Q&A: Faculty and Staff Share Predictions for the Future of Business Education
Business education is in the midst of a transformation, driven by technology and the evolving needs of students and employers. We asked Michigan Ross faculty and staff to share what’s on the horizon for business programs, what changes they anticipate in the coming years, and what excites them about the future and innovation at Ross.
Gene Mage, managing director, custom programs, Office of Executive Education
What do you see for the future of business education in 2026 and in the next few years?
In the coming years, I predict that business education will become more flexible and tailored to the needs of working professionals. We’ll see shorter master’s programs, more options to specialize in areas like technology and leadership, and the opportunity to earn smaller certificates that can be combined over time. Increasingly, I believe that classes will be offered in various formats — some online at your own pace, some in live virtual sessions, and some in person — so busy people can learn when it works for them.
Additionally, as artificial intelligence becomes an increasingly significant part of business, schools will help students learn to utilize AI and understand its potential impact on people and society. Staying up-to-date with technology will be key to staying relevant in the business world.
What excites you the most about what Ross is doing to innovate and impact business?
Through initiatives such as Business+Tech and the Center for Positive Organizations, Ross is leading research on artificial intelligence, AI adoption, and the practical application of technology in business situations. For this reason, we are uniquely positioned to bring people together to discuss the connection between leadership and technology, guided by the values of creating a better world.
What changes in the industry do you expect to impact your role and/or business unit?
With rapid technological developments transforming the business world and business education, I anticipate significant impacts on my role and our business unit. To stay ahead, I will need to create new learning journeys for our students — curriculum pathways that unfold over several months or years. These journeys would incorporate emerging technologies and content, some of which may not even exist yet.
Erik Gordon, area chair, entrepreneurial studies
What do you see for the future of business education in 2026 and in the next few years?
In the next few years, business education will focus even more on teaching students to think critically and come up with truly creative solutions — ideas that are more original than simply mixing and matching business solutions that are already out there, and which AI can’t easily generate. There will also be a stronger emphasis on teaching students how to actually put those ideas into action, not just analyzing or thinking about them.
What excites you the most about what Ross is doing to innovate and impact business?
I’m really excited to see my colleagues putting so much thought and expertise into figuring out what we should be teaching and how we should be teaching it, especially since our students are headed into careers that are more challenging and interesting than ever. It’s not easy to decide what the right content is, or the best way to share it, but those are the big questions business schools have to tackle to truly support their students and society.
What changes in the industry do you expect to impact your role and/or business unit?
Advances in technology and artificial intelligence are creating new business opportunities for entrepreneurs. However, due to technological advancements that make processes more efficient and accessible (such as automation and AI tools), entrepreneurial organizations now require fewer resources (including money, people, and equipment) to achieve significant results.
Broadly speaking, entrepreneurship thrives on change, and it is often at its best when industries are undergoing shifts. It’s precisely during these times of change that new ideas and businesses emerge to challenge established companies.
Lindsey Gallo, assistant professor, accounting
What do you see for the future of business education in 2026 and in the next few years?
This is an incredibly exciting time in the business education sector. I envision AI being incorporated across the curriculum, both in learning how to use these tools strategically and in utilizing AI to enhance student learning through dynamic and personalized case studies and assignments. At the same time, there will be an even greater emphasis on high-value management skills, such as leadership and critical thinking, which are even more essential in this rapidly changing business environment.
What excites you the most about what Ross is doing to innovate and impact business?
Faculty and leadership are committed to equipping our students with the necessary skills to succeed in today’s market. We are constantly thinking about ways to innovate, particularly in incorporating AI into the curriculum, which we view as a necessary skill set for tomorrow’s business leaders. I am excited that Ross is supporting faculty in this endeavor by providing us with opportunities to learn from experts and from one another. Our emphasis on action-based learning means that our students are actively involved in solving real business problems and learning by doing, which prepares them well for their careers beyond the classroom.
What changes in the industry do you expect to impact your role and/or business unit?
In accounting, I think we will see increased automation of routine, repetitive audit tasks. As a result, entry-level accountants will bypass these roles and immediately assume more advanced responsibilities as reviewers and supervisors. We need to ensure that our graduates are prepared for this shift. The Ross Master of Accounting Program is designed to develop thought leaders who are well-prepared for the increased demands on audit associates.
