3 universities shaping future leaders for global impact through sustainable innovation

From low-carbon aviation fuel and electrical vehicles to carbon-neutral supply chains and people-first, planet-first management practices, the need for sustainable innovation is more critical than ever. A new generation of business leaders is emerging, equipped with the knowledge and skills to make a lasting impact on meeting the grand challenges of our time. 

To join their ranks, start with a master’s degree in business from one of the high-impact, action-oriented universities below:

Source: University of St.Gallen

University of St. Gallen

At the University of St.Gallen (HSG), one of the 1% of highest possible triple-crown-accredited business schools worldwide, students are prepared to impact the world meaningfully. Situated at the foothills of the Swiss Alps, this globally recognised university is home to an entrepreneurial and innovation-driven community. Within its communication-stimulating campus with a full social calendar, students have the space and support that almost always leads to dream jobs or successfully founding their startups. If preparation for global impact is what you seek, this is where you’ll find your people.

Along the way, you’ll benefit from everything the school, campus, and city have to offer. Programmes and living costs are affordable despite being of the highest standards. Accommodation is easy to find, as is everything else you’ll need to live your best life. Seeking broader horizons? The university has over 200 international partner universities on all continents and is part of CEMS, a global alliance of leading business schools, multinational companies and NGOs that together offer the coveted CEMS Master in International Management.

You’ll get to experience a vibrant place to study and access its seemingly countless opportunities in superb study programmes like the Master in Strategy and International Management (SIM). The SIM has been ranked the #1 Master in Management worldwide by the Financial Times for an unparalleled 13 years.  The curriculum combines the research-based, academic rigours of a Master of Arts with the interactive nature and practice-oriented approach present in leading MBA programmes. You’ll become an expert in the core disciplines of strategy, leadership, finance, marketing, sustainability, and international management – a great foundation to seize roles as a respected and responsible manager, entrepreneur, business consultant and beyond.

For those interested in technology, the innovative, two-year Master in Computer Science programme merges cutting-edge education with business acumen. Not your traditional Computer Science programme, it offers a unique entrepreneurial curriculum where you specialise in areas shaping future business, technology and society. Along with core courses such as Cyber Security, Data Science, or Machine Learning, you can explore electives in management, entrepreneurship, and Contextual Studies, which strengthens your social and cultural competencies. This well-rounded education will position you to become a future CTO, as computer science has evolved as a key discipline for driving the future of companies, always keeping an eye on societal impact.

Learn more about University of St. Gallen.

The SDA Bocconi School of Management in Italy transforms individuals to shape the future of people, organisations, and society. Source: SDA Bocconi

SDA Bocconi School of Management

Established in 1971, SDA Bocconi School of Management was the first of its kind in Italy. Today, in the same spirit of its founders, the business school supports people, companies, and institutions who aspire to make their mark in the global economy. 

Its accolades speak volumes. SDA Bocconi is among the few business schools to earn the “triple crown”: three of the most prestigious international accreditations, namely AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA. 

At its campuses in Milan, Rome and Mumbai, SDA Bocconi’s cohorts reflect today’s global society and the diversity of thought. Pair that with their motto, “Designed For Your World”, and students enjoy a personalised approach that involves creating and adapting educational paths catered to specific needs. 

One of its flagship programmes is the Full-Time Master in Sustainability Management (MSM), a one-year intensive programme conducted in English. Designed to prepare professionals for diverse roles in industries, nonprofits, and public sectors, the programme grants 66 ECTS credits and provides three specialisation tracks: Sustainable Energy Transition, Sustainable Management and Strategies, and Sustainable and Climate Finance. Each track includes four focused courses, enabling students to develop expertise in their chosen area. Participants attend two courses from other tracks, allowing a broader understanding of sustainability.

The Master in Arts Management and Administration (MAMA) is just as global, personalised and impactful. Designed to cultivate artistic innovation and cultural growth, MAMA equips students with leadership and management skills essential for thriving arts organisations and diverse careers in the sector. The programme offers a strong foundation in management, blending practical, creative, and professional skills. Its multidisciplinary and international focus is enriched by unique experiences like the Grand Tour to iconic Italian cultural hubs and internships with MAMA’s prestigious partners, providing invaluable real-world exposure.

LSE’s location enables it to advance management research and education, integrating economic, psychological, social, political, and technological contexts on a global scale. Source: London School Of Economics/Facebook

London School Of Economics

The Department of Management at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)  stands apart from traditional business schools. Ranked #6 globally for social sciences and management by the QS World University Rankings by Subjects 2024, it is also highly regarded in the UK, securing the #2 spot for research excellence in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework. 

Here, there are a range of MSc programmes designed to help students think critically, lead effectively, and advance their careers. For those looking to launch a management career, the Master’s in Management or the Global Master’s in Management (GMiM) are ideal choices. The latter comes with the option to pursue the CEMS double degree with 34 leading partner business schools worldwide, which gives students access to a global network of over 70 corporate partners and eight social partners (NGOs).

Students with a background in economics, marketing, or digital innovation can explore tailored programmes such as the MSc Management and Strategy, MSc Economics and Management, MSc Marketing, or MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation. Each programme includes practical, hands-on projects to enhance learning and career readiness.

For experienced professionals with three to five years of work experience, the Executive Global Master’s in Management (EGMiM) offers a flexible, part-time option. Spanning 17 months and delivered across three global locations — London, Bangalore, and Cape Town — this programme combines seven intensive modules designed to fit around a busy work schedule. Participants gain a deep understanding of management theory while engaging with a diverse and cosmopolitan cohort.

Across all programmes, students benefit from LSE’s global perspective, expert faculty who are leaders in their fields, and robust career support services. The result? Graduates emerge with a solid international network, a nuanced understanding of management, and the skills to succeed in an interconnected world. 

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International