Artificial intelligence is reshaping every sector, every business model, and every leadership role. At Regent European University San Marino, we believe the leaders who will thrive in this new era are those who understand not only the technology, but the strategy, ethics, and organisational transformation required to harness it responsibly.
Our Doctoral Programme in Business Administration – Specialist Pathway in AI-Driven Business Transformation is designed for ambitious professionals ready to lead this change.
This six-month, fully online programme (Level 7, 30 ECTS) begins June 2026 and offers a rigorous, future-focused curriculum grounded in real-world application and doctoral-level scholarship.
Why This Programme?
The pathway is built for experienced managers and leaders — those with an MBA or equivalent and at least five years of professional experience — who want to deepen their expertise and drive meaningful transformation in their organisations.
The programme focuses on the strategic, managerial, and ethical dimensions of AI, preparing learners to:
- Lead AI adoption across business functions
- Navigate organisational readiness and change
- Make data-driven decisions using AI-enabled analytics
- Address fairness, transparency, and accountability in AI governance
As the specification states, learners will "develop capabilities to lead AI adoption, As the specification states, learners will "develop capabilities to lead AI adoption, navigate organisational readiness challenges, and address the ethical implications of AI-driven decision-making.", and address the ethical implications of AI-driven decision-making."
A Curriculum Designed for Modern Leaders
Across four specialist modules and a supervised research portfolio, you will explore:
1. Strategic AI Adoption & Organisational Readiness
Analyse infrastructure, data maturity, workforce capability, and risk. You'll examine "technical, operational, and strategic dimensions" of AI initiatives and learn to design responsible adoption strategies.
2. Data-Driven Decision Making & AI-Enabled Analytics
Develop the ability to apply advanced analytics and evaluate emerging AI technologies for real business impact.
3. AI Governance, Ethics & Risk Management
Tackle the most pressing issues in AI today: bias, transparency, accountability, and cross-jurisdictional governance.
4. Doctoral Research Portfolio Integration
Conduct original embedded research, culminating in a portfolio you will defend before expert examiners. The programme emphasises "synthesis of theory with professional practice" — a hallmark of doctoral-level work.
Learning That Fits Your Life
This is a fully online programme, combining:
- Micro-lectures
- Peer-led discussions
- Applied practice labs
- Case study analysis
- Tutor-guided critical discussions
The hybrid model ensures flexibility without compromising academic depth. Teaching is designed to "advance doctoral-level analytical perspectives" while supporting autonomous learning.
Assessment That Builds Real Expertise
You will complete three summative assignments across the specialist modules, supported by formative activities such as quizzes, discussions, and practice labs.
Assessment is aligned with seven competency domains, including:
- Professional communication
- Critical literature review
- Problem-solving
- Application to practice
- Ethical reflection
- Research quality
For example, students learn to create "business cases balancing innovation potential with implementation risks" and to critically evaluate "algorithmic bias, interpretability constraints, and deployment risks."
A Global, Ethical, Forward-Thinking Perspective
AI transformation is not just technical — it is cultural, global, and deeply human. That's why the programme emphasises:
- Cross-cultural capability
- International regulatory awareness
- Ethical leadership
- Responsible innovation
Graduates emerge ready to lead AI transformation responsibly, creatively, and strategically — qualities that organisations worldwide urgently need.
Who Should Apply?
This programme is ideal for:
- Senior managers and executives
- Digital transformation leaders
- Consultants and strategists
- Innovation and technology professionals
- Anyone driving AI-enabled change in their organisation
If you're ready to elevate your expertise and lead with confidence in the age of AI, this pathway offers a powerful, internationally accredited route to advanced professional distinction.
Shape the Future of AI-Driven Business
AI is transforming the world. The question is: will you lead that transformation?
Join us at Regent European University San Marino and take the next step in your professional and academic journey.