We are pleased to announce that HEC Liège – Management School of the University of Liège, Belgium, has successfully completed the Business School Impact System (BSIS) assessment process and has been granted a renewal of its BSIS Label.

The BSIS review team’s decision to renew the impact label for HEC Liège highlights the school’s proven ability to drive regional development. Among several other factors, the team recognised both its past achievements and its ongoing role as an impactful institution deeply embedded in and committed to its region.

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

“HEC Liège stands out as a business school that not only embraces its regional responsibilities but does so with measurable impact and enduring commitment. The renewal of the BSIS label is a testament to its strategic clarity, strong local anchoring, and the tangible contributions it makes across economic, social, and academic spheres. It is a model for how schools can align global standards with local relevance.”

HEC Liège – Management School of the University of Liège

HEC Liège is one of the faculties of the University of Liège. The university was founded in 1817 and now has over 26,500 students distributed across 11 faculties and four campuses. HEC Liège, which has celebrated its 125 years in 2022-2023, has around 3,100 students. The school is firmly embedded in its region’s business and cultural life, and its clear focus on research with impact is fully engaged with the needs of the area. It continues to grow and attract national and international students, with a very successful 95.7% of its students entering the job market within one year of graduation.

The BSIS review team found that HEC Liège is an institution with a strong sense of purpose deeply rooted in its regional context. The school’s mission—to contribute to the economic, social, and cultural development of the Liège region and beyond—is not just a stated aim; it is a guiding principle that shapes all major activities. It has strategically positioned itself as a key player in the development of Wallonia, particularly the Liège region, with this regional focus being consistently commended by the review team. Its role is considered not just relevant but essential to the local ecosystem.

A notable contribution observed by the BSIS team was the school’s impact on the regional workforce and human capital development. HEC Liège plays a significant role in educating students who often remain in the region post-graduation, directly benefiting the local labour market. Its alumni are highly valued by regional employers for their professional readiness and adaptability. Furthermore, the school’s expansion of executive education and professional development initiatives highlights its firm commitment to upskilling the local workforce, helping the region remain competitive and resilient in a changing environment.

HEC Liège has also cultivated strong partnerships with the regional business community. These collaborations go beyond traditional research and internship opportunities, extending to tailored executive education, consultancy services, and long-term projects. The review team praised the school’s ability to maintain enduring, trust-based relationships with local firms, solidifying its role as a proactive and valued academic partner. These partnerships benefit both sides, with the school contributing innovation and insights while drawing from industry perspectives to inform its programmes.

With a strong global presence, a rich diversity of international students, and prestigious accreditations, HEC Liège proudly promotes its region on the international stage.

Academic rigour with practical impact

The school’s research activities were also praised for being academically rigorous and regionally relevant. Research conducted at HEC Liège often addresses pressing economic and societal challenges facing Wallonia, with tangible outcomes that influence public policy, drive business innovation, and support economic transformation. The BSIS team highlighted the applied nature of much of the school’s research, noting its ability to balance academic ambition with practical impact. With expertise in areas such as entrepreneurship, the circular economy, and digital transformation, the school is regarded as a thought leader on issues critical to the regional development agenda.

In addition to its academic and economic contributions, HEC Liège was recognised for its meaningful societal engagement. The school actively promotes social inclusion, equity, and sustainability through both internal practices and external initiatives. It supports various community projects and encourages students and staff to contribute their time and expertise to societal causes. From partnerships with social enterprises to participation in cultural events, the school is seen as a positive force for cohesion and progress within the community. This cultural and social involvement further enhances the region and elevates the school’s public profile.

The review team also commended the school’s effective use of public funding and its accountability in managing public trust. It has demonstrated an ability to direct public resources towards impactful initiatives that align with regional priorities, including investments in infrastructure, research, and strategic partnerships. Its capacity to attract, manage, and utilise public funding responsibly further strengthens its status as a credible and trusted institution within the regional higher education landscape.

A key factor in the renewal of the BSIS impact label was the school’s mature approach to measuring and communicating its impact. The BSIS team noted that HEC Liège has developed a structured and effective process for assessing regional impact. The school has demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of how to use the BSIS framework strategically—not simply as a reporting tool but as a means to refine institutional priorities and evaluate outcomes meaningfully. This mature use of the BSIS process reflects a deep commitment to continuous improvement and strategic alignment.

Through its educational programmes, engagement with business and policy stakeholders, relevant research, and strong societal ties, HEC Liège exemplifies the type of institution the BSIS process seeks to highlight.

Wilfried Niessen, Director General and Dean, HEC Liège Management School – University of Liège, commented:

“The renewal of the BSIS label validates our strategic choices in the 3 pillars that make up our mission: to educate leaders who are rooted in the local economic fabric, open to the world, and prepared to tackle the societal challenges of tomorrow’s world; to produce research with scientific and societal impact that contributes to the development of our region and society; to maintain a close relationship with regional businesses and be a sustainable and essential partner for them. Together with our students, our partners and our region, we make a difference! Through this third BSIS assessment, HEC measures the progress of its impact and reaffirms its commitment to creating meaningful value for its stakeholders and territory.”

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.