About AI Leaders

About

In this era of profound digital transformation, it’s important to remember that business, as well as government, has a role to play in creating shared prosperity — not just prosperity. After all, the same technologies that can be used to concentrate wealth and power can also be used to distribute it more widely and empower more people.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is more than a technological trend; it's a pivotal force shaping the future of economic development and social progress. As a set of technologies that combine data, algorithms, and computing power, AI has the capability to transform industries, solve complex problems, and improve quality of life. Given its strategic importance, the European Digital Strategy has rightly identified the need for "ethical, secure, and cutting-edge AI made in Europe." Universities have a unique role to play in this landscape. They can be the crucibles where ethical AI is not just studied but also shaped, ensuring that the next generation of business leaders are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of an AI-driven world.

The Skills Mismatch and the Need for Change

Universities have been successful in attracting a larger student body, however, they have lagged in adapting to the evolving needs of the business world, especially concerning AI. Employers increasingly seek business graduates proficient not just in traditional business practices but also in AI and its ethical considerations.

AI education within business management programmes is often limited to data analytics, overlooking the ethical, social, and legal implications of AI in business practices.

Our AI Leader project will better meet the learning needs of students and reduce the skills mismatches by collaborating with professionals including AI experts, software developers, as well as educators who are keenly aware of the needs of their students.

Our project has a clear and ambitious goal: to integrate the teaching of AI, its real-world business applications, and the emerging ethical issues into business and management faculties in higher education institutions. We aim to utilise innovative pedagogical approaches to equip current and future generations of business students with the knowledge and skills to harness AI for goals that further European economic growth, without compromising our values or trust.

In order to reach our goals we will create the following educational resources:

Responsible AI Case Studies & Introductory Toolkit, aimed at educators in business and management faculties, providing foundational knowledge on AI, its real-world business applications, and emerging ethical issues.

AI OERs (Open Educational Resources) for Business Management: A set of flexible open education resources based on real-world case studies that lecturers can use to teach and implement AI-based assignments in their programmes.

AI in Business Management Hackathons: An interdisciplinary approach to teaching ethical considerations in AI and business to students, which will be systematised in a guide for other institutions to replicate.