AI Upskilling for Leaders – Drive Responsible AI Innovation with New ExecEd Programs on edX

Article5 min read

July 24, 2025

Is your organization ready to harness AI’s full potential? Discover how new executive education programs from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford and the London School of Economics and Political Sciences can equip your leaders to develop effective AI strategies, adapt business models, and respond to changes in AI policy, ensuring your company keeps pace with innovation.

Leaders’ lack of upskilling may be slowing down AI transformation

Are your leaders lagging in the AI race? A 2025 McKinsey report shows that C-Suite executives are more inclined to identify employee readiness as an obstacle to AI adoption than their own leadership alignment. This is despite the fact that employees are currently using generative AI at three times the rate leaders expect. C-suite leaders must prepare their organizations and employees for the impending impact of AI on their business, and also anticipate changes to their own roles. edX research shows CEOs express greater apprehension about integrating AI into their roles and are more concerned about falling behind than their employees.

Source: 2024 edX AI Report – Harnessing AI for a Sustainable Future

This gap between employee adoption and leadership strategy is further highlighted by the fact that while employees are readily embracing AI, they also express concerns about its impact on their roles.  A recent edX survey found that nearly half of current workers believe that advancements in AI will impact their immediate career goals – and 62% are upskilling or reskilling in response. 

Leaders are responsible for driving AI transformation. If leaders don’t recognize the role they play in ensuring strategic alignment around AI adoption, and don’t increase their own AI capabilities – they could put their organizations at risk. 

Imagine a financial services company where the CEO viewed AI only as a tool, not a strategic priority. When the CTO proposed pilot projects for AI integration – they were rejected or stalled due to budget cuts, perceived risk and a lack of understanding from the C-Suite. Given the pace of AI innovation in the industry, in a short period of time, the company starts to fall behind – losing its competitive edge, delivering a subpar client experience and ultimately losing talent due to frustration from forward-thinking employees. The company could have turned this around by creating a unified, forward-looking AI strategy for their company.

Industries leading the way in AI Upskilling for Leaders

Leaders must champion high-quality, credible AI upskilling for their employees and lead by example through their own continuous learning. Enrollment data from edX Executive Education programs, including both company-sponsored and self-funded learners, reveals key learning trends among leaders. The ranking below shows the top industries by enrollment within the AI vertical, highlighting the leading sectors for AI upskilling1:

  1. Financial Services
  2. Health Care Or Biotech
  3. Information Technology Or Services
  4. Consulting
  5. Education
  6. Engineering Or Construction
  7. Energy Or Mining
  8. Public Sector
  9. Manufacturing
  10. Advertising, Media, Or Communications

 12U internal data. (2025). 2U, LLC. Retrieved July 2025

Leaders are committed to their own AI development. To support this, learning and development managers can offer tailored programs and resources designed to meet leaders’ specific AI upskilling requirements and strategic goals.

New Executive Education Programs in AI Innovation and AI Policy from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford and the London School of Economics and Political Sciences

The new programs are designed for leaders who need to balance speed, innovation and risk — in a time when companies are facing fast-paced AI advancements, changes in the regulatory environment and pressure to remain competitive. The Oxford AI-Driven Business Transformation Executive Programme is one of edX’s most comprehensive AI programs for leaders. The program serves as a learning pathway which combines content from three leading Oxford programs in Artificial Intelligence, Strategic Innovation and Executive Strategy. Over the course of 5 months, leaders from diverse industries will engage in an in-depth learning journey, participating in live sessions with faculty and a cohort of peers. Leaders walk away with a playbook to immediately implement what they learn in their organizations. 

The LSE AI: Law, Policy and Governance course focuses on current regulatory changes in Europe, with direct coverage of the new AI Act. This 6-week course will be highly relevant to companies operating or doing business in Europe, but also takes a global perspective, comparing national approaches to AI regulation in the UK, US and China. As employees look to their companies to balance speed, innovation and risk – the course offers timely and critical lessons to prepare leaders for the future.

In addition to the two new featured programs, edX offers an extensive portfolio of leadership, AI and digital transformation programs, including:

Why it Matters for Learning and Development:

The programs are the perfect fit with high-priority initiatives aimed at senior leaders and managers in the leadership pipeline. The programs can support organization’s learning and development goals through: 

  • Increased ROI on training: The cohort-based programs yield higher completion rates, and offer playbooks and frameworks for application in the context of your organization.
  • Improved talent retention: The programs offer an opportunity to invest in innovative and forward-thinking leaders, motivating them to build towards your companies’ most ambitious goals. 
  • Reduced business risk: L&D managers can mitigate business risk by offering high-quality, credible learning opportunities from trusted institutions and experts. This empowers leaders to make well-informed decisions.

