To promote the deep integration of technology and business education and broaden students' international horizons, Asia Europe Business School (AEBS) and emlyon business school jointly organized a four-day Sino-French study program themed “AI-Powered Innovation for Business Transformation” from November 25th to 28th, 2025. After a competitive selection process, nearly ten undergraduate and master's students from AEBS traveled to Lyon and Paris for an immersive experience featuring academic courses, company visits, cultural exploration.
Day 1 — Discovering Lyon: Smart Campus × Innovation Hub
On the morning of November 25th, the students group arrived at the new Lyon campus of emlyon business school. Students were welcomed in front of the iconic red lion statue by Ms. Elody VINCENT International Relations Manager, and Ms. Rona GUO, International Mobility Coordinator, who guided them through the ABCD four teaching buildings and introduced the campus’s teaching areas, makerspaces, learning centers and other smart facilities.
In the afternoon, the students headed to H7, a well-known AI science and technology innovation hub in Lyon. Under the guidance of startup program managers Mr. Antoine FERRER and Ms. Emma TOURNIER, they gained a deeper understanding of H7’s positioning, operational model, incubation mechanisms, and its central role in Lyon’s innovation ecosystem. Leo, the representative of the hub, shared his AI start-up project: using computer vision to solve key challenges in tennis video analysis and enabling smarter applications in athletic training and match analytics. AEBS students actively raised questions and conducted professional exchanges around business model, profit structure and technological innovation.
Day 2 — Sino-French Academic Forum
On November 26th, AEBS students participated in the 6th Sino-French Academic Workshop on Business Research Frontiers, jointly organized by emlyon business school and Asia Europe Business School of East China Normal University. This academic forum focused on frontier topics at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Business Studies, featuring two parallel sessions: Marketing and Finance & Strategy. Young researchers from China and France presented their research on themes such as AI, brand strategy, green technology adoption, smart products, consumer behavior, ESG, etc. This forum concluded with a group photo of the scholars and students from both countries.
Day 3 — Focus on AI: Thematic Course × Visits to Global Company
On the morning of November 27th, AEBS students’ group attended the specialized course "Artificial Intelligence and Business" at the Lyon campus, taught by Professor of Law, Florencio TRAVIESO, associate Dean for International Relations at emlyon business school.Professor TRAVIESO delivered a highly interactive class, prompting students to reflect on the role of AI across the business value chain. He encouraged creative thinking through interdisciplinary content, including references to films, literature, and case studies. The classroom atmosphere was both lively and inspiring.What really stood out was Professor Travieso’s highly engaging teaching style. Rather than a traditional lecture where students simply listen. He moved beyond the conventional lecture format by continuously asking insightful questions and guiding students to think more deeply.
In the afternoon, the student group visited Capgemini in Lyon, a global leader in digital consulting and innovation. Company representatives presented Capgemini Invent’s strategic initiatives in AI-driven talent management, data governance, and sustainable digital solutions. Through practical case examples, students learned how AI is applied to support business growth, operational efficiency, and end-to-end digital transformation much deeper.
Day 4 — AI Marketing Course × Closing Ceremony
On the morning of November 28th, the students’ group arrived at emlyon Paris campus to attend the course “AI and SME Marketing”, taught by emlyon business school Associate Professor of Marketing Ruiqi WEI. The session introduced how artificial intelligence is transforming cutting-edge marketing practices, including market insights, user profiling, content generation, and digital advertising optimization.
The study program concluded with a closing ceremony and networking event in the warm and elegant ambience of Paris. emlyon business school awarded certificates of completion to all participants, marking the successful completion of this international study experience.
Students’ Reflections
