Story perspectives

New Leadership and Rankings Transform European Business Education Landscape

10/19/2025

Summary

Hechavarria Leads DIRI

Professor Diana Hechavarria is named faculty director of Diana International Research Institute (DIRI) at Babson College.
She plans to boost DIRI's influence on women's entrepreneurship research.
The Financial Times ranks ESCP Business School's Executive MBA (EMBA) as Europe’s #1 and #3 worldwide, citing sustainability and high participant satisfaction.
IPAG Business School has expanded through a collaboration with XLRI in India, offering a dual-credential MBA that blends European and Indian education.

Summary

Youth Empowerment Strategy

Africa's youth bulge, with about 60% under 25, is set to reshape the global workforce.
The United Nations projects the working-age population will rise from 883 million in 2024 to 1.6 billion by 2050.
HR leaders must adapt by investing in talent development and fostering partnerships with educational institutions.
A 10-year roadmap for Kenyan universities seeks to modernize curricula, enhance research capabilities, and produce globally employable graduates.

History

Historical Context

The "Empower Women" initiative, launched by the United Nations in 2012, aims to enhance women's economic participation globally, reflecting a historical trend of increasing female entrepreneurship. Despite facing barriers like limited access to capital, women represent about one-third of all entrepreneurs worldwide. The projected youth population in Africa, reaching 1.6 billion by 2050, highlights the urgent need for educational reforms to support this demographic's economic potential.

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Hechavarria Leads DIRI

Professor Diana Hechavarria is named faculty director of Diana International Research Institute (DIRI) at Babson College.
She plans to boost DIRI's influence on women's entrepreneurship research.
The Financial Times ranks ESCP Business School's Executive MBA (EMBA) as Europe’s #1 and #3 worldwide, citing sustainability and high participant satisfaction.
IPAG Business School has expanded through a collaboration with XLRI in India, offering a dual-credential MBA that blends European and Indian education.

1 / 3