Ready to develop confident, AI-savvy leaders?

Contact us today for a tailored consultation on how these programs can fast-track your organization’s AI readiness.

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How is AI Redefining Higher Education?

Webinar1 min read

July 3, 2025


The higher education landscape is changing fast, but has AI been net positive for students? What do university leaders see as some of the key opportunities with AI?

Hear from David Joyner, professor at Georgia Tech, Anant Argawal, the founder of edX, and Xandi Wright, Sr Learning Strategist at edX as they discuss the ways AI is reshaping higher education. Topics include the impacts of AI on personalization of learning, academic feedback, learner interaction, content accessibility and academic integrity. Are students learning more and learning better as a result?

Key topics include:

  • What are the opportunities and the threats? 
  • What are the latest trends? 
  • Which universities are leading in this space?
  • What do we know about how this is impacting student outcomes so far?


Speakers:

  • Anant Argawal, Chief Academic Officer at 2U, Founder of edX, Professor at MIT
  • Xandi Wright, Sr Learning Strategist at edX
  • David Joyner, Associate Dean for Off-Campus & Special Initiatives, Executive Director of OMSCS & Online Education, and Zvi Galil PEACE Chair at College of Computing at Georgia Tech

Moderator:

Accelerate the workforce of the future, with edX

Whether you’re a business leader, L&D executive, or other professional, we offer compelling data and insights for why an outcomes-based skills program is key to succeeding in tomorrow’s workplace.

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Academic Integrity in the Generative AI Era

White Paper1 min read

edX Learning Strategy Team

June 24, 2025

About the report

Discover how to protect academic integrity in the age of AI.

This practical and forward-thinking white paper, written by learning strategy experts at edX, explores how educators can move beyond plagiarism detection to thoughtfully integrate generative AI into teaching and assessment. Packed with actionable strategies, ethical frameworks, and future-focused guidance, it supports institutions in fostering critical thinking, promoting responsible AI use, and preparing students for the evolving world of work. Ideal for academic leaders, instructional designers, and faculty, this resource offers insights to navigate the post-plagiarism era with clarity and confidence.

Key Takeouts:

  • Understand how generative AI challenges traditional definitions of authorship and originality
  • Learn strategies to build critical thinking and ethical decision-making skills
  • Access guiding principles for integrating AI while maintaining academic rigor
  • Explore frameworks and real-world examples for responsible AI use in coursework
  • Gain insights into equity, AI literacy, and the limitations of detection tools
  • Prepare students for AI-driven careers with future-ready, ethical technology skills

Support Your Campus in the AI Era

If you’re an educational institution navigating the rise of AI in the classroom, this resource is for you.

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Net Positive: Thriving in a Resource-Constrained World

Article6 min read

Anna Lungley, Head of Sustainability Consulting, Fujitsu

June 19, 2025

For years, businesses have strived for sustainability, aiming to minimise their environmental impact. But what if we could go further? What if companies could contribute more to the planet and society than they take? This is the core concept behind the growing movement towards “Net Positive”.   

Net Positive goes far beyond compliance. It’s about actively creating positive impacts that enhance long-term sustainability and contribute meaningfully to societal and environmental well-being, exceeding the negative impacts of business operations. This approach drives cost transformation, strengthens supply chains, builds brand and reputation, and drives innovation. As Paul Polman, former CEO of Unilever, and author of Net Positive, states: “It’s the most compelling case in existence for why business and government should tackle climate change and widening inequality.”

But how do organisations know where to start, and what actions to take? That’s the driver behind Fujitsu’s innovative collaboration with Economist Impact to develop the Advancing Net Positive Agenda, including the Net Positive Index (NPI). 

What is Fujitsu’s Net Positive Index?

Fujitsu’s Net Positive Index is a comprehensive tool designed to quantify an organisation’s overall impact. It goes beyond traditional Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics by focusing on the net effect – the balance between positive contributions and negative impacts. The index considers a wide range of factors, including:

  • Environmental Stewardship: Reducing carbon emissions, conserving resources, promoting biodiversity, and minimising waste.
  • Social Impact: Promoting fair labour practices, investing in communities, ensuring ethical sourcing, and fostering diversity and inclusion.
  • Economic Value Creation: Driving innovation, creating jobs, supporting local economies, and ensuring responsible financial management.

By assigning quantifiable values to these factors, the index provides a clear and actionable roadmap for organisations to improve their overall Net Positive score.

