IMD is shaping the future of learning with Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365

Blending human intelligence and AI for immersive learning

IMD has always been quick to seize new opportunities afforded by technology. This now includes the development of Generative AI (GenAI) tools and games that complement faculty experts’ deep understanding of human dynamics, bringing human and artificial intelligence together for powerful, immersive learning experiences.

“Generative AI represents a pivotal moment in business education, enabling the creation of truly personalized learning journeys at a scale previously unimaginable. At IMD, we're leveraging this technology to build upon our legacy of innovation and practical learning, ensuring tomorrow's leaders develop the adaptive capabilities needed in an AI-powered world,” says Sarah Toms, Chief Innovation Officer at IMD.

Beyond the timeframe of a program, participants can now continue to engage with IMD’s expertise using GenAI, finding insights relevant to their specific contexts. “Through our suite of GenAI tools, we're extending IMD's thought leadership beyond the traditional program footprint,” Toms explains. “We’re putting world-class insights from IMD directly into our participants' pockets, while providing precise, actionable intelligence about where leaders and organizations need to focus to drive growth and impact.”

IMD is a long-standing Microsoft 365 suite customer, so it was an obvious choice for them to use Microsoft Azure OpenAI Services together with other Microsoft solutions, such as Microsoft 365 Copilot and Copilot Studio, in developing its GenAI capabilities.

“Having Microsoft by our side enables us to bring our innovative ideas to life,” says Carlos Ballester Lafuente, Head of IT Innovation at IMD, “Their powerful toolset shows us the way forward.”

Working with Microsoft to secure proof of value

As a cloud-based business school, IMD is particularly impressed by the quality of the Microsoft architecture, the security and simplicity it offers, and the way Microsoft keeps on creatively improving the tools it provides.

“We are keen to try out new things, yes, but always with one eye on proof of value, meaning the value that is added for participants,” notes Vincent Ballini, Chief Information Officer at IMD. “That is why we trust Microsoft, because its vast offerings allow us to be creative but also let us rely on stable and lasting solutions.”

IMD has already supplied all its faculty and staff with Microsoft 365 Copilot, leading to significant productivity gains in administration, creativity, education and IT. The AI solutions also extend to the pedagogy, “Our goal is to enable faculty and participants to get hands on experience with the latest technology tools so they can immediately see the real-world potential and applications in their organization,” Ballester says.

Microsoft’s Azure-based large language models (LLMs) are enabling IMD to amplify learning outcomes beyond previous constraints of time and place. In Microsoft Copilot Studio, for example, it is possible to compile study content for specific target groups and distribute it to participants quickly and relatively easily. One tailor-made solution that included a dedicated Copilot was ready for colleagues in Singapore to use in just four hours.

Focus on participants

IMD’s learning experiences are scalable, where personalized learning journeys are designed to catalyze transformation and personal growth. One of its GenAI tools is a dedicated learning chatbot participants can use to access teaching resources and insights. IMD’s values – sustainability and diversity, equity and inclusion– are also clearly evident in its GenAI applications. This includes a free game developed and introduced as a companion to its Coursera course — it’s an interactive game that teaches environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles – hosted on Azure.

IMD also provides a hands-on, lab approach to learning in the form of “GenAI sandboxes”. Here, participants experience the latest in GenAI firsthand and develop new, practical AI use cases for their own professional contexts. The AI itself gives the participants direct feedback on their work. “This is a fascinating experiment, because it explores ethical issues and the use of Generative AI,” Ballester explains.

Sarah Toms adds: “We were inspired by the possibilities opened by GenAI right from the start. It is incredible what we have already achieved in collaboration with Microsoft. To maximize the benefits to the organizations and participants who come to IMD, it is vital that we implement these approaches – including our own AI principles – carefully and securely.” IMD has taken care to create a set of principles that serve as a framework for the responsible use of AI, including its ethical, societal and commercial aspects. Leveraging services like Azure AI Content Safety is key to ensure the technical implementation of these principles.

Advancing the transformation together

As a leader in executive education, IMD seeks to constantly iterate and improve its offerings in real time. Its leadership is excited to be collaborating with Microsoft on an ongoing basis, leveraging the latest in GenAI developments, rapidly bringing new capabilities into its pedagogical solutions. IMD uses GenAI to evaluate program results and optimize its work. Questions asked by participants during the courses serve as datasets for future programs, allowing IMD’s faculty to adapt learning to evolving needs.

“We gradually become more intelligent with regard to our teaching content,” explains Louis Leclézio, Chief Operations Officer. “With the aid of GenAI, we can anticipate what participants’ questions.” GenAI records, evaluates and anonymizes every relevant aspect of each course. These findings can then be fed back into the organizations: Where do we currently have the right focus? And where don’t we? What are the key findings, and what are the next steps to take?

A similar approach is adopted in a project to promote key interdisciplinary competencies in IMD’s MBA program. Supported by GenAI, IMD analyzes how well participants perform in transversal skills such as problem solving, pattern recognition and convincing communication. It then produces personalized reports that immediately proposes ways to develop and improve weaker skillsets.

“Having a leading-edge partner like Microsoft helps us to unlock a completely new dimension of intelligence within our programs,” Toms concludes. “Together, we use data to advance the transformation of both individuals and organizations. And we ourselves continue to improve in the process.”

Ground-breaking GenAI strategies for the future of learning

Thanks to its innovative approach and the determination to always optimize itself, IMD is playing a crucial role in shaping the future of learning. This visionary orientation has already been highly influential, with many companies adopting IMD’s AI strategy and principles as the basis for their own initiatives. An open and holistic but also carefully considered AI strategy that gives top priority to the individual learning experience will remain fundamental to IMD’s success.

“Going forward, the analytics and feedback loops that GenAI provides will make our learning journeys even more relevant to individuals,” Toms says. “Using GenAI in conjunction with what we have always excelled at – human-to-human learning that builds communities with responsible foundations – allows us to provide highly impactful technology-mediated learning that breaks through anything that was previously possible.”

Louis Leclézio is in full agreement: “At any age, the more we learn, the more relevant we stay in today’s world. That is why it is so important to us to use Generative AI in an ever-changing world. Thanks to our partnership with Microsoft, our AI solutions can help managerial staff prepare today for the challenges of tomorrow.”