Harvard University officially voted to establish the Harvard Business School in April 1908, stemming from the increasing demand for trained professionals in the business sector amidst rapid industrialization. The establishment of such a school was crucial, as it sought to provide a systematic approach to business management and to equip future leaders with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of the emerging corporate landscape. Harvard's leadership recognized that a distinct education in business was becoming indispensable to meet the needs of modern economies.

The curriculum of the newly formed Harvard Business School quickly took shape, focusing on case study methods which were innovative at that time. These case studies allowed students to dissect real-life business scenarios, fostering critical thinking and application. The school's early focus was not just on theoretical knowledge, but also on grounding its students in practical skills that they could apply in their professional careers.

Located in Boston, Massachusetts, the Harvard Business School was designed to promote an understanding of business as an integral aspect of an educated person's skill set. Its establishment marked the beginning of professional business education in the United States, paving the way for similar institutions across the country and across the globe. As the country transitioned towards a more complex industrial economy, Harvard Business School provided the framework for a rigorous, high-quality business education that would influence generations of business leaders.