Source:

• Sage

• Sage

Source:

• Reuters, Published on February 10th, 2025.

• Reuters

Source:

• EFMD Global, Published on January 30th, 2025.

We spoke to education experts from around the world to find out. From Germany’s Frankfurt School of Finance & Management and Nottingham Business School in the UK to India’s IIM Indore and Italy’s POLIMI Graduate School of Management, here’s what 21 experts actually said…

Sara Ciabattoni, Senior Program Coordinator at OPIT – Open Institute of Technology:

1. Master Digital Skills: In today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, it’s essential to master a range of digital tools and platforms. Students should focus not only on developing technical expertise but also on leveraging technology to improve their problem-solving capabilities and drive innovation. 
2. Focus on Lifelong Learning: The future of work is evolving, bringing challenges but even greater opportunities. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report predicts that while some roles will be displaced by technology, even more “jobs of tomorrow” will emerge, underscoring the need to focus on growth rather than disruption. As OPIT Rector Francesco Profumo envisions, education should adopt a circular learning model, much like the circular economy, shifting from a one-time, cradle-to-grave approach to a lifelong cycle of continuous learning. This ensures we stay adaptable and ready for the opportunities of a rapidly changing world. 
3. Develop Soft Skills: While technical expertise is crucial, employers increasingly prioritise communication, leadership, and collaboration. Cultivating these soft skills alongside academic knowledge will equip students to thrive in the complex, interconnected workplaces of the future. 
4. Practice Critical Thinking: In an era where information is abundant but not always accurate, students must develop strong critical thinking skills. The ability to evaluate sources, question assumptions, and synthesise new ideas will be essential in making informed decisions. 

By prioritising these areas, students can better equip themselves to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities of their academic and professional futures.

Read the full article below:

• EFMD Global

Source:

• Sheerluxe, Published on January 29th, 2025.

What’s the most important thing business leaders or entrepreneurs need to be aware of?

“Leaders need to accept and understand what AI technology can do. I have lived through the internet boom and the initial AI comeback a decade ago in the form of machine learning. Both of these were waves of change in the IT industry that affected every aspect of our society and our lives. But I’ve never seen such a high speed of adoption as with generative AI. Even though the technology is young and not perfect, it is obvious that it fills a real need for most of us, individuals as well as businesses. Therefore, leaders must educate themselves in AI to learn the truth about its capabilities and risks. Use AI to solve a problem; do not invent a clever solution to a problem no one has. Be aware of the new risks that generative AI introduces, like hallucinations and toxicity, and allow use of AI accordingly for your own customers.” – Zorina Alliata, professor of responsible artificial intelligence, digital business & innovation at OPIT

Which industries do you predict will be most disrupted by AI in the next couple of years?

“The financial industry is always one of the first to adopt new technologies. Financial companies are already using generative AI for document processing, risk assessment, fraud prevention and algorithmic trading. Because of increased computing power, we also see AI growth in healthcare and life sciences for drug discovery and enhanced diagnostic procedures. Retail, education, logistics are also adopting AI at a high pace. Which industries will remain unaffected? None, really. Even in high-touch human professions like nursing, therapy, parenting, AI is a tool that can help. While not replacing the job entirely, the industry will change because the AI tools are changing the way the job is done.” – Zorina 

Are there any new business models emerging due to AI advancements?

“I think we will see more AI-as-a-service (AIaaS) offerings, where AI tools are built on top of large language models and offer specific capabilities. This is an area where there is a lot of innovation, and I’m excited to see this develop further. I already use AIaaS on a daily basis for better writing, research, creating videos and presentations, and code debugging.” – Zorina 

What are the biggest challenges for small businesses and start-ups in adopting AI technologies?

“A big risk is too much enthusiasm and optimism. Generative AI has been adopted at a great speed. When you first try it, it is amazing. It can write a whole paper in seconds. It can explain complex diagrams and concepts. It feels like the trusted assistant you always needed, but it’s important to remember that AI comes with risks. It’s one thing to write an AI service that recommends what movie you should watch next, and another thing to write an AI service that reads your X-ray and diagnoses if you have a tumour. These two applications of AI have very different risk thresholds. You need to plan your AI service or product to be appropriate for use and to minimise the risk for your customer. I’ve also seen start-ups that tried out an idea and are now planning to build a product out of it, without any understanding of what it takes to run AI services at scale. Having best practices implemented, a good operational foundation, governance and a clear operational model are all requisites for running any production systems, especially something as risky and fraught with unknowns as AI products are.” – Zorina 

Which ethical considerations should entrepreneurs keep in mind when integrating AI into their businesses?

