What is Creative Distraction

This chapter examines emerging trends and developments of business education in American higher education. The authors trace the genesis of U.S. business education to its medieval roots and explore its progression through historical stages and four industrial revolutions, including the fourth industrial revolution (4IR). Analysis reveals eight mega drivers affecting universities and colleges and creating development opportunities and competitive pressures for change. Drivers range from stagnant enrollments to skyrocketing costs of higher education to the devastating impacts of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). In examination of implications of the 4IR and emerging socio-economic trends for B-schools, the chapter discusses developmental outlook and emerging instructional innovations such as flipped classroom, project-based learning, and others.