Esade renews its BSIS label in recognition of its integrated impact model connecting education, research and society
Esade has renewed its Business School Impact System (BSIS) label, first awarded in 2022. The reassessment, which focused on educational and societal impact, recognizes the school’s significant and consistent progress and highlights how its commitment to society is reflected in education, research and responsible management.
Led by EFMD Global, BSIS identifies, measures and recognizes business schools’ impact on their communities and wider society. In Esade’s case, the report highlights the evolution toward a more strategic, integrated and participatory impact model, supported by dialogue with diverse stakeholders and advances in impact measurement and management. The BSIS review team identifies the school’s Sustainability and Impact Report as a leading example in the sector.
“We see impact as a shared responsibility that begins with education and continues in the organizations and communities where our students and alumni are active. This renewal recognizes the work of the entire Esade community to turn knowledge into opportunity and help address society’s challenges,” said Lisa Hehenberger, Dean of Esade Business School.
A community that extends the impact of education
In education, BSIS highlights Esade’s ability to attract international talent, support professional development and enhance employability. In the 2025–2026 academic year, international students accounted for 66% of Esade Business School’s student body. During that period, the school allocated more than €5.4 million to its Scholarship Program, supporting the education of 267 students and helping broaden access to education. The assessment also recognizes Esade Executive Education’s role in training 6,500 professionals and supporting the development of more than 500 organizations each year.
The report identifies the global Esade Alumni community, with its 73 international chapters and strong sense of belonging, as one of the institution’s defining strengths. Through their professional, entrepreneurial and social engagement, alumni extend the reach of an Esade education long after graduation. The review team also recognizes the Jesuit educational tradition and values that underpin Esade’s commitment to ethics, social responsibility and sustainability.
Social responsibility embedded in teaching, research and management
In its assessment of societal impact, the review team recognizes Esade’s strong track record in social responsibility and sustainable development, and their integration throughout the institution. This commitment is reflected in academic programs, research, student-led activities and management practices. In the classroom, all students engage in learning related to social responsibility and sustainability. The BSIS review team particularly highlights student engagement, with students leading 75 initiatives of their own, alongside projects such as Esade SUD and the Rambla of Innovation, including Fusion Point and eWorks. Together with the work of Esade’s knowledge and research centers, these projects connect learning and knowledge creation with challenges facing businesses, organizations and communities.
“The renewal of the BSIS label recognizes our progress and reinforces our commitment to Meaningful Impact, the strategy that places impact at the heart of Esade. Through this strategy, we aim to expand our contribution to society and consolidate our position as a leading school in this field,” Hehenberger concluded.