This year it was held in a hybrid format: offline at the MIB Trieste School of Management, and virtually for those participants who, due to the pandemic, could not fly to Italy. Olena Zhiltsova, head of the Executive MBA program, was able to attend the conference in person and represented kmbs at this global event.

The Kyiv-Mohyla Business School has participated in CEEMAN conferences before, as it is a member of this association and an active participant in the vibrant life of the international business school community.

The theme of this year's conference was the future of management education and possible paths for its development. Representatives from various business schools discussed the business, political, and social context of their countries, shared individual experiences, and discussed collaboration with other institutions. Business representatives were also invited — including leaders of influential Italian companies — to hear their expectations from educational institutions and business schools.

Olena had the opportunity to attend many discussions and presentations, and shared her impressions:

"Several recurring themes were present in almost every speech. First, the business demand for the development of innovative potential and the role that business schools can and should play in such development.

Second, the technologization and responsibility of business education in the processes of digital transformation of society and the economy. Third, the post-pandemic world — with information overload, high stress levels, and significant unpredictability. What capabilities become key for a manager in this context? Is it time to rethink the concepts of "crisis," "change," "development"? Fourth, the importance of cultural-philosophical courses in the structure of educational programs for managers.

It is important to note that kmbs has long identified these challenges and successfully works with them. So it was pleasant not only to listen but also to share practices with colleagues — during group work and informal communication."

Management Education at a Crossroads: kmbs at the Annual CEEMAN Conference