London Business School.