DBA Management and Innovation in the Digital Intelligence Age
- Program formatPart-time
- Duration3 years
- CampusGrenoble, Paris
- LanguagesChinese
- Admission levelMaster's degree or more
- DegreeDBA
- Tuition feesSee "Admission & Financing" section
- Program formatPart-time
- Duration3 years
- CampusGrenoble, Paris
- LanguagesChinese
- Admission levelMaster's degree or more
- DegreeDBA
- Tuition feesSee "Admission & Financing" section
Co-developed by GEM Alpines Business School and School of Business, Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU) in China, world-renowned international faculty and research centers, the DBA Management and Innovation in the Digital Intelligence Age is a prestigious doctoral program designed specifically for Chinese business leaders seeking to strengthen their strategic capacity to drive innovation and lead with impact.
This program bridges the gap between high-level theory and digital transformation with a rich blend of in-person seminars, corporate visits, topic-focused conferences and international study tours across France, the Greater Bay Area, and Europe/North America.
A partnership program with Sun Yat‑sen University to boost its DBA program in China
GEM Alpines Business School, a pioneer in Europe with the launch of its Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) in 1993, is entering a new strategic phase by deepening its long-standing collaboration with Sun Yat‑sen University (SYSU) in China. This renewed partnership aims to accelerate the development and international reach of GEM’s flagship DBA program.
As part of this strengthened cooperation, the two institutions—which are both triple‑accredited (AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB)—launched an enhanced DBA program in 2024. The program focuses on Innovation Management and Digital Intelligence, specifically designed for senior executives in China. Its objective is to train leaders capable of driving global innovation projects with high impact.
Philippe Monin, Academic Dean of GEM, highlighted the historical ties between the two institutions, recalling that the partnership, established in 2007, has already enabled more than 50 high-level doctoral graduates. The new agreement aims to reinforce academic and research cooperation and create unique profiles in international entrepreneurship.
Program Highlights
while maintaining your full-time career.
Learn from a multicultural team of industry experts and AI specialists. Our faculty is deeply engaged in world-class research, ensuring you stay ahead of global trends. Benefit from dual supervision (one research-active supervisor from each school) from Day 1.
The curriculum integrates Chinese market dynamics with global management standards. Using fresh case studies and international teaching methods, we help you grasp the latest management models and keep pace with the global business pulse.
Gain firsthand insight into global business practices and strengthen your ability to apply research to real-world strategic challenges. Expand your professional network and your understanding of diverse international markets.
Explore the intersection of AI and data management. Break cognitive boundaries, build a robust management philosophy, and gain the tools to lead the digital upgrade of traditional enterprises.
School of Business, Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU)
Founded by Dr. Sun Yat-sen, Sun Yat-sen University stands as one of China’s most prestigious institutions of higher education. As a national key university affiliated with the Ministry of Education, it is a leading member of China’s “Project 985” and “Project 211” development initiatives and is among the first group of Double First-Class (Category A) universities.
Strategically located in the heart of the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area, the University operates across three campuses—Guangzhou, Zhuhai, and Shenzhen—comprising five campus zones and ten affiliated hospitals.
Established in 1985, School of Business of SYSU is recognized as one of China’s top-tier, internationally respected business schools. As one of the country’s earliest institutions dedicated to management education and research, it has cultivated a strong reputation for academic excellence, innovation, and societal impact.
Today, the School continues to be a pioneering force—shaping future leaders, advancing cutting-edge management research, and contributing to economic and business development both within China and around the world.
Find more information about School of Business, Sun Yat-sen University.
Rankings and recognized leadership
GEM Alpines Business School
- #8 in France, #24 in Europe, Financial Times European Business School Ranking 2025
- Top 5 in research in France, Top 75 worldwide, Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, Business Administration 2025
- #25 in Europe, #34 worldwide, Financial Times Executive Education Custom Ranking 2025
- Ranked among the world’s top research institutions – GEM faculty publish in premier academic journals and contribute cutting-edge knowledge across management disciplines
- Listed by CEO Magazine as one of the top global DBA programs
- Member of the Executive DBA Council (EDBAC) and the European Doctoral Programs Association (EDAMBA) – the premier associations for executive doctoral programs worldwide
School of Business, Sun Yat-sen University
- One of the top universities in China, it is part of Project 211, Project 985, and the Double First-Class Construction
- The discipline of Business Administration was awarded the first-level national key discipline, and won the “A+” rating tied for the first place in the fourth round of national discipline evaluation
- The discipline of Business Administration ranked #1 in the Best Discipline of China by Shanghai Ranking for seven consecutive years from 2019 to 2025
- Honorary title of “Outstanding Unit in National Education System” in 2019
- EMBA program ranked in QS Global Top 100 EMBA 2022
- The high-quality scientific research provides robust support for the “Double First-Class” initiative (referring to the construction of world class universities and disciplines).
