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Choosing a research topic depends on a number of factors, including your area of interest and current trends in the field. Explore challenges and gaps in that area by reviewing literature and industry reports. The selected research topic should aim to resolve an existing problem.
D.B.A. graduates are well-positioned for senior roles across industries. This advanced degree is designed for experienced professionals seeking to strengthen their leadership skills and deepen their understanding of complex business issues. Graduates of D.B.A. programmes usually move into senior management positions, executive roles or consulting careers. The skills gained through a D.B.A. can also lead to entrepreneurship, allowing graduates to start their own ventures with a strong foundation in business theory and application.
D.B.A. students are expected to understand and engage with the latest business trends and research. As organisations across the globe face new challenges and opportunities, certain areas have emerged as critical for academic inquiry and professional impact. This blog explores the most significant trends in business research and how it can help in research for D.B.A. Students.
1. Digital transformation
Digital transformation is no longer just about adopting new tools; it is about integrating data, artificial intelligence (AI) and automation into core business processes for enhanced efficiency. In 2025, businesses are focusing on hyper automation, turning raw, unstructured data into actionable insights and creating ‘smart enterprises.’
As the digital revolution continues to reshape industries, it opens up significant scope of research for D.B.A. students. This means they can investigate how digital strategies transform decision-making, customer experience and operational models. Some of the prospective research area for D.B.A. students can be:
- The best ways to integrate digital transformation in an organisation?
- How can hyper automation reshape operational efficiency?
- How does digital transformation affect customer experience and engagement?
- How can organisations manage the risks and ethical considerations of adopting new digital technologies?
- In what ways will digital transformation influence future business models and market competitiveness?
2. Sustainable business
Sustainable business practices are now central to long-term strategy and risk management. Research for D.B.A. students increasingly focuses on resource management, environmental impact and sustainable development. Many leaders have highlighted the importance of topics such as energy management, water conservation and sustainable supply chains as some of the great macro themes of the century. Understanding how organisations can balance profitability with environmental and social responsibility is essential for future business leaders.
Some of the research topics for D.B.A. students can include ‘the impact of sustainability reporting on investor decision making’, ‘the business case for sustainability: examining the economic benefits and challenges of adopting sustainable practices.’
3. Project leadership
With rapid change and increasing complexity on global markets, project leadership has become a vital area of research. With the shift in working style, there is a shift in leadership style as well. Effective leadership in project settings now requires agility, cross-functional collaboration and innovation management.
D.B.A. students are encouraged to develop new leadership styles that support digital transformation and sustainability initiatives. They also explore leadership’s role in fostering organisational resilience.
4. Innovation and product development in the technology industry
The technology industry remains at the forefront of innovation and product development. Research in this area explores how companies manage R&D, adapt to disruptive technologies and develop new business models.
Many industry leaders have highlighted that managing technology and driving innovation is essential in today’s industries. Specially, the rise of social technologies has enabled professionals to communicate, collaborate and share information online, reshaping how businesses interact, innovate and build relationships in the modern age.
D.B.A. students should focus on how innovation processes can be optimised for speed, scalability and customer relevance.
5. Entrepreneurship and innovation management
Entrepreneurship and innovation management are critical to economic growth and competitive differentiation. Business research is increasingly centred on how startups and established firms alike can foster a culture of innovation, manage risk and scale new ventures. This includes studying entrepreneurial ecosystem dynamics, funding models and digital tools’ impact on business creation and growth.
6. Artificial intelligence in financial services
It is very well known that AI is transforming a wide range of industries, in particular the financial sector is widely affected. Key research topics include AI-driven fraud detection, risk management, personalised financial advice and automated trading systems. This business trend of integration AI is moving beyond basic automation to become a strategic advantage, enabling smarter decision-making. As a key business trend, D.B.A. students can examine ‘the role of AI in shaping business strategies during digital and technological transformation.
Understanding these trends in business research is essential for academic and professional growth. Whether you are considering D.B.A. courses in France or elsewhere, focusing your research on these key areas will ensure your work is relevant, innovative and impactful in today’s business environment.
Why these business trends matter for D.B.A. students
Understanding why these business trends matter is essential for D.B.A. students aiming to stay relevant and competitive. Here is how engaging with these trends can shape your research and career outcomes:
- Relevance: These research areas reflect the current and future needs of businesses worldwide.
- Career impact: Specialising in these trends can open doors to leadership roles in academia, consulting and industry.
- Innovation Skills: Staying up to date with business trends helps D.B.A. students build critical innovation skills, empowering them to develop creative solutions to complex organisational challenges.
- Global perspective: D.B.A. courses in France and other leading markets are adapting their curricula to address these evolving priorities, ensuring graduates are prepared for the challenges ahead.
For D.B.A. students, engaging with these business trends and focusing on trends in business research is not just an academic exercise. It is a pathway to impactful contributions in a world defined by digital, sustainable and innovative transformation.
D.B.A. courses in France
France is home to numerous prestigious D.B.A. programmes that reflect the above-specified global business trends. Many French higher education institutions offer a comprehensive programme covering managerial as well as research-focused modules, making them accessible to working professionals. Programmes emphasise:
- Advanced research skills tailored to real-world business challenges.
- Specialisations in digital transformation, sustainability and international business.
- Opportunities for students to contribute to original research that impacts both theory and practice.
École de Management Appliqué’s (EMA’s) D.B.A. programme offers working professionals the opportunity to upskill while exploring networking opportunities in the heart of Paris. Students benefit from small class sizes, personalised academic support and expert faculty, 70% of whom hold PhDs. With state-of-the-art facilities and a diverse global student community, EMA provides a truly international and career-focused learning experience.
FAQs about trends in business research
1. How do I choose a business research topic?
2. Does the EMA’s D.B.A. programme accommodate working professionals?
Yes, EMA’s D.B.A. programme is suitable for working professionals. It is specially designed with work-life balance in mind. The curriculum covers a wide spectrum of subjects, from finance to management, ensuring that scenarios and case studies can be applied in real life.
3. What types of careers can I pursue with a D.B.A.?
After completing a D.B.A. course in France, you can explore many career opportunities. Popular options include C-suite executive roles (CFO and CEO, for instance), academics and consulting. You can also work as a management executive, where you will plan and direct business activities and oversee people, services and products.
4. How are D.B.A. courses in France addressing current business research trends?
D.B.A. programmes in France update their curricula to reflect the latest business research trends. They emphasise topics like sustainability, innovation and digitalisation, preparing students to tackle contemporary business challenges with advanced research and leadership skills.
5. What makes France an attractive destination for D.B.A. studies?
France is home to internationally recognised business schools offering world-class D.B.A. programmes. These institutions combine academic rigour with practical, applied research, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles in business and academia.