Data and Evidence: The Power of Positive Impact

The shift towards Net Positive isn’t just about altruism; it’s a smart business strategy. Studies have shown a strong correlation between sustainability performance and financial success. Companies with robust environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices often outperform their peers in terms of profitability, innovation, and risk management.

For example, a 2020 study by McKinsey found that companies with high ESG scores had a 10% higher valuation multiple than companies with low ESG scores. This highlights the growing investor demand for sustainable businesses. And consumers are increasingly choosing brands that align with their values, driving demand for products and services that contribute to a positive impact.

Case Studies: Net Positive in Action

Leading organisations are already embracing the Net Positive approach. Interface, a global flooring manufacturer, has been a pioneer in this space, striving to create a restorative enterprise that leaves a positive footprint on the planet. Through initiatives like closed-loop manufacturing and carbon-negative products, Interface is demonstrating the potential for businesses to actively regenerate ecosystems.

Another example is Patagonia, a clothing company known for its commitment to environmental activism. Patagonia’s Worn Wear programme encourages customers to repair and recycle their clothing, reducing waste and extending the lifespan of their products. These examples illustrate how businesses can integrate Net Positive principles into their core operations and create a positive impact across their value chains.

These examples demonstrate that Net Positive is not just a theoretical concept; it’s a practical approach that can be implemented across various industries.


Course Spotlight

CISL: Business and Climate Change: Towards Net Zero Emissions

The Business and Climate Change: Towards Net Zero Emissions online short course from the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) provides a comprehensive understanding of how to mitigate the business risks of climate change and oversee a transition to net zero emissions for long-term resilience and overall value. Learner will gain insights into the organisational risks and opportunities posed by climate change, and learn to lead a transition to net zero emissions and rewire your business model for long-term value and resilience


Recommendations for Accelerating Your Net Positive Journey

For organisations looking to embrace the approach, here are some recommendations:

  1. Assess Your Current Impact: Use tools like Fujitsu’s NPI to understand your current environmental, social, and economic footprint.
  2. Set Ambitious Goals: Define clear and measurable Net Positive targets that align with your business strategy.
  3. Integrate Sustainability into Your Core Operations: Embed sustainability principles into all aspects of your business, from product design to supply chain management.
  4. Adopt advanced technologies for sustainability: Explore technologies that improve decision-making, optimise supply chains and drive greater efficiency. Implement guidelines for its ethical use.
  5. Build a future-ready workforce: Ensure sustainability responsibilities and opportunities are accessible across your organisation and supply chain while developing a workforce with the skills prepared for evolving challenges.
  6. Transparency and Reporting: Publicly report your progress towards your Net Positive goals to build trust and accountability.

Building the Skills for a Net Positive Future

To accelerate progress towards Net Positive goals, organisations must invest not only in strategy and tools, but in people. During the recent AI for Good: How Businesses Utilise AI for Sustainability webinar, fellow sustainability leaders to explored this critical link. It was highlighted how addressing sustainability challenges requires both technical skills such as data analysis and AI fluency, as well as soft skills such as systems thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving. Empowering employees through targeted upskilling ensures sustainability isn’t siloed, but embedded across all business functions. 

An example of this in action is Hydro, one of the world’s largest aluminium companies, which has embedded sustainability into its workforce development strategy. “Driving sustainability by becoming a net‑zero company, protecting biodiversity, and reducing our environmental footprint are key strategic ambitions for us,” says Jeanine Lerdahl, Global Lead Learning at Norsk Hydro. In partnership with edX, Hydro launched a global learning initiative that upskills thousands of employees on key sustainability topics, thereby enabling them to drive innovation, cut emissions, and contribute to long‑term environmental goals. This investment in people ensures sustainability is not just a top‑down mandate, but a shared responsibility across the organisation Read more ›

Conclusion

The journey towards Net Positive is a challenging but rewarding one. By embracing this approach, organisations can not only mitigate their environmental and social risks but also unlock new opportunities for innovation, growth, and long-term success. Fujitsu’s Net Positive Index provides a valuable framework for navigating this journey and building a more sustainable future for all.

Take the first step toward positive impact.

Connect with our team to learn how edX can help your organisation upskill for sustainability and long-term success. Contact us to start the conversation..


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Unlock the Future with New Microsoft AI Courses on edX

Article3 min read

March 24, 2025

87% of C-Suite leaders struggle to find talent with AI skills, and 77% say AI is already disrupting their business strategy. As AI continues to reshape industries, professionals at all levels need to understand how to integrate it into their workflows. In response to this need Microsoft is introducing a series of AI courses with edX, designed to build foundational AI literacy and practical skills from business to technical users. The first six Microsoft courses will launch on edX April 8th as part of the 50-day Microsoft AI Skills Fest, and will be available in the edX subscription catalog for enterprise clients.

