IIM Indore Launches Global Leadership Programme in Glasgow, Scotland 2026

Key Points

• Strategic Collaboration: The Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIM Indore) and the Adam Smith Business School of the University of Glasgow have introduced their first Global Leadership Development Programme (GLDP) for Entrepreneurs.
• First Batch: The first batch of the programme has begun in Scotland with a selected group of 15 Indian entrepreneurs.
• Official Launch: The programme has been officially launched at the University of Glasgow through Prof. Himanshu Rai, Director of IIM Indore, and Prof. Wendy Loretto, Head of the Adam Smith Business School.
• Course Curriculum: The program includes business models, global leadership, financial management, growth through technologies, international expansion, and supply chain transformations.
• Entrepreneurs’ Reactions: Entrepreneurs belonging to various business domains such as renewable energy and construction businesses from India have acknowledged the relevance of the programme.

(Glasgow Express) September 9, 2026 –

What Are the Details of the Launch in Scotland?

In a milestone move to assist Indian business leaders in expanding their reach across international borders, the Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIM Indore) has officially introduced its inaugural Global Leadership Development Programme (GLDP) for Entrepreneurs. Developed in partnership with the Adam Smith Business School at the University of Glasgow, the executive education initiative officially got under way in Scotland on July 27, 2026. The initial group consists of 15 Indian entrepreneurs who have started an immersive academic and practical journey aimed at strengthening their strategic vision and helping them build internationally competitive businesses.

The inauguration took place on the campus of the Adam Smith Business School in Glasgow. The ceremony was led by Prof. Himanshu Rai, Director of IIM Indore, alongside Prof. Wendy Loretto, Head of the Adam Smith Business School. They were joined by Dr Xiang Li, Director of Internationalisation at the Adam Smith Business School, and Prof. Mit Vachhrajani, Programme Coordinator and Faculty Member at IIM Indore.

What Did the Key Institutional Leaders Say About the Partnership?

Addressing the incoming cohort, Prof. Himanshu Rai emphasised the shifting trajectory of Indian business enterprise. He noted that Indian entrepreneurship is entering a defining era where domestic firms are increasingly aiming to compete in international markets. He explained that the programme was designed to furnish entrepreneurs with the strategic foresight, leadership abilities, and international exposure needed to guide organisations through complex growth phases. Furthermore, he highlighted that IIM Indore’s partnership with the University of Glasgow underscores the institute’s commitment to delivering education with practical real-world impact.

Welcoming the participants to Scotland, Prof. Wendy Loretto expressed her enthusiasm for the joint enterprise. She stated that the Adam Smith Business School was delighted to partner with IIM Indore—one of India’s top-ranked, Triple Crown-accredited business institutions—on this initiative. She pointed out that combining diverse entrepreneurial experiences with internationally recognised faculty and research provides participants with a rare chance to expand their perspectives, refine their leadership skills, and prepare their companies to capitalize on global opportunities.

Adding to the discussion, Dr Xiang Li highlighted the significance of cross-border academic initiatives. He stated that international educational partnerships play a crucial role in nurturing innovation and enterprise. He observed that participants in the programme will gain from top-tier instruction while forming meaningful global connections and developing a clear understanding of international commercial landscapes.

What Does the Curriculum Cover and How Do Participants View the Initiative?

The curriculum was jointly designed by academic teams at IIM Indore and the Adam Smith Business School to address the immediate challenges faced by growing Indian businesses, including digital transformation, international regulation, and dynamic commercial ecosystems. The course offers a combination of global management theory and practical frameworks focusing on technology-enabled growth, supply chain management, financial planning, and global expansion strategies. Throughout the programme, participants interact directly with academic staff and industry experts from both the United Kingdom and India.

Participants in the inaugural cohort have shared their expectations regarding the impact of the training on their respective enterprises.

Shivani Jhariya Pathak, founder of a startup operating within the renewables sector, explained that as a first-generation entrepreneur in green energy, she views the initiative as a vital step toward improving her leadership abilities through global exposure. She noted that the insights gained during the sessions will assist her in scaling her enterprise into a competitive clean-energy business with a focus on sustainability.

Similarly, Sunitha Yashpal, Director of a startup in the construction industry, stated that joining the Global Leadership Development Programme offers an avenue to broaden her management approach through global learning. She remarked that stepping out of one’s usual operational environment requires determination, adding that she intends to apply the insights gathered in Scotland to drive positive outcomes within her firm and broader community.

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What Is the Background of This Academic Collaboration?

This executive education collaboration comes at a time when top-tier Indian management institutions are actively extending their footprint abroad. IIM Indore holds a prominent position in global business education, having achieved Triple Crown accreditation (AMBA, AACSB, and EQUIS)—a distinction held by a small percentage of business schools worldwide.

In the Financial Times Executive Education Rankings 2025, IIM Indore was ranked 62nd among business schools globally and 2nd within India for executive education. The partnership with the University of Glasgow’s Adam Smith Business School—itself an institution with a long history in economic and management education—reflects a growing demand among Indian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startup founders for structured international exposure without taking long breaks from their operational roles.

What Is the Prediction for How This Development Will Affect Indian Entrepreneurs and the Broader Market?

The launch of the Global Leadership Development Programme is expected to have several measurable effects on the participating entrepreneurs and the broader Indian startup ecosystem:

• Accelerated International Scaling: By gaining direct exposure to UK and European business practices, regulatory environments, and consumer expectations, the 15 participating entrepreneurs are likely to reduce the friction usually associated with cross-border expansion. This will allow their enterprises to enter overseas markets with greater agility.
• Enhanced Funding and Partnership Prospects: Access to the networks of both IIM Indore and the University of Glasgow positions these business leaders to attract international venture capital and establish strategic partnerships with European companies.
• Higher Standard for Executive Education in India: As the outcomes of this inaugural cohort become clear, other higher education institutions in India are expected to establish similar joint international executive courses. This will widen access to global learning for founders who cannot commit to full-time overseas degree programmes.