Welcoming the first cohort of the Master in Management - Data Science & AI for Business track

Launching the Master in Management – Data Science & AI for Business Track

The launch of this track marks a pivotal moment for EDHEC Business School, reflecting our commitment to aligning education with the rapid advancements in AI and Data Science. Under the direction of Victor Planas-Bielsa, this programme is designed for aspiring professionals aiming to apply AI in business. According to Victor Planas- Bielsa, "AI and Data are here to fundamentally change the economy. I want to contribute to educating tomorrow’s leaders to use this ‘superpower’ in a responsible and sustainable way."

This first cohort consists of 36 students, half of whom are international, representing six different nationalities. Their learning journey will be shaped by a curriculum that marries technical fundamentals with managerial skills, the core of EDHEC’s philosophy. Beyond programming and machine learning, the programme places a strong emphasis on ethics, ensuring students understand the wider implications of AI in society. As Victor Planas-Bielsa rightly notes, "We need business leaders who truly understand the technical side, just as much as we need technical experts who understand the business side."

Partnership with Orange: A Strategic Collaboration

A key event on this special day was the signing of a partnership with Orange, a European leader in Data and AI, which becomes a corporate partner of the programme thanks to the EDHEC Foundation. This collaboration ensures that students gain direct access to industry experts and cutting-edge technologies. Vincent Lecerf, Group Chief people Officer at Orange Group, emphasised the partnership’s potential, noting, "We are delighted, on behalf of Orange, to commit alongside the new generations on the topics of AI and Data . These subjects are of crucial importance for Orange and for our society as a whole."

Through this partnership, students will have the chance to work on real-world business cases, gaining practical industry experience. Victor Planas-Bielsa highlights the value of this, explaining, "EDHEC students will have access to some of the best experts in the field, who will share the latest trends and developments. Having such a partner ensures that the curriculum remains relevant and up to date with the needs of the market." 

Roundtable Discussion: AI in the Workplace

To further enrich the students’ experience, the welcoming session included a roundtable discussion on “AI in the Workplace: Navigating Challenges, Risks, and Opportunities,” featuring Michelle Sisto, former Associate Dean of Graduate Studies at EDHEC; Michel Guillemot, Co-founder of Ubisoft and Founder and CEO of the AI Research Lab Ltd ; Vincent Lecerf, Group Chief people Officer at Orange; Michaël  Deheneffe, Vice President of Data & AI Strategy at Orange Business;  and Pavel Matua, Senior Product Manager at Microsoft. Key topics included the need for lifelong learning, AI integration, and the growing gap between innovators and others. Panellists emphasised the importance of AI in areas like climate transformation, smart cities, and healthcare, while also stressing the ethical challenges. Students were encouraged to embrace continuous learning, creativity, and networking to thrive in this evolving field.

Looking Ahead: Opportunities and Impact

With Orange as a corporate partner, EDHEC students will gain invaluable insights into the practical application of Data Science and AI in business, ensuring they remain ahead in a fast-evolving field. Victor Planas-Bielsa is particularly enthusiastic about the curriculum’s ability to "develop strategic thinking, and ultimately create value," adding that the real goal is to produce "the next generation of technically savvy managers, which is a category that doesn’t fully exist yet but is rapidly developing."

Conclusion

The launch of the Data Science & AI for Business track, coupled with the strategic partnership with Orange, sets a strong foundation for EDHEC students. This programme offers an unparalleled opportunity for them to become leaders in AI-driven business, equipped with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of tomorrow’s data-centric world.