BSIS Award for Gisma University of Applied Sciences: How a Young University Shapes Business, Society, and the Region
Potsdam, 13th of August 2025 – 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.