The 10th International Business School Shanghai Conference took place at the Antai College of Economics and Management (ACEM), Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), from October 23 to 25. Focusing on the theme “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Business,” the event attracted over 200 deans, scholars, and entrepreneurs from more than 30 countries and regions, fostering a global dialogue on the implications of AI in business education.
Throughout the conference, participants engaged in a variety of formats, including plenary sessions, parallel discussions, round-tables, and entrepreneurial dialogues. The discussions covered an array of pressing topics, such as AI-driven educational innovations, the future development of business schools, and the importance of sustainability and social responsibility in today’s corporate landscape.
CHEN Fangruo, Dean of ACEM, highlighted the college’s dedication to its “Cross-disciplinary Integration and Knowledge in Action” strategy. This initiative aims to foster a deeper integration of industry practices with academic research, particularly as it relates to AI-enabled innovations in business education.
The plenary session featured a distinguished lineup of speakers, including Dr. Erika H. James and Dr. Eric Bradlow from the Wharton School, Dr. Andrea Sironi from Bocconi University, Dr. Jikyeong Kang from the Asian Institute of Management, Dr. Madhav V. Rajan from Chicago Booth, and Academician Dr. E Weinan from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. During their discussions, the deans from Wharton underscored the notion that AI transcends mere technology, representing a transformative force within the realm of business education.
Academician E Weinan suggested that business education should evolve to become a core component of university general education, emphasizing its growing importance in the modern educational framework.
The conference also included an Entrepreneurs’ Dialogue featuring William Li, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of NIO. Drawing from his extensive experience in the automotive industry, Li articulated the vital role of AI across various sectors, including education. He stressed that all industries must not only embrace but also adapt to and lead in the realm of AI.
As part of the event, participating deans visited Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. to enhance academia-industry collaboration. This visit provided them with valuable insights into curriculum design and talent development, ensuring that academic institutions remain aligned with industry needs.
Additionally, the International Advisory Board Meeting 2024 of ACEM was held on October 26, attended by 12 distinguished representatives, including university presidents, deans from leading business schools, and experts in business education. The meeting focused on reviewing the college’s progress and providing strategic guidance for its future direction.
ZHOU Cheng, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of SJTU, reinforced the commitment of both SJTU and ACEM to fostering international collaborations, emphasising the pivotal role of the Advisory Board Meeting in shaping the college’s future trajectory. This conference marks a significant step forward in exploring how AI can revolutionise business education, preparing the next generation of leaders to navigate an increasingly complex global landscape.
