IBSSC 2026 in Shanghai: Shaping the Future of Business Education Through Collaboration and Innovation

In a significant gathering that united over 200 leaders from the global business education sector, the International Business School Shanghai Conference (IBSSC) 2026 took place at the Xuhui campus of Shanghai Jiao Tong University from October 21 to 23. This 11th iteration of the conference drew participation from deans, scholars, and industry leaders representing more than 30 nations and regions. Launched in 2006, the biennial event has become a vital platform for dialogue on the future of business education, having seen engagement from nearly 700 institutions across 88 countries, and welcoming over 3,000 attendees over the years.

This year, the conference theme was 'The Changing Role of Business Education'. The discussions were timely, focusing on how technological advancements, geopolitical changes, and societal transformations are redefining the field. Keynote speeches from prominent figures in academia included Sarah A. Soule from Stanford Graduate School of Business, Jun Yang from Nanyang Business School, and Xuan Tian from Peking University, among others. These leaders highlighted a crucial point: as artificial intelligence revolutionizes information accessibility, business schools must concentrate on imparting skills that cannot be automated, such as ethical reasoning, human judgment, and cultural awareness.

A landmark achievement of the conference was the initiation of the U21 Business School Network for Societal Impact. Spearheaded by ACEM alongside esteemed institutions including the University of Zurich and the University of Queensland, this alliance aims to promote collaboration across borders in the realms of education, research, and social responsibility. The network signifies a shift from mere dialogue to formal partnerships within the global business education ecosystem, fostering a community dedicated to societal contribution.

Additionally, the conference included roundtable discussions and a symposium on academic publishing, enriching the conversations held throughout the event. A highlight of the proceedings was the CEO Forum, featuring insights from Changwu Zhang and Ning Chen on commercial spaceflight innovations and the role of artificial intelligence in industry.

Fangruo Chen, the Dean of ACEM, emphasized that the challenges facing business education cannot be addressed effectively by isolated institutions. He urged for increased openness and mutual learning among schools to nurture the next generation of leaders equipped to thrive in a volatile world. With an eye towards future collaborations, Chen looks forward to reconvening global peers in Shanghai in 2028, to continue mapping the trajectory of international business education.

The Antai College of Economics and Management at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, which hosted the conference, is recognized as the first business school in mainland China to receive triple accreditation from AMBA, EQUIS, and AACSB. Committed to cultivating global business leaders through cross-disciplinary approaches, ACEM plays a pivotal role in advancing research and international cooperation in business education.

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