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In an era where artificial intelligence is redefining business models and competitive landscapes, it is essential to rely on leaders capable of interpreting change and driving innovation, managers who can transform technology into value and guide their organizations toward the future.
The Executive Master in Artificial Intelligence for Business provides the skills necessary to fully leverage the potential of AI in a business context.
Through a practical and application-focused program, participants will acquire the tools to assess the economic, financial, legal, and ethical implications of AI adoption and to develop innovative strategies while managing the risks associated with this transformative technology.
The Master is designed for entrepreneurs, managers, professionals from all sectors, and consultants who wish to strengthen their profiles and lead organizational change processes.
The 12-month part-time evening program includes 2 online sessions per week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM. The curriculum comprises 16 core courses featuring lectures, real case studies, and interactive discussions. These are complemented by Focus Sessions covering advanced topics such as Human in the Loop, Algorithm Ethics, AI & Sustainability, ESG, and Open AI.
The experience is enriched by 2 Smart Weeks on Campus, valuable opportunities to meet faculty, peers, and the BBS community, participate in Leadership Talks and Company Visits, and expand your professional network.
Thanks to a flexible and immediately applicable format, the Master is designed for those who want to transform their strategic vision through a high-impact program.
Artificial intelligence and automation technologies are already revolutionizing the world of work. Innovation is the key word: programming, automation, and AI are the driving forces shaping the future across all sectors.
To stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market, boost your growth with the Executive Master in Artificial Intelligence for Business
Accreditation
Bologna Business School is EQUIS – EFMD Quality Improvement System accredited, one of the most important international quality assessment and continuous improvement systems for Schools of Management and Business Administration.
The study methodology is characterized by the flexibility of online sessions divided in 3 modules integrated by 2 Smart Weeks on Campus. Each module focuses on specific topics and includes online lectures, testimonials, practical activities, and a final assessment to evaluate participants’ level of learning.
Core courses
Fifteen core courses divided in 3 modules provide specific tools and skills. The teaching activity includes lectures, case studies and discussion opportunities.
Leader’s Corner
5+ opportunities for discussion with international managers. The purpose of the meeting is to share experiences, business cases and best practices.
Focus Sessions
5 meetings with managers, experts, and professionals on topics such as: AI & Sustainability, Generative AI, No Code, SandBoxAQ and From AI to Product: XOOTS case study.
Smart Weeks on Campus
Two on Campus (Bologna) Smart Weeks of 4 days each will allow the participants to strengthen the value of personal interaction with the classmates and faculty. You will take part in Challenge-Based Workshops, Leadership talks, and Company Visits at prestigious companies that are part of the School’s Business Network.
Company Visits
Company visits, which will take place during the in-person sessions, will allow participants to engage with excellent companies in the field of AI and technology.
Project work
Project works developed by participants in small groups will enable them to put the knowledge they have gained into practice. The aim is to provide valuable insights, actionable strategies, and a functioning AI solution to enhance business operations.
The course will provide an introductory overview of the various existing AI techniques, putting them into an historical context
which is essential to understand how we arrived to the recent sensational exploit of AI applications and what can we expect from the near future. We will discuss industrial applications with their opportunities and challenges, touching also on some social, economic and ethic implications which will be deepened in other courses. A specific focus will be on the interaction between AI and robotics, given the relevance of artificial intelligence applications for manufacturing and industrial automation.
Gabbrielli Maurizio
Getting value from data requires the design of a composite chain that begins from a strategic vision to the implementation, exploitation and continuous operation management. This course offers a preliminary and systemic vision to the use of the latest methodologies and techniques for extracting useful knowledge that will be explored in other courses of the Master.
Colajanni MicheleThis course aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of machine learning methodologies and their applicability in various business sectors. Consisting of three intensive lectures, the course covers fundamental machine learning principles, advanced learning paradigms, different data representations, and essential business analytics tools. The course also includes real-world case studies to ensure practical applicability.
Computer Vision is at the heart of the AI revolution. Machines nowadays can not only see better than ever but also generate realistic visual content spanning images, videos and 3D assets. We will walk through ideas and applications, shedding light on how computer vision may be deployed in controlled environments, e.g. in manufacturing, “in the wild”, e.g. in assisted/autonomous driving, as well as to generate cool stuff for applications largely yet to come.
