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Digitalization & Leadership: Successful Leadership in the Digital Age

Successful Leadership in the Digital Age

Digitalization and Leadership

Digitalization has developed rapidly in recent decades and is now shaping almost every aspect of the economy and the world of work. The way companies work and shape their business models has changed fundamentally. Digitalization opens up new opportunities and perspectives: companies can work more efficiently, address customers in a more targeted manner and bring innovative products to market faster. In summary, digitalization leads to a strong competitive advantage for organizations that manage to successfully integrate digital tools into their business strategies.

Digitalization is also changing the demands placed on managers. Successful leaders in the digital age must not only have technical skills, but above all the ability to lead people through the digital transformation. Leadership is becoming a key competence for actively shaping change in companies and fully exploiting the opportunities of digitalization.

Master Digital Transformation with AI

In order to survive on the market, companies are faced with the task of restructuring themselves with the help of data, digitizing business processes and making them more efficient. Adapting the corporate culture and working methods is just as crucial as introducing new technologies. Success in digitalization requires rethinking existing processes and developing new, digitally supported models.


In addition to the valuable insights provided by big data, blockchain and the use of digital tools, the use of artificial intelligence plays a key role. AI enables companies to automate processes efficiently, which not only leads to considerable cost savings, but also raises the quality of work results to a new level. This dual benefit makes the use of AI a decisive factor for success in the digital transformation.

WU Executive Academy: Accreditations & MBA-Rankings

The WU Vienna University of Economics and Business is one of Europe's leading universities and can look back on over 100 years of excellence in executive education. We are proud to have received the prestigious triple accreditation from AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS, which is reflected in the outstanding quality of our executive education. This has also been recognized in international rankings:

  • Top 40: QS World University Ranking

  • Top 45: Financial Times European Business School Ranking

    • 125 Years of Teaching Experience

      • Prestigious academic pioneer: There are reasons why thousands of students from over 100 countries choose to study at the WU Vienna. Europe’s largest business university takes its responsibility to forge tomorrow’s leaders very seriously. Our unique vision of intelligent, sustainable leadership offers a significant competitive advantage in international business.

      • Top international faculty: Our faculty comprises an exclusive pool of some of the finest academic and business management minds around the globe. They are offering a wealth of real-world experience in leading international companies.

      • Research-led teaching: The quality of didactic content exerts a significant influence on the success of individuals, companies and, society as a whole. The foundation of curated, ongoing research guarantees the efficacy of our programs.

      • Leveraging cutting-edge theory into business practice: The core expertise we offer derives from an intensive and focused exchange with a range of business sectors and industries. This results in a proven hybrid of cutting-edge research and rock-solid, effective business practice.

      • Triple accreditation: The WU Vienna is one of only a few business universities worldwide awarded prestigious triple accreditation, confirming our place among the world’s elite.

      • High international rankings: We are justifiably proud of our top positions in leading international rankings.

      • Custom-designed learning environment: In the middle of a campus rich with award-winning architecture, the WU Executive Academy stands out. Our stunning, new building is custom-designed to provide the ultimate modern learning environment.

    • Study in the Heart of Europe

      • Beautiful study location - Vienna: An incomparable fusion of past and present, Vienna is a stunning place to work and study. Austria’s capital city pairs superb, modern infrastructure with art, architecture, culture, and cuisine. Consistently ranked among the most liveable cities in the world. Vienna is a thriving, accessible, central European hub for business, and home to numerous large corporations and international organizations.

    • Join a Diverse Network

      • Selected peer group: A challenging, stimulating environment is essential to maximize the benefits of our programs. Participants join a carefully selected, proactive group of like-minded, dynamic, responsible leaders. Together they question, discuss and debate the cases and solutions presented. The professional network built during your studies will continue to support your career long after you complete your learning journey.

      • Multicultural synergies: It would be absurd to study in a way or in an environment which did not reflect the most basic reality of international business. The broad range of nationalities and cultural backgrounds constituting the peer group contributes further to the added value of our programs. Offering a thought-provoking richness of perspectives.

      • Diverse industries and roles: The executives and managers who study at the WU Executive Academy come from a range of industries and companies. They play the most varied roles within these organizations. This diversity combines to offer an additional wealth of exciting insights into the challenges of the fast-paced, modern world of international business.

      • Varied, stimulating perspectives: Your colleagues’ diverse perspectives and the solutions you evolve combine to challenge you to consider things from a different perspective. A dynamic synergy arises within the peer group and your individual attitude evolves to an advanced level of innovative openness.

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