AMBA & BGA GLOBAL CONFERENCE 2025
A deep dive into deep tech innovation On the morning of the conference’s final day, an expert panel considered how business education can help bring deep tech innovation to the world. Moderator and managing director at Business Test Methods Mícheál Collins explained that the years of research required to bring deep tech projects to market mean that “a lot of great science and innovation never enters the world.” Panel members then described how they are exploring untapped opportunities in this arena. “We provide a platform where deep tech scientists meet business angels from among our MBA candidates and graduates. It helps our MBAs understand more about research and the world of science, while also helping scientists understand that they might be looking for MBA CEOs,” stated Ksenia Yuzhaninova-Karadenizli, founding dean at the School of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Almaty Management University. Moreover, when business experts collaborate with STEM professionals, the learning goes both ways. Vidya Iyer, innovation catalyst at Plush Ventures, highlighted where MBAs can offer particular value: “Researchers have cutting-edge technology, but it’s worth nothing if they can’t take it to market.” Porto Business School dean José Esteves then underlined why business students must be exposed to research: “They need to learn more about the creation of markets, rather than just how to do a market plan, because as Steve Jobs said: ‘If you don’t have a market, create one.’” Partnerships with research organisations are one way to bring MBAs closer to breaking research. Adrian Johnson, an adjunct professor at INSEAD, described how the school’s collaboration with Geneva-based particle physics accelerator CERN forms the crux of its deep tech commercialisation programme. “What our students learn is how they can take a deep tech innovation and turn it into a business,” he summarised. Looking ahead to a responsible future Experts from three leading schools discussed the role of history and technology in an institution’s marketing and branding, in a panel session helmed by psLondon managing director Robert Pepper. When discussing their schools’ history, there was common consensus that it’s better to look forwards than backwards. “We’re celebrating our 60th anniversary this year and, while we are using some retrospectives, the tagline is all around the second 60,” disclosed London Business School head of insight Ailsa Claxton. ESMT Berlin’s director of corporate communications, Molly Ihlbrock, then reflected on the importance of showing progression from its origins as a school founded by German industry. “This has been very interesting to us, to move away from just being the business school founded by business, which used to be our tagline.” Vera Huebner, chief marketing officer at Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, subsequently agreed on the importance of showcasing evolution, but also noted the
Business Test Methods MD Mícheál Collins (far left) moderated an exploration of how business schools can unlock the potential of deep tech innovation
Olta Mucaj, Ready Education senior account executive, demonstrated how the company’s platform can help students to feel more connected on campus
quality programmes within the country,” shared Management Development Institute Gurgaon director Arvind Sahay. Helping students to connect & network Ready Education’s Olta Mucaj, senior account executive for the UK & EMEA, looked at the challenges students face when they begin a postgraduate programme at business school or university. Mucaj explained how the company’s research shows that one in five students don’t feel like they are part of the campus community. In addition, some 60 per cent are concerned about missing deadlines on assignments at least once a term, while almost two-thirds (65 per cent) expressed a preference for receiving communications regarding extra-curricular activities. Ready’s all-in-one student and alumni engagement platform helps schools by ensuring a higher student conversion rate for better ROI, peer-to-peer connection, a stronger network and higher employability. It “enables the entire academic journey, from prospective students to third year and beyond”, noted the company executive. Mucaj then referenced some case studies of institutions that have used Ready’s platform; these include London Business School, which opted for a central events diary to grow engagement and Spain’s IE University, which used the technology to create personalised experiences for students, helping them to become lifelong members of the IE community.
Ambition • ISSUE 4 • 2025 23
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