Di Stefano LuigiThis executive-level course is designed to equip senior decision-makers, executives, and leaders with a comprehensive understanding of large language models. Participants will explore the fundamentals of large language models, with a focus on GPT models, gain insights into their applications and key implementations, and examine emerging trends and future developments in artificial intelligence.
Belli AndreaThis course provides fundamental knowledge of the key concepts and principles of computer security. It covers methodological, technological, and behavioral aspects (including operational security), while also addressing the most relevant components of modern IT infrastructures, spanning both computing and communication.
D’Angelo GabrieleThe course will introduce participants to the value of using immersive paradigms in data analytics. It will walk through the principles underlying the design of immersive analytics systems, exhibiting how such type of systems may facilitate collaboration and change the process of data analysis.
Gustavo MarfiaThe course addresses the main ethical and regulatory issues related to AI, including the European AI Act, moral dilemmas (e.g., autonomous driving), and the political implications of AI systems. Participants will develop the ability to assess the ethical impact of technologies, critically distinguish myths and misleading narratives, and promote the responsible adoption of AI in line with fundamental rights.
Tafani Daniela
This course is designed to equip participants with the essential skills and knowledge required for managing artificial intelligence (AI) within the context of business innovation. It aims to systematically guide learners in understanding, embracing, and capitalizing on the transformative potential of AI to redefine business futures. The first part of the course focuses on AI and different aspects of business innovation, such as products, services, processes, organizational structures, and business models, and the exploration (sensing, seizing and implementing) of business opportunities related to AI. The second part, explores the role of AI in enhancing various stages of the Business Innovation pipeline, providing practical insights into leveraging AI for business evolution.
Balzan Francesco
The course provides a strategic understanding of how to leverage AI to enhance business decision-making, focusing on practical applications and value creation without requiring programming skills. Participants learn to identify and prioritize high-impact AI opportunities, manage the AI product lifecycle, and address ethical implications. The course also prepares participants to manage strategic partnerships for the effective and responsible adoption of AI within business processes.
Implementation of AI projects is a challenge that passes through people, this needs conscious leaders, able to facilitate the work of heterogeneous teams and get the most out of people both in terms of problem finding and change making. We will use the discipline of emotional intelligence to embed the neuroscience of change and build on this scientific approach to arrive to an action model.
The course aims to provide the right tools and competences needed to become a change maker in organizations in particular how to increase the awareness of the impact of leadership, support the management of the ordinary resistance to create new patterns of action, communicate and collaborate in teams to obtain extra-ordinary results.
Ghini MassimilianoThis course is designed to review the changes in the world of work, focusing on how digitalization, big data and the spread of Artificial intelligence are leading to a profound transformation of organizational, human resources and competencies systems and processes.
Basic knowledge will be provided to conduct the analysis and definition of process and organizational model design and successful implementation in alignment with business strategy. Costs and benefits will be assessed, return on investment analyzed, as well as the impact of introducing AI solutions for human resource management in terms of organizational innovation, corporate culture and compliance
The course introduces the main business performance indicators, integrating concepts from financial and managerial accounting with quantitative tools and artificial intelligence techniques. Participants learn how to measure, interpret, and analyze financial results, identify the most relevant KPIs, and support the decision-making process through data-driven approaches.
Supino EnricoThe course prepares students to manage end-to-end AI projects, from conception to implementation and business value generation. Students learn how to address the risks and critical issues of AI implementation in companies, developing technical and application skills through real-world applications such as NLP, computer vision, and predictive analytics. A practical approach is fostered to effectively integrate AI solutions into business processes and identify innovation opportunities.
Boscato CristianoThis course is designed to empower participants with a profound grasp of digital transformation strategies and their relevance across diverse business domains. Over the span of three dynamic sessions, you’ll delve into fundamental principles of digital transformation, explore advanced strategies, examine varied data representations, and master essential tools for business analytics. Real-world case studies will be integrated, ensuring you can apply your knowledge effectively in practical scenarios.
Meoli Azzurra
This course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the transformative power and ethical considerations of AI in modern business practices. Participants will explore the evolution of AI, delve into current trends and technologies, and understand the implications for future business models. With a focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical application, this program covers the ethical dimensions of AI, the regulatory landscape, and strategies for integrating AI responsibly into business operations.
