This Special Issue explores fresh perspectives on management development in response to the rapid technological, societal and economic changes reshaping today’s business environment. It seeks to advance understanding of how managers can be trained and developed to navigate uncertainty, technological disruption and sustainability challenges, while strengthening organisational resilience and responsible management practices.

The Special Issue particularly welcomes contributions addressing managerial competencies for sustainable digital transformation, responsible AI integration, cross-cultural management development, inclusive and responsible entrepreneurial ecosystems, and the role of human agency in managing AI and robotic technologies. Interdisciplinary, theoretically grounded and practically relevant research is encouraged.

A particular emphasis is placed on perspectives from Early Career Researchers, including PhD and DBA scholars, offering emerging and forward-looking insights into the future of management development. Contributions should provide original perspectives with relevance across organisational contexts and clear implications for management development practice.