FT 2026 rankings highlight AI and geopolitics driving executive education demand.

The 17_executive_education_openenrolment_programme is prominently featured in the *Financial Times* (FT) 2026 Executive Education rankings, which evaluate both open-enrolment and custom programmes. London and Milan emerged as top locations in the rankings, reflecting growing demand for executive education in these hubs. The rankings highlight a shift in focus toward AI and geopolitics in open-enrolment programmes, as businesses seek skills to navigate technological disruption and global instability. However, expansion in the Middle East has slowed due to ongoing conflicts, impacting programme availability in the region .

The methodology for the 2026 rankings emphasizes criteria such as participant satisfaction, faculty quality, and programme diversity, with open-enrolment programmes assessed separately from custom offerings. Key factors include the relevance of course content to current business challenges, such as AI integration and leadership in volatile environments .

Executives are increasingly required to justify funding for open-enrolment programmes, as companies prioritize measurable value and ROI. The FT reports that businesses are scrutinizing course relevance more closely, pushing participants to demonstrate how programmes align with strategic goals. This trend has led to a rise in demand for shorter, more targeted modules, particularly in AI collaboration and decision-making .

Business schools are adapting their open-enrolment offerings to address these shifts, moving beyond traditional management topics to include AI-driven collaboration and leadership in the age of automation. Programmes now emphasize honing judgment skills, as executives must navigate complex, data-rich environments where human oversight remains critical .

Participants in open-enrolment programmes report gaining practical insights into AI integration, geopolitical risk management, and adaptive leadership. Many highlight the value of peer learning and networking, particularly in programmes that blend technical skills with strategic thinking .

The rise of alternative providers has intensified competition for traditional business schools, forcing them to refine their unique selling points (USPs) or collaborate with new entrants. Open-enrolment programmes, in particular, are under pressure to differentiate themselves through specialized content, such as AI ethics or cross-cultural leadership .

> Background: **FT 2026 rankings highlight AI and geopolitics shaping executive education priorities.** — *5 hours ago*