Oxford Saïd Business School, under the leadership of Dean Soumitra Dutta, is championing a forward-thinking approach that marries technological expertise with purpose-driven leadership. Recognizing the centrality of technology in modern business, Dutta stresses that future CEOs must be well-versed in tech trends to drive innovation and address societal and environmental challenges.

Oxford’s interdisciplinary model reflects this philosophy by encouraging diverse perspectives and integrating ethical considerations into the curriculum, notably through the Institute for Ethics in AI. Top business schools should adopt radical strategies to educate hundreds of thousands in emerging nations. Speaking at the Minds Without Borders event, Dutta highlighted the exclusivity of current educational models and the necessity of rethinking these to meet the needs of emerging markets.

The Oxford Science Park is a cornerstone of the strategy, a dynamic hub fostering over 100 companies and supporting a community of 3,500 professionals. They plan to significantly expand this vibrant ecosystem, adding 600,000 square feet of office and laboratory space by 2026. Through strategic partnerships, such as the one between Oxford University Innovation and Oxford Science Enterprise, the university ensures seamless support for tech startups from inception to scaling. The dynamism and creativity of young people, who are increasingly informed and passionate about creating a better world through technology, inspire the Professor’s optimism.

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Soumitra Dutta is the Peter Moores Dean and Professor of Management at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, and a Fellow at Balliol College. Before Oxford, he was the founding Dean of Cornell SC Johnson College of Business and a Deputy Dean at INSEAD. Dutta chairs the Global Business School Network and serves on advisory boards for several international business schools. An expert on innovation in the knowledge economy, he founded the Global Innovation Index and has contributed significantly to global technology strategy and policy. He co-founded two firms, including Fisheye Analytics, and serves on the board of Dassault Systemes.