- The 2025 CWTS Leiden Ranking ranked SYSU 7th in the world by total publications and #26 in the world based on the number of their scientific publications belonging to the top 1% in their fields for the time period 2020–2023.
6 good reasons to choose GEM
Global recognition
Ranked Top 8 in France and Top 30 in Europe, GEM is among the top 1% of business schools worldwide holding triple accreditation (EQUIS, AACSB, AMBA).
Immersive learning
A distinctive learning model combining academic excellence, real-world experience, close ties with companies and international exposure — to learn by doing and experimenting.
Personalized pathways
Progressive and flexible pathways designed to help students build a coherent, ambitious academic and professional project.
International dimension
Exchanges, double degrees, programs taught in English and strong cultural diversity, supported by a network of 230+ partner universities, opening real opportunities for international study paths and global careers.
Sustainable employability
Work-study options, internships and company-based projects to develop skills that are immediately relevant and valued in the job market.
A Trailblazing leadership with purpose
Campuses embedded in leading scientific, technological and industrial ecosystems, shaping curious, engaged minds ready to act in the face of major global transitions.
Program Structure Overview
The DBA Management and Innovation in the Digital Intelligence Age is an intensive 3-year doctoral journey co-delivered by world-class faculty from GEM Alpine Business School and School of Business, Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU) in China.
The program is structured with a global market outlook while remaining firmly rooted in China’s business practices. It provides advanced learning through a series of modules, including Digital Intelligence Management and Innovation (delivered by Sun Yat-sen University), Research Methodology in Management (delivered by GEM), a Workshop on the Business Applications of Generative AI (jointly taught by faculty from SYSU and the University of Connecticut), as well as the Global Innovation Classrooms and other specialized seminars. Throughout the entire program, participants benefit from continuous scientific guidance and academic supervision.
Participants begin shaping their research topic as soon as they start the program. While taking courses in research methodology and professional subjects, they simultaneously advance their research project. Over the course of three years, they complete a doctoral dissertation aimed at practical applications in management.
Why Choose the Global DBA Management and Innovation in the Digital Intelligence Age
Gain recognition as a leader in innovation management, capable of driving strategic initiatives and navigating the ethical implications of rapid technological change
Develop the skills to conduct high-quality empirical research that solves complex, real-world business problems
Become adept at managing digital transformations and applying data-driven decision-making across all business functions
Translate complex academic theories into practical, scalable solutions for your organization
Program Content
The courses are jointly delivered by GEM Alpine Business School and School of Business, Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU). SYSU is primarily responsible for the courses in Digital Intelligence Management and Innovation modules, while GEM is responsible for Research Methods and Academic Training. Each student is guided by two supervisors—one from each school—and completes their doctoral dissertation over three years. Coursework is mainly completed in the first two years, with teaching split between both institutions. Classes in Chinese and English (with on-site translation for English-taught courses) follow a part‑time format, held approximately every two months on weekends.
The program also includes a one‑week Global Innovation Classroom session in countries such as the UK and Germany, combining mobile learning, corporate visits, innovation training, and cultural activities. Additional practical learning takes place in companies in the Greater Bay Area. The curriculum blends classroom teaching, experiential learning, and research training to integrate academic work with real-world management practice.
- Opening seminar: Research methodology / Grenoble, France
- Company visits in the areas of high tech / France
- Research Design and Literature Review / Guangzhou, China
- Generative AI Workshop / Guangzhou, China
- Management and Innovation in the Digital Intelligence Courses / Guangzhou, China
- Topic-focused conferences / Guangzhou, China
Deliverables:
- Preliminary Research Proposal
- Literature Review
- Research methodology course – Qualitative or Quantitative Data Collection and Analysis / Paris, France
- Digital Sustainability of Artificial Intelligence / Paris, France
- Company visits in the areas of high tech or luxury / France
- Global Innovation Management Module: Greater Bay Area Practical Course
- Topic-focused conferences / Guangzhou, China
Deliverable:
- Dissertation Proposal
- Data collection and analysis
- Dissertation writing
- Global Innovation Management Module: One-week international study tour / US or Germany
- Topic-focused conferences / Guangzhou, China
Deliverable:
- Doctoral Dissertation
By completing all courses as required by the program and meet Sun Yat-sen University’s training standards, the participants will receive the Program “Certificate for Outstanding Entrepreneurs” issued by Sun Yat-sen University. Those who also fulfill the coursework and dissertation requirements of Grenoble Ecole de Management will be awarded the Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) degree issued by GEM.