“Some considerations when creating your risk strategy for AI include data privacy and security (ensuring responsible collection and use of customer data); transparency (being clear about how AI is used in products or services); fairness and bias (addressing potential biases in AI algorithms); job displacement (considering the impact on employees and planning for transitions); accountability (establishing clear responsibility for AI-driven decisions); and environmental impact (considering the energy consumption of AI systems).” – Zorina

How is AI changing customer expectations?

“Customer expectations have gone up significantly since generative AI enabled better interactions. Customers expect omni-channel communications, immediate responses, and predictive service. For those companies that still have fragmented data in several platforms and lack a cohesive customer journey, the learning curve will be steeper. The good news is, there are a lot of innovations in this area.” – Zorina 

What skills do you think entrepreneurs will need to succeed in an AI-dominated business world?

“Some skills that would be useful include:

• AI literacy: understanding the basics of AI, machine learning and data science.
• Data analysis & interpretation: ability to work with and derive insights from large datasets.
• Strategic thinking: identifying where AI can add value to business processes and products.
• Ethical decision-making: navigating the ethical implications of AI implementation.
• Adaptability & continuous learning: keeping up with rapidly evolving AI technologies.
• Human-AI collaboration: effectively working alongside AI systems.
• Soft skills: creativity, critical thinking, emotional intelligence and leadership will become even more valuable as AI handles more routine tasks.

As a leader, you are not required to write code or figure out the best way to deploy your model, but a high-level understanding of what AI can do will help you have meaningful conversations with your technical team and create AI products that are truly useful.” – Zorina

Finally, how will AI impact the workforce this year?

“There are several studies on this, such as the one the World Economic Forum (WEF) released this month about the status of work and the future of jobs. Some of the highlights are that AI and other technologies will continue to broaden digital access, with a first effect on increased demand for AI and data skills. The number of technology-related roles is the fastest growing, but frontline roles like farmworkers, delivery drivers and construction workers are predicted to see the largest growth. AI has evolved quickly to create images and videos, threatening the jobs of designers and movie producers. It was not what we would have predicted a few years ago. AI has a way of growing in unexpected ways, as we discover new paths of research and innovate ways to use it. I personally think it is hard to predict exactly where AI will go, and what will be the result of automating all routine tasks and behaving closer to humans. One thing we can be sure of is that people who understand AI and know how to use it will benefit from whatever new challenges are coming our way.” – Zorina

Read the full article below:

• Sheerluxe

Source:

• People & Change 360, Published on January 20th, 2025.

Today, organizations are facing increasing pressure to achieve immediate results, often at the expense of a long-term vision. The ongoing economic uncertainty, fueled by stress, anxiety, global conflicts and technological evolution, seems to push many companies to focus only on short-term profits. However, a concept that could radically change the perspective on business is emerging with force: corporate purpose. Fuelling this debate, more and more professionals and experts who see in the definition of a purpose not only an ethical value, but a real strategic lever to improve corporate competitiveness.

Public debate about a company’s ultimate purpose increased fivefold between 1995 and 2016. Recent research finds that corporate purpose is no longer just a statement of intent, but a guiding principle that can shape operations, define corporate culture, and even positively impact bottom lines.

Historically, companies have always had a clear “reason for being,” often recognized and granted by governments. Their existence was not limited to immediate profit, but responded to a social mandate: to generate value for the community. This concept, which has its roots in the industrial revolution and even in the Roman Empire, has been lost over time, replaced by the logic of maximizing short-term profit.

Why Corporate Purpose Matters More Than Ever

Some experts, however, believe that the time has come to return to a model that places purpose at the center of corporate strategy, without sacrificing profitability. This does not mean denying the need for economic results, but reorienting the company towards a broader objective, which integrates ethics and sustainability. The challenge, therefore, is to find a virtuous model that allows companies to reconcile profits and social responsibility.

Purpose as a strategic lever for business success

Several studies converge on similar data: companies that act consistently with a clear objective outperform the market by 42%. On the contrary, the simple definition of a purpose, without a real integration into daily practices, does not lead to significant results. Finally, companies without a purpose show a lower performance of 42%.

In terms of valuation, over a 12-year period, companies driven by a clear purpose have seen a 175% increase in brand value, compared to an average growth rate of 86% ( source: BCG BrightHouse). This trend is also reflected in consumer behavior: 88% prefer to buy products from companies driven by a clear purpose rather than from companies without a clear direction.