With Microsoft’s long-standing commitment to innovation and skills development, these courses provide a practical foundation in AI, helping professionals understand its applications and integrate AI-driven solutions into their work.

Here’s a look at the first courses set to go live in April and the key skills they focus on:

1. Microsoft: Use AI For Everyday Tasks

Learning how to use Gen AI for everyday tasks, understand the basics of writing effective prompts and identify useful prompt resources. Business users will be able to use different AI tools to prompt and build on results, as well as understanding how to use AI ethically.

  • Who is this for? Business Professionals
  • Level: Beginner
  • Duration: ~1 hour
  • View course details here

2. Microsoft: Getting Started with AI Agents in GitHub Copilot

GitHub Copilot Agents are custom tools embedded in Copilot Extensions that provide additional functionalities tailored to the end users’ needs. Course attendees will take part in a hands-on exercise to build a Copilot extension for a practical developer workflow.

  • Who is this for? Tech Professionals
  • Level: Beginner
  • Duration: ~1 hour
  • View course details here

3. Microsoft: Prompt Engineering for Microsoft 365 Copilot

Learning how to write effective AI prompts is an emerging skill. This course teaches practical AI productivity strategies to generate meaningful insights, automate tasks, and enhance collaboration.

  • Who is this for? Business professionals, knowledge workers, Microsoft 365 users
  • Level: Beginner
  • Duration: ~2 hours
  • View course details here

4. Microsoft: AI Foundations for Business Leaders

A foundational course explaining AI in business, its real-world applications, and how companies can adopt AI-powered solutions for efficiency and growth.

  • Who is this for? Non-technical professionals, managers, executives
  • Level: Beginner
  • Duration: ~2 hours
  • View course details here

5. Microsoft: AI for Workplace Productivity

AI is increasingly being used to streamline workflows and optimize efficiency. This course highlights practical AI tools that can support better decision-making and automate repetitive tasks.

  • Who is this for? Professionals looking to improve workplace productivity
  • Level: Beginner
  • Duration: ~1 hours

6. Microsoft: Azure AI Fundamentals: Build & Deploy AI

For those looking to deepen their technical understanding, this course provides an introduction to Microsoft Azure’s AI capabilities, guiding learners through building and deploying AI-powered applications.

  • Who is this for? IT professionals, developers, AI enthusiasts
  • Level: Beginner
  • Duration: ~3 hours

More AI Career-Aligned Learning Opportunities Coming Soon

For 50 years, Microsoft has been a leader in technological transformation, and today, AI is the next frontier. Through this collaboration with edX, Microsoft is making AI skills accessible, relevant, and actionable for professionals worldwide. And this is just the beginning—new courses aligned to latest technical careers will continue to roll out, ensuring ongoing learning opportunities for the workforce of tomorrow.

Start building your AI skills today with Microsoft and edX and chat to a Learning Solutions Consultant today.

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Hallym University case study: Equipping students with in-demand skills

Case Study5 min read

November 5, 2024

Looking to set a new standard in education, leaders at Hallym University partnered with edX to embrace technology and build a new educational framework to meet today’s global demands. By integrating AI-powered teaching tools, diversifying curricula, and leveraging hybrid learning, Hallym pioneered the “K-University Model,” which is already helping both students and teachers succeed.

Challenge: Decreased enrollments, new global standards

Faced with reduced enrollment numbers, leaders at Hallym University decided to adapt their academic model to meet the needs of today’s students by harnessing the power of technology.

Hallym University, located about an hour from Seoul, decided to partner with edX to increase enrollments, embrace new technologies, and offer students an educational model that resonated with international trends. Inspired by the global influence of K-pop and K-drama, Hallym created the “K-University Model”: A powerful new initiative that would offer AI-powered teaching tools and modular courses via a single cutting-edge online platform.

Solution: Educational innovation and AI-powered pilot courses

With the help of edX, Hallym University was able to bring its innovative K-University Model to life, diversify the curriculum, and offer AI-powered courses and teaching tools. Hallym began with a pilot program, introducing AI-powered undergraduate courses in a wide array of subjects, including climate change and urban policy, machine learning, accounting, chemistry, and nano bioengineering. Pilot course subject matter was curated to ensure a balance between STEM and social science disciplines, reflecting the university’s commitment to providing a well-rounded education.

Impact

Hallym’s edX partnership allowed them to strengthen their offerings in several valuable ways, including:

Enhanced accessibility. Hallym University decreased language barriers and increased comprehension by incorporating AI translation tools in course materials so students could select their preferred study language.