For more information in Chinese, please click the website of SYS University
DBA China Student Profiles
- Average age: 45 years
- Average professional expériences : 19 years
- MBA/EMBA : 57%
- Female representation: 30%
(2024 – 2025 intakes)
DBA China graduates emerge as leaders in their respective fields, fully equipped to guide digital transformation and manage complex, AI-driven environments. By completing this program, you join an elite group capable of combining deep business theory with practical AI insights to deliver measurable results.
Typical Career Paths Include:
- Senior Strategic Roles: Chief Data Scientist, Head of Analytics, or Vice President of Innovation.
- Executive Leadership: High level positions where AI and data science drive core strategic decision making.
- Academic and Advisory: Contributing to business education, publishing applied research, or guiding public sector institutions through digital change.
- International Consulting: Supporting global companies with cutting edge expertise in business transformation.
In collaboration with School of Business, Sen Yat-sen University (SYSU), the application for the DBA Management and Innovation in the Digital Intelligence Age, is from all over China.
Admissions Criteria
Candidates should hold or expect to hold a Master’s degree (MBA, MA, MSc, or equivalent) from an accredited institution
Minimum 5 years managerial experience (pre- or post-master’s), entrepreneurs with substantial management experience, such as founders, chairpersons, investors, CEOs, and senior executives.
Chinese. English is not mandatory
Online application form including:
- Updated CV
- Motivation
- Research proposal
- Professional references
- Last diploma copy
Interview Location
The interview will take place at the School of Management, Sun Yat-sen University (Guangzhou, China).
Registration process
Applicants should contact the SYSU admissions officers to obtain the application information. Please use the SYSU application system to provide your complete information.
The DBA recruitment officer at School of Business, Sen Yat-sen University formally review your application before transmitting it to both GEM and SYSU for approval by the admissions board.
Your contact: Xin Mou, Director of Executive Education Center for Management Excellence, School of Business, SYSU
Tel: 020-31061149，18926138989（Wechat）/ Email：moux3@mail.sysu.edu.cn
How to apply
Admitted candidates must pay the tuition fee within the designated timelines to secure their enrollment. All applications are assessed by the academic admissions board from both GEM and the School of Business of SYSU.
For more information in Chinese, please click the application information of SYS University.
Tuition & Financing
| Tuition fees to GEM (euros per participant) | Tuition fees to SYSU (RMB per participant) | |
| 1st year | 17,000 | 200,000 |
| 2nd year | 17,000 | 200,000 |
| 3rd year | 16,000 | 180,000 |
Extension: 10 000 euros per year to GEM and 20 000 RMB to Sun Yat-sen University. In addition to these fees, students are responsible for all travel, accommodation, visa, and subsistence costs required to attend the program seminars.
Scholarships & Financial Support
The DBA is a self-financed program. The tuition fees are divided into yearly payments for your convenience.
Talking to Your Employer about Sponsorship
For many students, obtaining sponsorship from their organization is an option. Discuss with your employer how your enhanced skills and project goals could align with your company’s objectives.
A Word from the Director
The DBA SYSU-GEM program focusing on the digital and AI management is designed for Chinese business leaders seeking to strengthen their strategic capacity to drive innovation and lead with impact. With access to top technology research environments in Greater Bay Area, Grenoble, Paris, UK and North America, participants build an advanced digital and AI‑driven intellectual knowledge under the guidance of renowned faculty. Our DBA graduates become strategic leaders who can navigate the complexities of digital transformation.
School of Business, Sun Yat-sen University
GEM Alpine Business School
A Word from our alumni
GEM DBA China Alumni Association
GEM DBA China Alumni Association was founded in Shanghai in 2018. As one of the biggest DBA communities in China, it brings together graduates from GEM DBA China programs across China. It serves as a dynamic platform for academic exchange, professional development, and lifelong networking among DBA scholars, business leaders, and industry experts.
The association promotes collaboration between faculties and the DBA alumni by organizing Bi-annual Conference, research seminars, company visits, and cross‑cultural events. It also supports knowledge sharing, encourages thought leadership, and strengthens the impact of GEM DBA graduates in both academic and business circles.
Committed to excellence, innovation, and social responsibility, the GEM DBA China Alumni Association continues to expand its influence by fostering strong connections and inspiring its members to create value for their organizations and society.
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