EFMD India Symposium 2025

The European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) hosted the 2025 edition of the EFMD India symposium at SPJIMR Mumbai. The symposium, themed ‘The knowledge alliance: Building capacity through effective partnerships’, welcomed around 50 key stakeholders from Indian business schools, with a strategic mandate to shape institutional direction and lead collaborative efforts, both locally and internationally. It examined how institutions strengthen ecosystems and foster innovation through alumni engagement, external partnerships, and collaborative initiatives.

In his opening remarks, Eric Cornuel, President, EFMD Global, noted, “In today’s complex geopolitical landscape, the call for responsible management is more urgent than ever. We must champion sustainability and uphold mutual respect.” Prof. Varun Nagaraj, Dean, SPJIMR, said, “Developing policy briefs and white papers that influence decision-makers and shape industry practices is not just important—it is our responsibility. We must focus on research that drives lasting impact.” 

Axel Guyon, Country Manager for India at Choose Paris Region, delivered the keynote on ‘Leading through collaboration: Corporate insights on building sustainable partnerships’. His presentation focused on how businesses and educational institutions can form mutually beneficial relationships to support innovation, sustainability, and long-term growth in a competitive global environment.

Senior leaders and academic decision-makers engaged in interactive sessions, roundtable dialogues, and peer exchanges with experts in the field. They benefited from networking opportunities to connect with peers, share insights, and explore future collaborations.

Joining the panel, ‘Lessons from Indian business schools’, Prof. Anupama Gupta, Director, Accreditation and Rankings, SPJIMR, remarked, “Achieving international accreditation is a continuous journey that demands a commitment to excellence, cross-functional collaboration, and a willingness to evolve with global benchmarks. It reflects our current standing and our vision for the future.”  

The 2025 edition of the EFMD Indian Symposium highlighted evolving practices in management education, focusing on how partnerships can expand institutional capacity, strengthen global positioning, and contribute to long-term impact.

Agenda