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ESSEC Dean Calls for Business Schools to Build Leaders for a Fragmented World

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  Published in Business and Finance on Wednesday, November 26th 2025 at 9:20 GMT by Fortune

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Business Schools Must Shape Tomorrow’s Leaders in an Era of Global Fragmentation, Says ESSEC Dean Vincenzo Vinzi

In a recent interview published by MSN Money, Vincenzo Vinzi, dean of France’s prestigious ESSEC Business School, outlined a bold vision for business education in a world that is increasingly divided. With the rise of geopolitical tensions, widening economic disparities, and the relentless pace of technological change, Vinzi argues that business schools cannot afford to be merely observers; they must be architects of a new kind of leadership—one that is resilient, inclusive, and ethically grounded.

The Growing Divide

Vinci opens by framing the contemporary landscape as one of “global fragmentation.” He cites a 2023 World Economic Forum report that highlights rising protectionism, the fragmentation of global supply chains, and a surge in nationalist sentiment. The news article links to the report on the World Economic Forum website, offering a deeper dive into the data that underscores how these trends threaten the interconnectedness that modern business relies on.

This fragmentation, Vinzi warns, is not just a political or economic phenomenon—it is a cultural one that will shape the expectations of future employees, investors, and customers. As a result, the leadership demanded today will need to navigate a patchwork of regulations, divergent societal norms, and a complex matrix of stakeholder priorities.

The Business School’s Mission

According to Vinzi, a business school’s role extends far beyond delivering theory. It must:

1. Equip students with a global mindset that transcends borders.
2. Instill ethical decision‑making that balances profit with purpose.
3. Foster inclusive practices that reduce systemic inequality.
4. Promote sustainability as a core business strategy.

He cites ESSEC’s recent “Global Citizenship” initiative—an interdisciplinary curriculum that blends economics, anthropology, and environmental science—to illustrate how the school is integrating these imperatives. The MSN article links directly to ESSEC’s own webpage on the Global Citizenship program, where prospective students can view course outlines, faculty profiles, and case studies.

Curriculum Reimagined

A key point of discussion is how curriculum must evolve to keep pace. Vinzi stresses the importance of experiential learning:

• Cross‑border internships that expose students to diverse regulatory landscapes.
• Real‑time consulting projects with start‑ups in emerging markets.
• Simulation labs that model geopolitical shocks and supply‑chain disruptions.

He also mentions the recently launched ESSEC Sustainability Lab, a joint venture with the University of Cambridge’s Sustainable Business Institute. The article links to a press release on the lab’s website, which details its research focus on circular economy models and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) metrics.

Research and Thought Leadership

Beyond teaching, Vinzi highlights ESSEC’s commitment to producing policy‑relevant research. In 2022, the school published a landmark study on “Digital Resilience in Fragmented Markets,” which appeared in the Journal of International Business Studies. The MSN article provides a link to the full PDF of the study, allowing readers to review its methodology and findings. The research emphasizes how digital platforms can bridge gaps created by geopolitical fragmentation, but it also warns of digital monopolies that could exacerbate inequality.

Vinci further notes ESSEC’s partnership with the International Institute for Strategic Studies to conduct scenario‑planning workshops that help students anticipate future regulatory changes. The article links to a video of a recent workshop, giving readers a visual sense of how theory meets practice.

Inclusive Leadership

One of Vinzi’s core messages revolves around diversity and inclusion. He cites the school’s efforts to increase enrollment from underrepresented regions, particularly Africa and South Asia. The MSN piece links to an ESSEC scholarship program page that offers tuition waivers and mentorship to students from low‑income backgrounds.

Vinci argues that inclusive leadership is not a “nice‑to‑have” but a necessity for navigating fragmented societies. By integrating cross‑cultural communication modules and bias‑awareness training, ESSEC seeks to produce leaders who can build bridges rather than walls.

Future Outlook

Vinci concludes by calling on business schools worldwide to collaborate, sharing best practices and resources. He cites the upcoming Global Business Education Summit—a virtual conference hosted by the Global Association of Business Schools—to which ESSEC will present a paper on “Designing Resilient Supply Chains in Fragmented Markets.” The MSN article includes a link to the summit’s registration page, encouraging readers to engage with the broader academic community.

Takeaway

The article from MSN Money, supported by links to ESSEC’s own initiatives, the World Economic Forum, and academic research, presents a compelling case: the fragmentation of the global economy is reshaping what it means to be a business leader. Business schools, as Vinzi demonstrates, must lead the charge by redesigning curricula, fostering experiential learning, championing sustainability, and embedding inclusive practices at every level.

By doing so, ESSEC—and, by extension, other institutions—positions itself not just as a place of learning, but as a crucible for the ethical, resilient leaders of tomorrow.