How can sustainable business models be taught in a way that students do more than simply listen to lectures – instead experimenting, generating ideas, and solving real-world challenges? And how can artificial intelligence (AI) be used wisely in this process?
These are exactly the questions currently being explored by the partners of the Erasmus+ project AI4GreenBus. Although the project has only recently started, intensive research activities are already underway. Partners are reviewing scientific publications, exploring teaching approaches used around the world, testing digital and virtual environments, and searching for ways to create a modern, interactive, and engaging learning experience for students.
Today’s students live in a world where ideas emerge rapidly, information is available instantly, and technologies evolve faster than ever before. This also changes the question educators face – not only what to teach, but also how to teach.
The first findings from partner research suggest that business and entrepreneurship education worldwide is becoming increasingly experiential. Traditional business plans are more and more often being replaced by simulations, practical challenges, problem-based learning, design thinking, gamification, virtual environments, and AI-powered solutions.
However, the goal of AI4GreenBus is not simply to add artificial intelligence into the learning process. The project team is paying special attention to a key question – how can technology become an intelligent collaboration partner rather than replace human thinking? Contemporary research increasingly highlights the so-called Human-in-the-loop approach – AI can support analysis, generate ideas, and accelerate processes, while decision-making, critical thinking, and creativity remain in human hands.
In practice, this may look very different from traditional lectures. Imagine a student team working on a sustainable business challenge. AI helps analyse the market, simulate different scenarios, generate ideas, or create initial business model concepts. Students then evaluate the outcomes, discuss alternatives, make decisions, and further improve the ideas. AI becomes a creative co-author rather than an answer generator for exams.
Partners are also experimenting with different virtual and digital environments to better understand which platforms and approaches engage students the most. Will future business models be learned through virtual simulations? Can AI become a personal innovation coach? Could learning begin to resemble a game? The answers are still being explored.
Within the project, a methodology and practical solutions for AI-supported teaching of sustainable business model innovation will be developed. The aim is to create an approach that helps students develop not only knowledge but also essential future skills – critical thinking, systems thinking, creative problem-solving, and the ability to collaborate with artificial intelligence.
Perhaps in a few years, the question will no longer be: “Should we use AI in education?” but rather: “How can we use it wisely?”
AI4GreenBus partners are already looking for answers. The first research findings and information events are expected already this autumn.