Read the full article below:

• People & Change 360

Source:

• The Yuan, Published on October 25th, 2024.

By Zorina Alliata

ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA – In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has grown and developed into something much bigger than most people could have ever expected. Jokes about robots living among humans no longer seem so harmless, and the average person began to develop a new awareness of AI and all its uses. Unfortunately, however – as is often a human tendency – people became hyper-fixated on the negative aspects of AI, often forgetting about all the good it can do. One should therefore take a step back and remember that humanity is still only in the very early stages of developing real intelligence outside of the human brain, and so at this point AI is almost like a small child that humans are raising.

AI is still developing, growing, and adapting, and like any new tech it has its drawbacks. At one point, people had fears and doubts about electricity, calculators, and mobile phones – but now these have become ubiquitous aspects of everyday life, and it is not difficult to imagine a future in which this is the case for AI as well.

The development of AI certainly comes with relevant and real concerns that must be addressed – such as its controversial role in education, the potential job losses it might lead to, and its bias and inaccuracies. For every fear, however, there is also a ray of hope, and that is largely thanks to people and their ingenuity.

Looking at education, many educators around the world are worried about recent developments in AI. The frequently discussed ChatGPT – which is now on its fourth version – is a major red flag for many, causing concerns around plagiarism and creating fears that it will lead to the end of writing as people know it. This is one of the main factors that has increased the pessimistic reporting about AI that one so often sees in the media.

However, when one actually considers ChatGPT in its current state, it is safe to say that these fears are probably overblown. Can ChatGPT really replace the human mind, which is capable of so much that AI cannot replicate? As for educators, instead of assuming that all their students will want to cheat, they should instead consider the options for taking advantage of new tech to enhance the learning experience. Most people now know the tell-tale signs for identifying something that ChatGPT has written. Excessive use of numbered lists, repetitive language and poor comparison skills are just three ways to tell if a piece of writing is legitimate or if a bot is behind it. This author personally encourages the use of AI in the classes I teach. This is because it is better for students to understand what AI can do and how to use it as a tool in their learning instead of avoiding and fearing it, or being discouraged from using it no matter the circumstances.

Educators should therefore reframe the idea of ChatGPT in their minds, have open discussions with students about its uses, and help them understand that it is actually just another tool to help them learn more efficiently – and not a replacement for their own thoughts and words. Such frank discussions help students develop their critical thinking skills and start understanding their own influence on ChatGPT and other AI-powered tools.

By developing one’s understanding of AI’s actual capabilities, one can begin to understand its uses in everyday life. Some would have people believe that this means countless jobs will inevitably become obsolete, but that is not entirely true. Even if AI does replace some jobs, it will still need industry experts to guide it, meaning that entirely new jobs are being created at the same time as some older jobs are disappearing.

Adapting to AI is a new challenge for most industries, and it is certainly daunting at times. The reality, however, is that AI is not here to steal people’s jobs. If anything, it will change the nature of some jobs and may even improve them by making human workers more efficient and productive. If AI is to be a truly useful tool, it will still need humans. One should remember that humans working alongside AI and using it as a tool is key, because in most cases AI cannot do the job of a person by itself.

Is AI biased?

Why should one view AI as a tool and not a replacement? The main reason is because AI itself is still learning, and AI-powered tools such as ChatGPT do not understand bias. As a result, whenever ChatGPT is asked a question it will pull information from anywhere, and so it can easily repeat old biases. AI is learning from previous data, much of which is biased or out of date. Data about home ownership and mortgages, e.g., are often biased because non-white people in the United States could not get a mortgage until after the 1960s. The effect on data due to this lending discrimination is only now being fully understood.

AI is certainly biased at times, but that stems from human bias. Again, this just reinforces the need for humans to be in control of AI. AI is like a young child in that it is still absorbing what is happening around it. People must therefore not fear it, but instead guide it in the right direction.

For AI to be used as a tool, it must be treated as such. If one wanted to build a house, one would not expect one’s tools to be able to do the job alone – and AI must be viewed through a similar lens. By acknowledging this aspect of AI and taking control of humans’ role in its development, the world would be better placed to reap the benefits and quash the fears associated with AI. One should therefore not assume that all the doom and gloom one reads about AI is exactly as it seems. Instead, people should try experimenting with it and learning from it, and maybe soon they will realize that it was the best thing that could have happened to humanity.

Read the full article below:

• The Yuan

Source:

• The European Business Review, Published on October 27th, 2024.

