The ongoing war in Ukraine has created a difficult and uncertain environment for many sectors of the economy, including education. Business schools in the country have faced various challenges, such as declining enrollments, disrupted operations, security threats, and reduced funding. However, some of them have also shown remarkable resilience and adaptability, finding new ways to deliver quality education and support their students and faculty.
Business Schools as Agents of Change
One of the roles that business schools in Ukraine have assumed in the midst of the crisis is to act as agents of change, promoting social responsibility, ethical leadership, and innovation. For example, the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE), one of the leading business schools in the country, has launched several initiatives to address the social and economic problems caused by the war, such as providing scholarships for displaced students, offering free courses for civil servants and journalists, and conducting research on the impact of the conflict on the economy and society.
Another example is the Lviv Business School of Ukrainian Catholic University (LvBS), which has developed a program called [Leadership in Times of Crisis], aimed at helping managers and entrepreneurs cope with the challenges of the war and the pandemic. The program covers topics such as crisis management, strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and resilience.
Business Schools as Platforms for Dialogue
Another way that business schools in Ukraine have contributed to the peace and stability of the country is by providing platforms for dialogue and cooperation among different stakeholders, such as academics, policymakers, business leaders, and civil society. For instance, the [International Management Institute (MIM-Kyiv)], the oldest business school in Ukraine, has organized a series of events called [MIM Business Talks], where prominent speakers from various fields share their insights and perspectives on the current situation and the future of the country.
Similarly, the [Kyiv-Mohyla Business School (kmbs)], another well-established business school in the capital, has hosted a number of forums and conferences on topics such as democracy, governance, security, and innovation, bringing together experts and practitioners from different sectors and backgrounds.
Business Schools as Sources of Inspiration
Finally, business schools in Ukraine have also served as sources of inspiration and optimism for their students and faculty, as well as for the wider community. Despite the hardships and uncertainties, many business schools have continued to offer high-quality education and research, as well as to support the personal and professional development of their members. For example, the [EBA Business School], a joint project of the [European Business Association] and the [Alfred Nobel University], has maintained its academic standards and international accreditation, as well as its partnerships with leading European business schools.
Moreover, some business schools have also celebrated the achievements and successes of their alumni, who have demonstrated leadership, creativity, and resilience in various fields and industries. For example, the [Graduate School of Business of Odesa National Economic University (GSB ONEU)] has recently launched a campaign called [ONEU Alumni Stories], where it showcases the stories of its graduates who have made a positive impact on the society and the economy.
