Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders: Insights from Victor Planas-Bielsa, Programme Director of the Master in Management - Data Science & AI for Business Track

What inspired you to lead the Master in Management - Data Science & AI for Business track? 

I have been involved in the technical side of Machine Learning and AI development over the past few years, and it’s clear now that this technology is mature enough to be fully integrated into our Master in Management programmes. We need to train future leaders who are not just aware of AI technology but who see it as a natural playing field to create sustainable and net-positive businesses. 

In short, my inspiration to lead this programme comes from the realisation that AI and data are here to fundamentally change the economy. I want to contribute to educating tomorrow’s leaders to use this "superpower" in a responsible and sustainable way. 

What are your key priorities for the programme? 

In the short term, my priority is to build a curriculum that meets our students' expectations and prepares them for a rapidly evolving and uncertain job market. We have designed a programme where they will learn all that is relevant today, but more importantly, they will develop the ability to continue learning independently and stay at the forefront of innovation and change. The lifespan of a technical skill used to be 15 to 20 years; now, it's perhaps five years at best. So, while we aim to prepare our students to land a truly interesting first job, our main goal is to equip them with the skills to always stay ahead of change. 

In the longer term, thinking about the impact this programme will have on the business community, I envision a world where the boundaries between tech and business are broken. We need business leaders who truly understand the technical side, just as much as we need technical experts who understand the business side. 

How do you plan to integrate practical industry experience into the curriculum? 

This is a cornerstone of the programme, and we approach it in two ways: 

Expert Faculty: Many of our professors bring real-world professional experience alongside their academic and research expertise. This means students are learning directly from active experts who understand both the theory and its application. 

Partnership with Orange: Orange, a major player in the European tech industry, is deeply committed to advancing AI and data-driven business solutions. Through this partnership, students benefit from guest lectures by Orange’s top experts and gain access to real-world business data for case studies and projects. 

What unique learning experiences will students have access to in this track? 

We have designed the curriculum to expose students to a wide variety of Data Science and AI tools, always with a business perspective in mind, integrating real-world examples and teaching them how to turn technical analysis into responsible management decisions. Additionally, our partnership with a major player like Orange adds tremendous value to the programme, allowing students to engage with real business situations, which is the best way to apply their knowledge. This programme goes beyond theory—it's about turning theory into action, making informed decisions, developing strategic thinking, and ultimately creating value. 

What impact do you hope this programme will have on graduates’ careers? 

This programme has the potential to redefine career paths. We’re aiming to create a new type of professional—one who combines a deep understanding of technology with strong managerial and strategic skills. 

Graduates will be uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between tech and business, a role that’s increasingly essential in today’s organisations. They’ll have the tools and knowledge to drive innovation, and position themselves at a high level in the corporate world, where they will be able to make a real impact. 

How does the partnership with Orange enhance the programme and students' outcomes? 

Orange’s involvement brings incredible value. They’re deeply invested in the future of AI and data, which aligns perfectly with the goals of our programme. 

Students have access to industry-leading experts who share the latest trends and best practices. Orange also ensures that the projects and case studies are based on real, current business scenarios, keeping the curriculum relevant and directly aligned with market needs. 

Why is educating students with data skills so critical in today’s job market? 

I don’t think it can be emphasised enough—going forward, all students will need to be educated to understand and navigate a data-centric economy. And I’m not just talking about the students in my programme, but all students.  

At EDHEC, we are moving in that direction by integrating data and AI awareness and proficiency across all our programmes. There will no longer be positions where data is not needed, and equipping students with these skills is essential to their success in the evolving job market.