Prime Highlights
- UB School of Management named exemplar for AI integration in a new national business education report.
- Report cites UB’s access to Empire AI, New York’s computing consortium worth more than $500 million.
Key Facts
- Report titled “A Framework for Artificial Intelligence in Business Education” examined 84 business schools globally.
- Study published by Inspire Higher Ed in July 2026 with support from AACSB International and GMAC.
Background
The report, titled “A Framework for Artificial Intelligence in Business Education,” was released in July 2026. It examined 84 business schools across roughly a dozen countries on five continents. Inspire Higher Ed published the study with support from AACSB International, GMAC and the Graduate Business Curriculum Roundtable.
The report cited UB for “Infrastructure at Consortium Scale.” It pointed to the school’s access to Empire AI, New York State’s computing consortium valued at more than $500 million.
Dean Ananth Iyer said business schools bear responsibility for preparing students as AI changes how organizations operate. He said the goal at UB is not just to teach students to use AI tools. The goal is to teach them to apply AI strategically to real business problems.
The report also highlighted UB’s Center for AI Business Innovation. The center connects AI technology to business challenges through workshops, executive education and student consulting projects.
The school has named faculty “AI Champions” in each department. It is also developing AI+X degree tracks with UB’s Department of AI and Society, combining artificial intelligence with other fields of study.
AI is also shaping research at the school. Faculty are studying how human-like AI affects consumers, how the technology influences investor behavior and financial markets, and how it is changing retail.
Several of the school’s research centers, covering supply chain, marketing, finance, leadership and entrepreneurship, are folding AI into applied projects with industry partners.
UB researchers are studying how AI affects consumer behavior, investor decisions and the retail industry. The school runs a free AI program for middle and high school students as well, introducing them to AI concepts alongside questions of responsible and ethical use.