By Lokesh Vij

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, the fields of blockchain and cloud computing are transforming industries, from finance to healthcare, and creating new opportunities for innovation. Integrating these technologies into education is not merely a trend but a necessity to equip students with the skills they need to thrive in the future workforce. Though both technologies are independently powerful, their potential for innovation and disruption is amplified when combined. This article explores the pressing questions surrounding the inclusion of blockchain and cloud computing in education, providing a comprehensive overview of their significance, benefits, and challenges.

The Technological Edge and Future Outlook

Cloud computing has revolutionized how businesses and individuals’ access and manage data and applications. Benefits like scalability, cost efficiency (including eliminating capital expenditure – CapEx), rapid innovation, and experimentation enable businesses to develop and deploy new applications and services quickly without the constraints of traditional on-premises infrastructure – thanks to managed services where cloud providers manage the operating system, runtime, and middleware, allowing businesses to focus on development and innovation. According to Statista, the cloud computing market is projected to reach a significant size of Euro 250 billion or even higher by 2028 (from Euro 110 billion in 2024), with a substantial Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 22.78%. The widespread adoption of cloud computing by businesses of all sizes, coupled with the increasing demand for cloud-based services and applications, fuels the need for cloud computing professionals.

Blockchain, a distributed ledger technology, has paved the way by providing a secure, transparent, and tamper-proof way to record transactions (highly resistant to hacking and fraud). In 2021, European blockchain startups raised $1.5 billion in funding, indicating strong interest and growth potential. Reports suggest the European blockchain market could reach $39 billion by 2026, with a significant CAGR of over 47%. This growth is fueled by increasing adoption in sectors like finance, supply chain, and healthcare.

Addressing the Skills Gap

Reports from the World Economic Forum indicate that 85 million jobs may be displaced by a shift in the division of labor between humans and machines by 2025. However, 97 million new roles may emerge that are more adapted to the new division of labor between humans, machines, and algorithms, many of which will require proficiency in cloud computing and blockchain.

Furthermore, the World Economic Forum predicts that by 2027, 10% of the global GDP will be tokenized and stored on the blockchain. This massive shift means a surge in demand for blockchain professionals across various industries. Consider the implications of 10% of the global GDP being on the blockchain: it translates to a massive need for people who can build, secure, and manage these systems. We’re talking about potentially millions of jobs worldwide.

The European Blockchain Services Infrastructure (EBSI), an EU initiative, aims to deploy cross-border blockchain services across Europe, focusing on areas like digital identity, trusted data sharing, and diploma management. The EU’s MiCA (Crypto-Asset Regulation) regulation, expected to be fully implemented by 2025, will provide a clear legal framework for crypto-assets, fostering innovation and investment in the blockchain space. The projected growth and supportive regulatory environment point to a rising demand for blockchain professionals in Europe. Developing skills related to EBSI and its applications could be highly advantageous, given its potential impact on public sector blockchain adoption. Understanding the MiCA regulation will be crucial for blockchain roles related to crypto-assets and decentralized finance (DeFi).

Furthermore, European businesses are rapidly adopting digital technologies, with cloud computing as a core component of this transformation. GDPR (Data Protection Regulations) and other data protection laws push businesses to adopt secure and compliant cloud solutions. Many European countries invest heavily in cloud infrastructure and promote cloud adoption across various sectors. Artificial intelligence and machine learning will be deeply integrated into cloud platforms, enabling smarter automation, advanced analytics, and more efficient operations. This allows developers to focus on building applications without managing servers, leading to faster development cycles and increased scalability. Processing data closer to the source (like on devices or local servers) will become crucial for applications requiring real-time responses, such as IoT and autonomous vehicles.

The projected growth indicates a strong and continuous demand for blockchain and cloud professionals in Europe and worldwide. As we stand at the “crossroads of infinity,” there is a significant skill shortage, which will likely increase with the rapid adoption of these technologies. A 2023 study by SoftwareOne found that 95% of businesses globally face a cloud skills gap. Specific skills in high demand include cloud security, cloud-native development, and expertise in leading cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. The European Commission’s Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) highlights a need for improved digital skills in areas like blockchain to support the EU’s digital transformation goals. A 2023 report by CasperLabs found that 90% of businesses in the US, UK, and China adopt blockchain, but knowledge gaps and interoperability challenges persist.

The Role of Educational Institutions

This surge in demand necessitates a corresponding increase in qualified individuals who can design, implement, and manage cloud-based and blockchain solutions. Educational institutions have a critical role to play in bridging this widening skills gap and ensuring a pipeline of talent ready to meet the demands of this burgeoning industry.

