The Indian Institute of Management Indore and the Adam Smith Business School at the University of Glasgow have jointly announced a new Global Leadership Development Programme for Entrepreneurs. This international certification programme is designed to help founders and business leaders scale their ventures across global markets. The initiative brings together academic expertise from India and the UK to offer practical leadership training focused on real-world business challenges.
I am writing about this programme because entrepreneurship today is no longer limited by geography. Many Indian founders want to expand beyond domestic markets but often struggle with global strategy, leadership alignment, and cross-cultural decision-making. From what I have seen while tracking startup ecosystems, access to structured global exposure is still limited for many entrepreneurs. This collaboration between IIM Indore and the University of Glasgow fills that gap by combining strong academic grounding with international perspective. For startup founders, family business owners, and growth-stage entrepreneurs, such programmes can play a key role in moving from local success to global scale.
About the Global Leadership Development Programme
The Global Leadership Development Programme for Entrepreneurs is being positioned as a first-of-its-kind international certification jointly offered by IIM Indore and the Adam Smith Business School. The programme focuses on leadership skills required to operate and scale businesses in international markets.
It is tailored for entrepreneurs who already have operational experience and are looking to grow beyond their current market boundaries.
Institutions Behind the Collaboration
IIM Indore is one of India’s leading management institutes, known for its focus on leadership, strategy, and executive education. The Adam Smith Business School at the University of Glasgow is internationally recognised for its research and teaching in business, economics, and management.
This partnership brings together Indian market understanding and global academic insight, creating a balanced learning framework.
What the Programme Aims to Offer
The programme has been designed to address the practical needs of entrepreneurs aiming for global expansion. Key focus areas include:
- Global leadership and strategic thinking
- Understanding international markets and regulations
- Managing cross-cultural teams
- Scaling operations sustainably
- Decision-making in complex business environments
The curriculum is expected to combine classroom learning with case studies and interactive sessions.
Who the Programme Is Meant For
The Global Leadership Development Programme is suitable for:
- Startup founders and co-founders
- Owners of growing small and medium enterprises
- Family business leaders planning international expansion
- Entrepreneurs looking to strengthen leadership capabilities
It is particularly relevant for those who want exposure to global best practices without committing to long-term full-time programmes.
Why This Programme Matters Now
Indian entrepreneurship is at a stage where many businesses are ready to go global but lack structured leadership training for international markets. Programmes like this help bridge that gap by offering guidance from institutions with global credibility.
In my view, such collaborations also signal a shift in how Indian management education is evolving, moving towards more international, practice-driven learning models.
Expected Impact on Entrepreneurs
Participants of the programme are likely to gain clarity on global growth strategies and build confidence in handling international business environments. The international certification also adds credibility when dealing with global partners, investors, and clients.
Beyond skills, the programme offers networking opportunities with peers and faculty from different business ecosystems.
