Esade has been awarded BSIS certification (Business School Impact System) by EFMD Global, in recognition of their invaluable social impact, considerable number of international students and commitment to innovation and enterprise. The purpose of this certification is to evaluate and quantify the impact made by educational establishments in their field of action. “The BSIS impact assessment has given us a different insight into our processes, particularly the impact we have on international, national and regional ecosystems thanks to our alumni networks and our outstanding alliances with other academic institutions, companies, organizations and public authorities”, explained Josep Franch, dean of Esade Business School. 

A total of 60 schools in 19 countries took part in this process which has enabled the construction of a common framework of the impact each one has on its region. The assessment is based on 120 indicators covering seven impact areas: financial, educational, business development, intellectual, regional ecosystem, and social impact and image impact in the region. 

Acknowledgement of academic quality 

In the sphere of education, the BSIS certification highlights the considerable numbers of international students (61% in 2021/22) at Esade, the scholarship program (which has awarded a total of €4 million to 287 excellent students) and Esade’s humanistic values. This recognition also underlined the role of the Esade Alumni network of more than 67,000 students and the fact that Esade is the No. 1 educational establishment outside the USA in terms of the number of CEOs amongst its former students, according to the Fortune 500 ranking.

Furthermore, the publication points out the importance of Esade Executive Education with more than 30 custom programs for corporate customers in Corporate Learning Solutions. The number of participants is also considerable, i.e., more than 5,000 last year, and the portfolio of 172 companies. BSIS also emphasizes the impact that Esade has in Catalonia by increasing its international appeal, plus its close links to the public sector, a sphere that Esade’s EsadeGov and Chair of Leadership and Sustainability are involved in. 

Social impact, innovation and enterprise

Another of the characteristics highlighted in the report is Esade’s robust Jesuit background which places humanistic values and concerns at the heart of all its activities, thereby reinforcing its social impact. Esade was a pioneer signatory of the Principles for Responsible Management Education, and continues to encourage social discussion and its impact by means of the Esade Institute of Social Innovation and other institutes and centers of knowledge and research. BSIS also emphasizes the launch of the Bachelor in Transformational Leadership and Social Impact as a long-term commitment, plus the SUD program and the Alumni Social ventures. “Esade’s mission is to help build better societies and regenerate our planet through education, research and social debate”, declared Cristina Giménez, head of Identity and Mission at Esade. “This evaluation process has been a major landmark in our journey towards greater positive impact,” she added. 

Innovation and enterprise, two of Esade’s main cornerstones, are also acknowledged by the BSIS. eWorks, a program designed to help create companies, has helped launch more than 300 start-ups. Esade BAN, the network of investors and business angels run by Esade Alumni, is another noteworthy venture, having raised investment of more than €4.1 million, and also the Rambla of Innovation which helps encourage social and entrepreneurial projects that enrich education and create knowledge.