Flexible implementation. Seven professors were enlisted to develop the edX-integrated courses, each bringing a unique approach to implementation within the curriculum. Some faculty members used edX content as supplementary learning materials, while others integrated it into required homework for credit. While some professors incorporated edX into pre-study material to prepare students for class discussions, others employed edX tools as post-study material to reinforce key concepts. Thanks to edX’s flexible offerings, both students and professors alike can adapt the tools to suit their educational approach.

Rapid scaling. By leveraging edX’s robust platform, Hallym University was able to rapidly test and scale online learning offerings.

Results: Lessons learned

Impact on faculty: Adapting teaching methods and enhancing pedagogical skills

The edX initiative strengthened faculty teaching skills by equipping them with new tools and approaches for online and in-personal learning. Realizing the huge potential at hand, faculty members observed that integrating online learning materials allowed them to focus more on facilitating in-depth discussions and providing personalized support, rather than delivering standard lectures.

Hemin Choi, Assistant Professor at the Hallym AI Convergence Institute & Graduate School of Global Cooperation, said that junior professors found edX to be a valuable resource for both training and education, helping with everything from curriculum design to course development.

Key insights:

Online resources complement traditional teaching. The flexibility of the edX platform allowed professors to experiment with various teaching methods, such as using edX materials as pre-study resources, supplementary learning tools, or post-study reinforcement. This experimentation gave teachers more pedagogical options and gave them more tools at their disposal for improving engagement.

Senior students excel at hybrid learning. The hybrid model was especially effective for senior students, who were generally more adept at self-directed learning.

Online learning deepened discussions. Faculty members observed that integrating online materials allowed them to focus more on facilitating in-depth discussions and providing personalized support, rather than delivering standard lectures

The pilot program enhanced the pedagogical skills of the faculty, equipping them with new tools and approaches that can be applied to both online and in-person teaching. It also prompted many faculty members to advocate for broader adoption of hybrid learning models across the university.

Impact on students: Fostering self-directed learning and global competence

The flexibility and range offered by the edX platform helped Hallym students to deepen their engagement and understanding across the board. Students benefited from:

 More flexibility. edX’s flexible structure allowed students to engage with course materials at their own pace, at times and in settings that were most conducive to their learning.

A global perspective, in a local context. Participation in lectures and assignments that were also available to a global audience gave students a broader understanding of their field of study. Class discussions with peers and professors helped students apply this global content to local issues, helping them develop a well-rounded and nuanced perspective on their studies.

Impact on university administration: Strategic planning and future directions

Within a month of purchasing 100 subscription licenses, the utilization rate reached 100% with its intended users. Of the 190 enrollments, 147 courses were completed by learners. University administration concluded that the AI-powered hybrid learning model not only met the immediate needs of students and faculty but also aligned with the university’s long-term objectives of innovation and global engagement.

The successful integration of edX into the Hallym curriculum provides valuable insights into how modern technology can be leveraged to enhance educational outcomes while helping universities achieve their strategic goals.

This partnership marks a critical step toward Hallym’s goals: To raise the bar for academic excellence and give students the skill sets they need for success.

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Harnessing AI For A More Sustainable Future

White Paper1 min read

September 24, 2024

About the Report:

Last year’s survey explored how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the world of work, from entry-level knowledge workers to CEOs. In our latest research, we assessed how views on this have shifted over the past year and investigated whether AI could support the growing call for more sustainable business practices.

edX and the research firm Workplace Intelligence surveyed 1,800 global knowledge workers and 600 U.S. C-suite executives to gain unique insight into how AI can be used to accelerate corporate sustainability efforts, including environmental, social, and economic. The findings revealed a notable gap between how executives view AI’s role in supporting sustainability and their organization’s current capacity to implement AI for that purpose.

For example, the survey uncovered that a remarkable 75% of C-suite feel their company won’t be able to achieve their sustainability goals without AI. However, 65% acknowledge  they “have no idea how” to operationalize AI to support sustainability.

Discover how mastering AI and sustainability skills today can position employees and executives to meet their sustainability and growth goals.

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Learning in the age of AI

Webinar1 min read

August 5, 2024

About this Resource:

AI is changing the skills we need to learn and how we learn, but not always in the way we expect! At edX we’re hearing that too much choice is overwhelming, with leaders more focused on quality than quantity when it comes to learning. Because of this, learners need and expect more direction. Finally, despite all the innovation, our research suggests that humans still want to learn from and with humans. 

Join us for an interesting discussion with the edX Director of Learning Strategy and Lecturer at University of Pennsylvania, and the CEO of HowNow as we make the case for longer-form directed learning in the world of short attention spans.


Speakers:

Moderator:

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