Inspire Higher Ed Partners With AACSB, the Roundtable, and GMAC to Release Framework on AI in Business Education
Inspire Higher Ed, in partnership with AACSB International, the Graduate Business Curriculum Roundtable (the Roundtable), and the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), has released a new report, A Framework for Artificial Intelligence in Business Education: Exemplars and Critical Themes for Successful Integration.
Updated in January 2026 fromthe original July 2025 iteration, thereport reflects a shift in business education, as artificial intelligence moves from isolated experimentation to intentional, institutionwide implementation. Drawing on evidence from nearly 50 schools across the AACSB network, the report highlights how schools are integrating AI across curriculum, faculty development, governance, and operations, regardless of geography, size, or resource level.
“Artificial intelligence is no longer on the margins of business education,” said Eileen McAuliffe, executive vice president, chief thought leadership officer and EMEA at AACSB. “Inspire Higher Ed’s update shows that schools are making deliberate, mission-aligned decisions about how AI shapes learning, faculty roles, and ethical responsibility, while maintaining a clear focus on quality and societal impact.”
Key Developments in AI Integration
The January 2026 update identifies several developments that define the current phase of AI adoption in business education:
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Schools have moved from planning to execution, deploying AI broadly across teaching, learning, and operations.
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AI literacy is increasingly treated as a foundational competency for all business graduates rather than a niche elective.
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Institutions are shifting from isolated pilots to coordinated ecosystems supported by governance, platforms, and shared services.
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Deans and senior leaders are playing more visible roles in setting priorities, allocating resources, and managing institutional risk.
8Themes Defining Effective and Responsible Integration
Across participating institutions, eight common themes emerge. Together, they describe what effective and responsible AI integration looks like in practice. These themes include the development of comprehensive AI ecosystems, expanded access to AI education, and the use of discipline-specific applications that enhance career relevance. They also emphasize sustained faculty development, ethical and responsible AI use, and strategic partnerships. Innovation in pedagogy and strong leadership during periods of transformation further distinguish institutions making meaningful progress.
“This work would not be possible without the generosity of the 48 business schools who shared their experiences, challenges, and innovations," said Tawnya Means, co-founder and principal of Inspire Higher Ed. "Their willingness to contribute to this community of practice reflects a shared commitment to advancing business education. By documenting what institutions are actually doing, rather than what they plan to do, we hope to give academic leaders practical evidence they can use to guide their own AI integration journeys.
Jeff Bieganek, executive director, Graduate Business Curriculum Roundtable said, “For several years, our curricular research, member feedback, and industry analysis have been showing the growing interest in and more importantly the strategic importance of AI's role in the curriculum of business school programs. The Graduate Business Curriculum Roundtable is thrilled to support this critically important research, providing an expansive overview of the state of AI within business schools. Amazing work is being done, and this report is an acknowledgement as well as a celebration of this, along with the recognition that we are still in the early stages of our AI journey. We hope it provides a roadmap for schools and their leaders in building AI-ready programs and curricular innovations.”
“GMAC research consistently shows growing importance of AI in graduate management education among prospective students and their future employers,” said Sabrina White, senior vice president, school and industry engagement, at GMAC. “We are thrilled to collaborate with other industry leaders to help graduate business schools better meet these demands with a report that highlights the commonalties behind successful strategic and tactical approaches to AI integration.”
Rather than prescribing a single model for adoption, the framework provides a practical structure that institutions can adapt to their unique contexts. It reinforces AACSB’s role in advancing peer learning, responsible innovation, and continuous improvement across the global business education community.
The update of the framework is available for download by completing a brief request form at:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/w2iVvx5vYK. Additionally, report access can be requested by emailing Tawnya Means at [email protected].