Aurelie JeanThe project work is developed in groups and on real cases (Companies from the BBS Business Network or companies proposed by participants). It is a comprehensive endeavor involving two distinct phases. In the first part, we focus on analyzing a specific business challenge and identifying AI-based solutions. The second part is dedicated to the practical development and implementation of an AI prototype to address the identified challenge. Throughout the project, we aim to provide valuable insights, actionable strategies, and a functioning AI solution to enhance business operations.
Boscato Cristiano
Faculty members at Bologna Business School work together offering outstanding teaching standards. An international and interdisciplinary approach is guaranteed by a joint team of distinguished national core professors, adjunct, visiting professors, guest speakers and top managers.
Aurelie Jean
Chief AI Officer, co-CEO, co-founder
INFRA
Francesco Balzan
Expert in Innovation Processes and Digital Transformation
Z-Inspection
Andrea Belli
Head of R&D
expert.ai
Cristiano Boscato
CEO
Dinova
Michele Colajanni
Full Professor of Computer Engineering
University of Bologna
Gabriele D'Angelo
Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Engineering
University of Bologna
Luigi Di Stefano
Full Professor of Information Processing Systems
University of Bologna
Mark Esposito
Visiting Professor of Strategy
Bologna Business School
Maurizio Gabbrielli
Full Professor of Computer Science
University of Bologna
Massimiliano Ghini
Director
European Center for Team Emotional Intelligence
Gustavo Marfia
Associate Professor in Computer Science
University of Bologna
Lorenzo Massa
Full Professor
Aalborg University Business School
Azzurra Meoli
Assistant Professor of Business and Management Engineering
University of Bologna
Alessandro Saffiotti
Full Professor of Computer Science
Orebro University
Enrico Supino
Associate Professor of Business Administration and Accounting Studies
University of Bologna
Daniela Tafani
Fixed-Term Researcher of Political Philosophy
University of Pisa
Dalila Pisani
Global Material Planner - Aero Alliance Product and Services
AI for Business (Ed. 2023/2024)
"The Executive Master in AI for Business has been an incredibly enriching experience, both academically and professionally. I had the opportunity to dive deep into the real-world applications of artificial intelligence in business, understanding its strategic potential and ethical implications. One of the greatest strengths of the program was the interaction with expert faculty and industry professionals, as well as the chance to work on practical case studies that allowed me to immediately apply the skills I acquired. It was an intense and stimulating journey that I highly recommend to anyone looking to drive innovation in their organization through AI."
Dick van Druten
Managing Partner - Kylla Corporate Transactions
AI for Business (Ed. 2023/2024)
"It was a pleasure to be part of the Executive Master in Artificial Intelligence for Business at Bologna Business School in 2023-2024. As an internet entrepreneur in the mid-90s, I've always been at the forefront of technology, identifying trends that have shaped Kylla's investment strategies. With the rise of Artificial Intelligence, I aimed to deepen my understanding and prepare for the next phase of my career. BBS offered an ideal balance of virtual and in-person sessions, allowing me to seamlessly integrate studies with my professional and travel commitments. I particularly valued the dynamic group interactions, the high calibre of my peers, and the diverse, well-structured modules that combined theory with practical applications, making it a truly enriching experience."
Annabelle Vultee
Chief Executive Officer - GoodHabitz
AI for Business (Ed. 2023/2024)
"The Executive Master in AI for Business is a unique and timely degree program for non-technical executives. I found nothing comparable that offered the span of technical to theoretical to practical content as it relates to AI in a degree program. The knowledge you gain in this course is a powerful tool in communicating effectively with engineers, investors and employees. The format of weekly live online classes, two residentials and a group project is both practical and engaging within a reasonable time commitment for people working full-time. For business leaders who want to be informed about this aspect of technology and its role in your company or industry, this is a great program."
Trond Magnus Gulbrandsen
AI, Strategy and Marketing Advisor - Brave IT
AI for Business (Ed. 2023/2024)
"I joined the Executive Master in AI for Business at BBS because it bridges the gap between AI theory and its real-world business use. With a clear focus on core AI concepts like machine learning and cybersecurity, it is both theoretically thorough and rooted in real business challenges. Touching on both tech and business enablers. Meeting my co-students, lecturers and tutors during the residentials was also very rewarding, visiting businesses, cooperating on projects and discussing different theoretical aspects. I am confident this course will enable me to actively be a part of the AI transformation, and to be an enabler."
