THE IBA’S STRATEGY 2026-2029
The IBA Educates Students for the Future of Business in Denmark and Around the World
The IBA plays a central role in educating people with the skills and competencies that business organisations and society need. With its 2026–2029 strategy, the IBA sets the direction for how it will develop education, knowledge, and collaboration with business organisations in the years ahead – for the benefit of students, industry, and society.
Performance and Development Objectives
Digital Competencies
Performance Objectives
- Students’ digital competencies are strengthened across all programmes.
- Research and development contribute more clearly to the academic development of programmes.
- Students experience high-quality teaching and strong learning outcomes in both physical and digital learning environments.
Development Objectives
To achieve these performance objectives, the IBA will pursue a number of development objectives:
- Strengthen online pedagogy and enhance the framework for online learning.
- Integrate digital technologies – including AI – into teaching and learning.
- Embed Student-Centred Learning (SCL) with a focus on learning, well-being and programme completion.
- Strengthen the knowledge cycle between research, teaching and practice.
- Focus research efforts on the IBA’s areas of strength.
Close to Business
Performance Objectives
- Collaboration with business organisations is expanded.
- Graduates achieve high levels of employment.
- More students successfully complete their studies.
Development Objectives
To achieve these performance objectives, the IBA will pursue a number of development objectives:
- Expand strategic partnerships with business organisations.
- Develop the programme portfolio in line with reforms and labour market needs.
- Strengthen the connection between theory and practice across programmes.
- Further develop internship placements within full-time programmes.
- Strengthen pathways and collaboration with upper secondary education institutions and relevant networks.
- Enhance the framework for a positive student experience and strong learning communities.
Global Outlook
Performance Objectives
- The IBA’s international profile is strengthened.
- The number of international partnerships is focused and strategically aligned.
- Students and staff participate in more international activities and mobility programmes.
Development Objectives
To achieve these performance objectives, the IBA will pursue a number of development objectives:
- Develop international programmes and partnerships.
- Develop international initiatives and programmes targeted at students at the IBA.
- Increase international mobility opportunities for students and staff.
- Strengthen the use of international programmes and partnerships.
- Enhance the onboarding and integration of international students.
Villads joined Digital Studio, LEGO’s in-house advertising agency, as a Multimedia Designer intern. There, he used his creative skills to digitally animate small characters for videos on LEGO’s website. The internship was such a success that LEGO subsequently offered him a student job, enabling the valuable collaboration to continue.
Mette received a solid introduction to AI through the AI Manager course during her third semester as a Multimedia Designer. She found it inspiring, as the course was so intensive that afterwards she felt well equipped to use practical AI tools and avoid the potential pitfalls.
Diana has made the most of the many international opportunities available while studying at the IBA. She completed both her third semester and her internship at a university in the USA. Upon returning to the IBA, she also travelled to Budapest for a week, where she collaborated with students from various countries on a project focusing on tourism and sustainability.
Cecilie was studying Entrepreneurship and Design when she secured an internship at the executive office of Würth Danmark A/S in Kolding. There, she was involved in developing the company’s 60th anniversary event, among other projects. After completing her degree, she was offered a position as a Process Consultant with the company.
Automation plays a major role in day-to-day operations at Alfa Laval in Kolding, which is why colleagues Jane and Martin enrolled in further education in artificial intelligence at the IBA. Both are passionate about emerging technologies and were keen to gain inspiration on how AI could be used to make certain routine tasks more efficient. As part of the programme, Jane developed an internal digital route guide for Alfa Laval, while Martin created a reference tool containing all the abbreviations used throughout the company.
Frederik from Denmark (right) thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the IBA’s International Week, as it gave him the opportunity to collaborate with students from a wide range of countries – including José Maria from Portugal (left). Together, they were tasked with designing the concept for a mobile app that would help international visitors make the most of their visit to Koldinghus.
Mona originally trained as a hairdresser, but after a few years she decided to pursue a more academic career path. She therefore completed further education in real estate at the IBA and began working as a property adviser for a local estate agency. Today, she is co-owner of danbolig in Vejle.
Research – A Key Driver of Development
Research at the IBA focuses on supporting the strategy’s three strategic priorities.
The IBA bridges education, research and industry. Through practice-oriented research and development, we create new knowledge and innovative solutions to real-world challenges. This strengthens business organisations, the labour market and societal growth, while also making our programmes even more relevant.
Research conducted by lecturer Anne Dorthe shows that different generations respond differently to digital humans. Together with a fellow associate professor, she has explored and tested how age and gender influence the way people react when interacting with avatars in public spaces.
There is strong evidence that small and medium-sized enterprises need more guidance and targeted information to help them comply with the EU’s new web accessibility regulations. This is the key finding of research conducted by the IBA lecturer Nadia Aamand. The legislation is designed to ensure that certain digital products and services – such as online shops and e-books – are accessible to everyone. "By making an online shop more accessible, you improve the user experience for everyone – and that can ultimately increase revenue,” says Nadia.
Each year, the IBA takes part in the nationwide science festival "Research Days" (Forskningens Døgn). As part of the festival, the institution hosts an event that gives members of the public the opportunity to meet researchers and explore a specific area of research. In 2026, the theme was artificial intelligence, with lecturer Jesper Outzen sharing his extensive knowledge and insights into AI.
