Teaching AI in Higher Education: Business Perspective

Alina Iorga Pisica, Razvan Octavian Giurca and Rodica Milena Zaharia ()
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Alina Iorga Pisica: Department of International Business and Economics, Bucharest University of Economic Studies, 010374 Bucharest, Romania
Razvan Octavian Giurca: Department of International Business and Economics, Bucharest University of Economic Studies, 010374 Bucharest, Romania
Rodica Milena Zaharia: Department of International Business and Economics, Bucharest University of Economic Studies, 010374 Bucharest, Romania

Societies, 2025, vol. 15, issue 8, 1-16

Abstract: Emerging technologies present significant challenges for society as a whole. Among these, Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands out for its transformative potential, with the capacity to fundamentally reshape human thought, behavior, and lifestyle. This article seeks to explore the business-oriented perspective on how AI should be approached in Higher Education (HE) in order to serve the commercial objectives of companies. The motivation for this inquiry stems from recurrent criticisms directed at HE institutions, particularly their perceived inertia in adopting innovations, resistance to change, and delayed responsiveness to evolving labor market demands. In this context, the study examines what businesses deem essential for universities to provide in the context of AI familiarity and examines how companies envision future collaboration between the business sector and Higher Education institutions in using AI for business applications. Adopting a qualitative research methodology, this study conducted interviews with 16 middle-management representatives from international corporations operating across diverse industries. The data were analyzed using Gioia’s methodology, which facilitated a structured identification of first-order concepts, second-order themes, and aggregate dimensions. This analytical framework enabled a nuanced understanding of business expectations regarding the role of HE institutions in preparing graduates capable of meeting economic and commercial imperatives under the pressure of AI diffusion.

Keywords: artificial intelligence (AI); AI familiarity; higher education; business perspective; qualitative research (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A13 A14 P P0 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 Z1 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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