AI-Era Business Education in Economics: Reimagining Learning and Thinking

Abstract

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly embedded in business decision-making, economics education must undergo a fundamental transformation to remain relevant and effective. This paper explores how AI is reshaping the landscape of business practice and argues for a reimagining of economics education that prepares students not only to understand economic theory but also to collaborate with intelligent systems. We identify three key paradigm shifts essential for this transformation: moving from disciplinary silos to interdisciplinary synthesis, redefining the instructor’s role from knowledge transmitter to mentor and ethical guide, and embracing AI as a cognitive partner rather than a passive tool.

These shifts have significant implications for curriculum design, assessment strategies, and instructional practices. We propose integrating AI tools into coursework, fostering critical evaluation of AI-generated outputs, and embedding ethical reasoning into the learning process. Innovative pedagogical approaches -such as project-based learning, AI-informed feedback loops, and ethics diaries -are highlighted as effective strategies for cultivating the skills needed in an AI-augmented economy.

The paper concludes with a call for comprehensive faculty development and institutional support to ensure educators are equipped to guide students through this evolving landscape. By embracing these changes, economics education can empower future business leaders to think critically, act ethically, and lead confidently in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.