To effectively prepare the next generation of cloud computing and blockchain experts, educational institutions need to adopt a multi-pronged approach. This includes enhancing curricula with specialized programs, integrating cloud and blockchain concepts into existing courses, and providing hands-on experience with leading technology platforms.

Furthermore, investing in faculty development to ensure they possess up-to-date knowledge and expertise is crucial. Collaboration with industry partners through internships, co-teach programs, joint research projects, and mentorship programs can provide students with invaluable real-world experience and insights.

Beyond formal education, fostering a culture of lifelong learning is essential. Offering continuing education courses, boot camps, and online resources enables professionals to upskill or reskill and stay abreast of the latest advancements in cloud computing. Actively promoting awareness of career paths and opportunities in this field and facilitating connections with potential employers can empower students to thrive in the dynamic and evolving landscape of cloud computing and blockchain technologies.

By taking these steps, educational institutions can effectively prepare the young generation to fill the skills gap and thrive in the rapidly evolving world of cloud computing and blockchain.

Read the full article below:

• The European Business Review

Source:

• Il Sole 24 Ore, Published on October 28th, 2024.

By Redazione Scuola

The data emerges from a survey carried out on LinkedIn by OPIT – Open Institute of Technology on the occasion of the start of the new academic year of the institution led by Francesco Profumo

Artificial Intelligence must become a subject of study starting from High School, given that this expertise is increasingly requested in job advertisements. This is the opinion of the LinkedIn community, consulted by OPIT – Open Institute of Technology, an academic institution accredited in the EU, led by Professor Francesco Profumo, former Minister of Education and Rector, and by Riccardo Ocleppo, founder and director. 66% of those who frequent the famous social network believe it is essential to introduce the teaching of Artificial Intelligence already in High School. Additionally, 72% noted an increase in mentions of AI in job ads, while 48% said the use of AI was considered an essential requirement by the companies where they applied for jobs. 38% use Artificial Intelligence mainly for writing texts, a further 38% for specific analysis and research, while 23% use it for translations.

OPIT

Open Institute of Technology carried out the survey on a sample of its followers (to date there are around 8,000 followers worldwide). The survey was launched on the occasion of the start of the new academic year of OPIT (October 2024) and involved professionals, students and technology enthusiasts, offering a significant insight into the perceptions and current trends regarding the use and teaching of Artificial Intelligence. The evidence from the survey highlights an increasingly widespread propensity towards a future in which Artificial Intelligence plays a crucial role. It is no longer a distant concept, but a reality that is already manifesting itself in daily work dynamics. Companies and professionals are rapidly adapting their strategies and skills to remain competitive in an ever-changing market, where the use of AI has become a fundamental element.

“Opportunities to innovate and improve professional development”

“The growing awareness of the importance of Artificial Intelligence in the workplace suggests that professionals are actively integrating these skills into their daily practices. This change offers opportunities to innovate and improve professional development” – explained Riccardo Ocleppo. “The technological transition we are experiencing is rapidly transforming the world of work, and AI will be increasingly central to this evolution. Rather than fear it, it is essential to study it, know it and understand its potential. Only through conscious preparation and a proactive approach will we be able to make the most of the opportunities that this technology offers. One of the distinctive elements of OPIT is precisely the integration of the teaching of Artificial Intelligence, in different modalities and with different perspectives, in all programs. This approach provides students with the appropriate tools to successfully face a constantly changing professional context, characterized by the growing demand for updated skills in the digital field”.

Reference academic reality

With two degrees already started in September 2023 – a three-year degree in Modern Computer Science and a Master’s degree in Applied Data Science & AI – and four new degree courses starting in September 2024 (a three-year degree in Digital Business, and the Master’s degrees in Enterprise Cybersecurity, Digital Business & Innovation and Responsible Artificial Intelligence, which brings the overall offer to 6 degrees), today OPIT is an academic institution of reference for those who intend to take up the challenges of a job market increasingly projected towards Artificial Intelligence, technology, digitalisation and information security. And the interest in three-year degrees in Computer Science and Digital Business is such that OPIT has reopened registrations for these courses, offering the possibility of entry from January. Today OPIT has more than 300 students from 78 countries around the world. The highest percentages come from Italy (31%) and Europe (36%) followed, to a lesser extent, by other areas of the world: North America, Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.

Read the full article below (in Italian):

• Il Sole 24 Ore