BSIS Award for Gisma University of Applied Sciences: How a Young University Shapes Business, Society, and the Region

Gisma University of Applied Sciences (www.gisma.com) has been awarded the prestigious BSIS Impact Label, an international recognition for business schools that make an impact far beyond teaching and research. The label is awarded by the European higher education network EFMD (European Foundation for Management Development), which, following a comprehensive evaluation process, confirmed Gisma’s measurable impact on business, society, and the region. In Germany, only two institutions currently hold the label: Gisma and WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management.The BSIS label confirms that Gisma University of Applied Sciences makes a measurable contribution to the economic, social, and intellectual development of the Berlin-Brandenburg region, with an annual economic impact of more than €126 million, strong entrepreneurial impulses, and an international campus. These figures come from the official BSIS report and were highlighted during the EFMD evaluation as proof of the university’s economic relevance.

International Students, Regional Impact

Around 96% of Gisma’s students come from abroad, representing over 90 nations on campus. Many stay after graduation: three out of four alumni launch their careers in Berlin-Brandenburg, supported by a practice-oriented study model featuring consulting projects, hackathons, and close corporate partnerships with leading companies such as Volkswagen and SAP, as well as renowned academic institutions like the University of California, Berkeley.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the University’s Ecosystem

More than 15 start-ups have been founded by Gisma students or alumni, including platforms focused on GreenTech, digital health, and artificial intelligence. Together, they create jobs, bring fresh ideas, and contribute to a vibrant innovation landscape.Gisma also emphasizes applied research in areas such as AI, sustainable transformation, leadership, and marketing, producing practice-oriented studies and case analyses, often in collaboration with regional businesses. Since 2020, the faculty has published over 119 academic contributions, including journal articles, book chapters, case studies, and conference papers. The university has also established its own Multidisciplinary Research Centre for Innovations in SMEs (MRCIS) to support small and medium-sized enterprises in digital and sustainable transformation processes.

Social Engagement as a Core Value

For Gisma, social impact is not an afterthought but part of its identity. As a signatory of the UN Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), the university is committed to delivering ethical, inclusive, and sustainable education. 75% of students and 70% of faculty are actively involved in related projects, formats, or teaching content – from volunteer initiatives to GreenTech seminars.“We are deeply honored by this recognition. The BSIS label represents a significant endorsement, underscoring the vital role that universities can play beyond academic publications and rankings,” stated Prof. Dr. Ramon O’Callaghan, President of Gisma University of Applied Sciences. “It serves as a strong incentive for us to further advance our commitment to innovation, diversity, and social development, both within the region and on a broader, international scale.The award is valid for three years and serves the university not only as an accolade but as an external benchmark for future development, according to EFMD. Gisma is already working to make its impact even more visible through initiatives such as expanding continuing education programs, alumni networks, and enhanced impact monitoring.

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About Gisma University of Applied Sciences

Gisma University of Applied Sciences is a state-recognized private university. Its campuses in Potsdam and Berlin bring together students and faculty from over 90 nations. Its programs prepare students to become in-demand talent for the global business world – in management, leadership, data science, AI, and software engineering. Students learn from research-active professors as well as top executives and entrepreneurs. The university collaborates with a network of globally active companies and educational partners, including Zalando, eBay, and Vattenfall, and is a member of the “SAP University Alliances.” Its goal is to drive innovation in business and society by preparing students for management practice in a world of constant change and growing complexity.In 2025, Gisma was awarded the prestigious BSIS Impact Label by EFMD – as one of only two institutions in Germany. The award certifies the university’s measurable social, economic, and academic impact beyond the boundaries of teaching.All Gisma degree programs are state-recognized and accredited by the Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation (FIBAA) and the German Accreditation Council www.gisma.com. In addition, Gisma is part of GUS Germany GmbH (GGG), a dynamic network of higher education institutions with more than 18,000 students across locations in Germany, Europe, and beyond: www.gusgermany.com.

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