The Executive Master in Artificial Intelligence provides a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge business realities through on-campus Residential and exclusive events. We have also developed a dedicated digital platform to facilitate interactions between alumni and current participants. This program has been co-designed with prominent companies to ensure its relevance and alignment with industry needs:
AMADORI AMMAGAMMA BASF BIP BLACKSHEEP VENTURES BOTTERO GROUP CAPGEMINI CEFLA CINECA COMIN AND PARTNERS CREDEM DANA INCORPORATED INJENIA DATALOGIC DIENNEA DR. MAX ENGINEERING EOS SOLUTIONS EVOTEC EXPERT AI EY FAAC FASTER GELLIFY GET CONNECTED GMCE GOTHA COSMETICS HERA HNP GROUP ICONSULTING INTERCOS GROUP KPMG LAMBORGHINI LAMINAM MARCHESINI MAPS GROUP MOTORI MINARELLI ORIENTEED PORINI SACMI SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC THE PROPHET AI VAR GROUP WOSPEE
Marianna Bonanome – Head of AI Strategy and Partnerships, Sand Box
Marco Ferrando – Head of BU Data Science, Var Group
Giovanni Strocchi – Co-founder & Venture Partner, Blacksheep
Stefano Spaggiari – Co Founder, Expert AI
Marcella Zucca – I&D Head of Generative AI and Sustainability Italy, Capgemini
Francesco Ubertini – Presidente, Cineca
Alessandra Benedetti – Head of Digital Transformation, SCM Group
COMMUNITY AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT
During the Master, a series of seminars with head-hunters and HR managers are offered, to provide tools and resources to contribute to your career development and how to enter the job market in leadership positions.
Once the Master is ended, it is possible to join the activities dedicated to the Community, to further increase your own network. Furthermore, meetings open to the entire BBS Community are periodically scheduled with managers, entrepreneurs and guests, focusing on the different scenarios of a constantly evolving society and market.
The registration fee for the Master’s course on a company basis is 18.200 Euros + VAT.
The registration fee for the Master’s course on an individual basis is 15.200 Euros + VAT.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Financing and Payment Plans
Professional Funds and Corporate Welfare
For more details, contact us at aiforbusiness@bbs.unibo.it
For individual access to the Master’s program, two financing options are available:
“MERIT” LOAN – BANCA INTESA
No collateral required
Special interest rates
24-month grace period with repayment over 30 years
To qualify, you need a degree score of at least 98/110, residence in Italy, and enrollment in the Master’s program.
“FUTURIAMO” LOAN – BANCA BNL
Special interest rates
Repayment period of 10 years
Option to delay the first payment for up to 36 months
For more information, email us at aiforbusiness@bbs.unibo.it
Special terms are available thanks to Interprofessional Funds:
Fondimpresa – for executives / middle management
Fondo Dirigenti PMI – for executives in small and medium-sized industrial companies
Fondirigenti – for executives
Fon.Coop – for cooperative companies
Investing in your education is a crucial step for your professional future. Bologna Business School offers a range of scholarships and benefits designed to recognize merit, support talent, and encourage the participation of professionals and companies.
If you are applying as an individual, you can access several limited scholarships, awarded based on specific criteria.
Submit your CV to the Admissions Team at aiforbusiness@bbs.unibo.it to explore the scholarship options available to you.
Additionally, if you are connected to our Alumni network, you can benefit from further advantages:
Note: Scholarships cannot be combined.
Companies wishing to invest in the training of their employees can benefit from advantageous conditions based on the timing of registration:
Note: Early Bird conditions are valid for registrations made within the specified dates.
Scholarships are awarded during the selection process, based on a first-come, first-served basis, and an evaluation of your CV in relation to the eligibility requirements for each scholarship.
Admission is subject to passing an online selection process by appointment (contact Francesca Pascale – aiforbusiness@bbs.unibo.it).
The selection process consists of:
Entry test: duration max 30 minutes, online
Assessment interview with Directors of the master, duration 30 minutes, online
The selection process is non-binding on entry and will assess master’s requirements (educational qualification and work experience), profile and development goals.
The Master’s program is open to graduates with more than 3 years of professional experience and non-graduates with at least 5 years of work experience.