Educators, business leaders and policymakers gathered at King's Business School to explore how business education can evolve to meet the challenges of technological change, economic uncertainty and growing social expectations.
The I-LEAD Conference brought together educators, researchers, industry leaders and students to explore the future of business, management and economics education.
The conference featured presentations, interactive workshops and panel discussions examining some of the most pressing questions facing higher education today, from artificial intelligence and digital literacy to student belonging, experiential learning and the changing expectations of employers.
Throughout the day, delegates explored how business education can continue to evolve in response to technological change, shifting student needs and an increasingly complex global environment. Conference sessions covered topics including human-centred approaches to AI, partnership pedagogies, future-facing learning ecosystems, authentic assessment and inclusive curriculum design.
The conference concluded with a plenary panel discussion, Rethinking Relevance: Does Business Education Still Matter?, chaired by Benjamin Stevenin, former Director of Business School Solutions & Partnerships at Times Higher Education. Panellists included Selda Ziya, EdTech consultant; Professor Patrick McGurk, Professor of Social Change Management Practice at Queen Mary University of London; Urmi Dutta-Roy, CFO of The Folio Society; and Elaine Arden, former Chief Human Resources Officer at HSBC.
The discussion focused on how business schools can prepare students for an increasingly uncertain future. While panellists agreed that business education remains highly relevant, they argued that institutions must continue to adapt.
Professor Patrick McGurk emphasised the enduring importance of management and leadership skills across all sectors.
Business students and management students will always be needed. Management, organisation and leadership skills are needed in the private sector, in the public sector and in non-profit organisations. Problem solving, planning, organising and leading people will always matter.
Professor Patrick McGurk, Professor of Social Change Management Practice, Queen Mary University London
A recurring theme throughout the panel was the need to move beyond knowledge transfer and place greater emphasis on critical thinking, judgement and adaptability. Speakers suggested that while information is more accessible than ever, future graduates must be prepared to navigate ambiguity, collaborate across disciplines and respond to complex societal challenges.
Highlighting the importance of widening access to opportunity, Selda Ziya pointed to the disconnect between educational achievement and employment outcomes in Tower Hamlets.
"Talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn't," she said, calling for stronger links between education, local communities and employers to help young people access not only jobs, but pathways into leadership.
Tower Hamlets, I don't know if you're familiar with it, but it's an area of stark contrast. We have the highest rate of child poverty in the country and we also have some of the best schools in the country. We have Canary Wharf sitting within Tower Hamlets, however it may surprise you that only 14% of the local population actually works in Canary Wharf. So there's a disconnect there. Talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn't.
Selda Ziya, EdTech consultant
Panellists also explored how business schools can create stronger pathways between education and employment through partnerships, practical experience and experiential learning opportunities.
The conversation concluded with a call for business education to become increasingly interdisciplinary, inclusive and connected to real-world challenges. As institutions respond to rapid technological change and evolving workplace expectations, speakers agreed that business schools have an important role to play in developing responsible, adaptable and globally minded leaders.
The conference closed with a poster reception and networking event, providing delegates with an opportunity to continue the conversations and explore innovative teaching and learning projects from across the sector.
