Global Titans Converge: IIM Sambalpur and IAE Bordeaux Launch Elite Dual-Degree PhD-DBA
IIM Sambalpur and IAE Bordeaux welcome 50 global business leaders for a pioneering Executive PhD and DBA dual-degree programme.
In a landmark move to bridge the gap between corporate boardrooms and academic research, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Sambalpur has teamed up with the IAE Bordeaux University School of Management, France. This collaboration has brought together 50 high-ranking business leaders from six different nations for a pioneering Executive PhD and Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) dual-degree programme.
The initiative is designed specifically for working professionals who wish to transform their vast industry experience into rigorous, publishable research without having to pause their professional careers. Upon successful completion, scholars will be awarded an Executive PhD from IIM Sambalpur and a DBA from IAE Bordeaux.
A Global Cohort of Visionaries
From October 30 to November 1, IIM Sambalpur hosted a three-day induction and immersion programme to welcome the newest members of this academic journey. The current group of scholars spans three distinct cohorts, bringing together a powerhouse of expertise from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and India.
The diversity of the participants is striking, featuring a mix of:
- Chairpersons and Managing Directors
- CEOs and Founders
- Senior Government Officials
- Defence Professionals
Breaking Down the Cohorts
The programme is structured across three waves of scholars, each bringing unique sectoral insights to the table:
- The 2026-2029 Cohort: This latest group consists of 14 senior professionals, including Executive Directors and Vice Presidents, representing the automotive, technology, consulting, engineering, and renewable energy sectors.
- The 2025-2028 Cohort: Comprising 20 professionals, this group draws expertise from healthcare, energy, finance, defence, and technology.
- The 2024-2027 Cohort: The founding group of 16 scholars includes leaders from global and national giants such as Google, Adani Group, HPCL, NTT DATA, Korn Ferry, and LAVA International.
Bridging the Gap: From Boardroom to Research Room
The core philosophy of this dual-degree programme is to create a feedback loop between real-world organizational struggles and academic evidence. Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director of IIM Sambalpur, emphasized that the goal is to allow leaders to bring actual organizational problems into the research environment and return to their companies with evidence-based solutions.
"Partnering with IAE Bordeaux allows us to offer rigorous, world-class training in research methods that meet global standards, while keeping the programme deeply relevant to the challenges Indian and global businesses face today," stated Prof. Jaiswal.
Tackling Modern Business Disruptions
The induction programme featured high-level deliberations on the evolving role of research in professional practice. Key speakers included Dr. Rajiv Kohli, the John N. Dalton Memorial Professor of Business from the Raymond A. Mason School of Business, William & Mary (USA), and Dr. Jorge Cardoso, the Programme Director of the International DBA Cohort at IAE Bordeaux.
The institute highlighted that in an era of rapid change, research-driven leadership is no longer optional. The programme aims to equip these leaders to systematically analyze and solve challenges stemming from:
- The rise of Artificial Intelligence
- Global energy transitions
- Shifting geopolitical realignments
- The expansion of digital public infrastructure
By integrating academic rigor with executive experience, IIM Sambalpur and IAE Bordeaux are shaping a new breed of leaders capable of navigating the complexities of the modern global economy through the lens of scientific research.