
At the heart of this strategy, the Metalab serves as a catalyst. It brings together internal initiatives, fosters synergies between departments, academic chairs, corporate partners, and external institutions. Its mission: to ensure smooth coordination between research, education, and innovation. The Metalab provides faculty with access to a dedicated AI technical platform, facilitates access to real-world data and user bases, and encourages cross-disciplinary projects.
The Metalab Institute for AI, Data and Society also works closely with the Department of Information, Decision and Operations (IDO), a unique department among French business schools. Positioned at the crossroads of data science, management, and operations research, the IDO department actively contributes to embedding AI-related issues into ESSEC’s academic programs.
ESSEC’s digital transformation is further guided by the broader Transcend strategy, with a clear goal: to enhance the student and participant experience through controlled and ethical use of AI. Led by Ahmed Jerbi, Director of Data and AI, this vision is not about automating everything, but about using data and algorithms to support pedagogy—while preserving the essential role of human judgment.
"From preventing student disengagement to supporting lead management and offering personalized learning, our AI initiatives at ESSEC follow one guiding principle: to continuously improve the learning experience. This is why key decisions, whether related to pedagogy, human resources, or admissions, are, and will always be, made by people," explains Ahmed Jerbi.