Business schools help to prepare leaders for economies that are interconnected, more digital and facing greater sustainability challenges than ever before. As more partnerships between schools in Europe and India are announced, we can see how the sector continues to answer these challenges. 

With sustained annual growth, one of the world’s largest start-up ecosystems, vast digital infrastructure and even a space programme, India is understandably attractive for European schools seeking partnerships. The India–European Union Free Trade Agreement further strengthens the case for deeper academic and business ties between the two regions. 

For business schools looking to stay globally relevant, partnerships that combine local expertise with an international perspective are becoming increasingly important. 

This is the thinking behind the launch of a new Global Executive MBA developed by Vlerick Business School and IMT Ghaziabad. The two schools have partnered since 2018, and the new programme reflects a deeper commitment to developing leaders equipped for India’s next stage of economic and social transformation. 

Designed specifically for the Indian market, the Executive MBA focuses on two global megatrends shaping leadership agendas everywhere: technology and sustainability. 

“We are convinced that much of the future growth will come from digital transformation and sustainability transformations,” says Professor David Veredas, who leads the programme. 

India is already a global hub for technology and digital innovation, with deep expertise in areas such as software development and artificial intelligence. At the same time, the country is responding to increasingly visible sustainability challenges, including water scarcity, air pollution and extreme heat, by rapidly developing renewable energy solutions. 

These pressures are pushing businesses to rethink how they operate and grow. For leaders, that means developing the ability to navigate both technological change and environmental impact. 

The programme has been designed so that each institution delivers around half of the curriculum. IMT Ghaziabad faculty focus on areas where understanding the Indian business context is especially important, including organisational behaviour, negotiation, marketing and operations. Vlerick faculty, meanwhile, teach subjects with a broader global perspective, such as finance, accounting, strategy and data-driven decision-making. 

The aim is not to export a single model of business education, but to combine perspectives. 

“We see this as a partnership of equals,” says Prof Veredas. “Both institutions bring their strengths, and both learn from the collaboration.” 

The Global Executive MBA is a part-time, internationally focused programme, combining online learning and in-person study in India, Europe and Dubai. This reflects the importance of the Europe–Emirates–India axis, now one of the most significant trading corridors in the world, representing more than €175bn in trade value for India. 

Aimed at professionals with at least five years of work experience, the programme allows participants to continue building their careers while developing new leadership capabilities. They will take part in real-world company challenges, working together to analyse problems, develop solutions and present their ideas directly to company leaders. 

The programme concludes with a capstone project carried out within each participant’s own organisation, allowing them to apply the programme’s insights to a real strategic challenge facing their company. 

“It’s a win-win,” says Prof Veredas. “Companies gain fresh perspectives from their employees, who are being supported by leading academics and industry insiders. And participants gain hands-on experience applying what they’ve learned, raising their profile within their own organisations.”

For additional insights, announcements and perspectives on partnerships, visit the conversation on Business Education.