We are pleased to announce that EAE Business School, Spain, has successfully completed the Business School Impact System (BSIS) assessment process and has been granted the BSIS label.

The assessment team determined that EAE earned the BSIS label for its significant and multifaceted contributions globally as well as to its impact zone, including Barcelona, Catalonia, Valencia, the Balearic Islands, and Andorra. This achievement underscores EAE’s strong position as a driver of educational excellence, economic impact, and societal progress within and beyond the region.

Addressing the school for this achievement, BSIS Director François Bonvalet remarked:

“Congratulations to EAE Business School in Barcelona, for earning, for the first time, the BSIS label and joining the esteemed and vibrant BSIS community. EAE Business School’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global business excellence is truly exemplary. The institution’s dedication to fostering a diverse and impactful learning environment, alongside its deep integration with regional and international industries, continues to set a high standard for business education. This recognition is a testament to the profound influence EAE has in shaping the future of global business leaders in its impact zone and beyond.”

EAE Business School

EAE Business School, founded in 1958 and based in Barcelona, Spain, with an additional campus in Madrid, is a leading institution in business education. Part of the Planeta Formación y Universidades group, it offers a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, MBA, and executive programmes designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the global business environment. With a diverse student body from over 100 countries, EAEfosters a multicultural learning experience, integrating innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability into its curriculum.

Renowned for its strong industry connections, EAE provides students with extensive opportunities for internships, networking, and career development through collaborations with global corporations and start-ups. The school’s research is focused on critical areas like digital transformation, corporate social responsibility, and sustainable development, ensuring that it meets the evolving needs of the business world.

Ranked among Spain’s top business schools, EAE’s vibrant alumni network spans Latin America, Europe, and beyond, making a significant impact on global business ecosystems. Situated in the dynamic city of Barcelona, EAE benefits from proximity to other top universities, contributing to the city’s reputation as a hub for talent. The school also benefits from close links to Barcelona’s regional business ecosystem, with strong partnerships and a positive image among stakeholders.

How EAE drives economic and academic growth

In its assessment, the BSIS review found EAE’s financial impact is significant, with a direct, indirect, and induced contribution of €159 million annually, bolstered by spending from students, faculty, and visitors. This reflects the school’s integral role in the local economy. Its financial stability, supported by Planeta Group ownership, allows for long-term planning and sustained economic contributions to the region.

The school’s educational impact is highlighted by its diverse student body, with more than 56% of students coming from international backgrounds, especially Latin America. EAE offers an innovative curriculum that balances affordability with academic excellence, with programmes focused on global market demands such as sustainability, CSR, and digital transformation. Small class sizes and multicultural environments provide a highly valued student experience, supported by employability services like mentoring and internships. More than half of international students remain in Barcelona post-graduation, contributing to the city’s status as a global talent hub.

EAE also makes notable intellectual contributions, with faculty producing 167 academic articles, 70 co-authored book chapters, and 109 conference presentations. The EAE Research Institute for Business Trends plays a key role in advancing topics like entrepreneurship and sustainability, while partnerships with international institutions like Babson College and TechBarcelona further enhance its academic reputation.

In entrepreneurship, EAE supports start-ups, driving job creation and economic growth. Its partnerships with global organisations, including the Mobile World Congress and Barcelona Financial Hub, offer students and alumni access to resources and mentorship. The school’s robust internship programmes, benefiting over 700 students annually, further strengthen the local business environment and prepare students for impactful careers.

EAE integrates CSR and sustainability into its teaching, research, and operations. With 90% of students receiving sustainability education and 20 professors focusing on related research, the school has made sustainability a core part of its strategy. The appointment of a sustainability manager and environmentally conscious practices, such as local sourcing and carbon footprint monitoring, reflect its commitment to societal responsibility.

Reputation and collaboration

EAE’s reputation is solid both nationally and internationally, attracting global attention through events like its collaboration with the Mobile World Congress. The school consistently ranks among Spain’s top institutions and boasts a vibrant alumni network that spans Spain, Latin America, and beyond, offering students a wide range of professional opportunities.

The school is also committed to lifelong learning, offering alumni mentorship programmes, consultancy services, live projects, and entrepreneurial support through its TechHub. EAE’s international opportunities, such as ERASMUS and partnerships with Babson College, provide students with valuable global experiences.

The school is highly regarded for its openness and flexibility in integrating stakeholder feedback into its curriculum, with students appreciating the emphasis on entrepreneurship and innovation. EAE’s strong relationships with key regional players, including TechBarcelona and HealthHub, enhance its role as a talent hub and contribute to the development of entrepreneurial projects within the region.

As a PRME signatory, EAE demonstrates its commitment to the SDGs, engaging with BCorp businesses and integrating BCorp principles into its operations. This aligns with the school’s broader societal impact narrative, reflecting its ongoing commitment to CSR and sustainable development.

Through its teaching, research, and business development activities, EAE creates a virtuous circle of impact that benefits the local community and strengthens its global reputation. Collaboration and partnerships are central to the school’s success, with stakeholders recognising EAE as a vital contributor to both academic excellence and regional business development.

Jorge Irigaray, Secretary General of EAE Business School Barcelona, commented:

“Earning the BSIS label reflects all the hard work and effort of EAE Business School Barcelona to provide the best experience for our students and to foster impactful profiles, in collaboration with our various stakeholders, within a rich and dynamic ecosystem like the city of Barcelona.”

About BSIS

The Business School Impact System (BSIS) is the first comprehensive impact assessment tool for business schools, covering more than 130 indicators across seven dimensions of impact. It provides a tailor-made data collection system for monitoring, assessing, and developing the impact of business schools.

The BSIS process involves the definition of the impact zone and institutional scope, data collection, impact assessment, and the report with recommendations for future development. Demonstrating the school’s impact on internal and external stakeholders, the system serves as a communication and negotiation tool externally and fosters an impact culture within the school. Schools that undergo BSIS are awarded the BSIS label for a three-year period.

• There are currently more than 90 schools across 25 countries that have received the BSIS label.
• To learn more about the impact assessment system, please visit the BSIS website or contact Julie Comte.

What is it like for schools to undergo the BSIS process? Discover the compelling journey of Blanka Cimcioch, International Accreditations Coordinator at Poznań University of Economics and Business, as she shares her insights on navigating the BSIS process, highlighting the challenges, seizing the opportunities, and reaping the rewarding results it has yielded. Read more.

For additional insights, announcements and perspectives about BSIS, visit the conversation here.