The latest edition of the prestigious The Economist features the headline, ‘Hard Truths About MBAs,’ highlighting troubling insights for those investing heavily in MBA programs, traditionally seen as a pathway to career advancement and lucrative roles. The article reveals that even graduates from top-ranked universities—where tuition fees alone can surpass €5,000 per month—are increasingly facing delays in securing employment after graduation. https://www.economist.com/business/2025/01/14/why-elite-mba-graduates-are-struggling-to-find-jobs
Edtechs are uniquely positioned to capitalize on the challenges facing traditional MBA programs. These platforms deliver education at a fraction of the cost while addressing many of the shortcomings of in-person classes. In traditional lecture halls, dozens—or even hundreds—of students often compete for limited interaction with instructors, resulting in a diminished learning experience.
As noted in a previous post referencing an article from The Economist, Edtech companies are already generating billions in revenue, at the expense of traditional universities. This trend is set to accelerate with the rise of generative AI and personalized tutoring technologies, which have the potential to revolutionize education leaving many universities struggling to remain relevant—or even facing financial ruin.
Update on January 21 – A global study on public trust in science, published yesterday in Nature Human Behaviour, surveyed 71,922 respondents across 68 countries. While scientists are widely regarded as qualified and concerned about public well-being, only 57% of respondents believe they are honest, with 31% expressing ambivalence and 11% considering them dishonest. This stark divide serves as a critical warning: universities must rigorously safeguard their most valuable asset—integrity—as any misstep risks further eroding public trust at a time when it remains precarious. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-024-02090-5#Sec7
Pacheco-Torgal 