In the current Positive Impact Rating 2025, IMC Krems reaches Level 4.
In the current Positive Impact Rating 2025, IMC Krems achieved Level 4 (“Transforming”) – impressive evidence of its commitment to sustainability, social responsibility and future-oriented university development.
Strong international performance with a social focus
In the sixth edition of the Positive Impact Rating (PIR) for Business Schools, IMC Krems was once again classified as a "Transforming School" at Level 4 out of a total of five assessment categories. This places it among a select group of 46 universities worldwide that, according to their students' assessments, demonstrate a deeply rooted impact in the areas of sustainability, responsible university governance, and social engagement. "As a university, we bear responsibility—not only for teaching and research, but also toward society. Level 4 in the Positive Impact Rating demonstrates that our Third Mission activities are perceived as a serious commitment to sustainable and social development," emphasizes Victoria Englmaier, Sustainability Coordinator and Project Manager for Gender and Diversity at IMC Krems.
Student feedback as a measure of transformation
The Positive Impact Rating is based exclusively on student evaluations – a total of over 17,000 students from 28 countries participated in the survey in 2025. Among other things, the areas assessed included governance, learning methods, programs, culture, student support, the institution's role modeling, and public impact.
"The fact that we have achieved Level 4 in the Positive Impact Rating demonstrates that our commitment to sustainability is effective – and is recognized by our students. This motivates us to consistently pursue our path as a transformative university," says Bernhard Dollensky, COO and Head of the Environmental & Sustainability Advisory Board.
Global issues, local impact
The PIR results reflect global trends: Students worldwide are demanding a stronger focus on sustainability, participatory decision-making processes, and real-life learning experiences. IMC Krems is meeting these expectations with innovative strength – for example, by integrating sustainability into curricula, collaborating with NGOs, research-based teaching methods, and numerous mobility and practical formats.
PIR as a development tool
The goal of the rating is not competition, but shared progress. The initiators of the PIR see the participating universities as platforms for social change. The "Transforming School" designation confirms that IMC Krems is actively shaping this path – not only through teaching, but also through leadership, culture, and strategy.
About the Positive Impact Rating (PIR)
The PIR was developed in 2020 by an international civil society alliance. It measures the social impact of business schools from the student perspective. It focuses not only on academic excellence but also on their contribution to a more sustainable and inclusive economic system. The 2025 report is based on feedback from over 17,000 students from 86 universities worldwide.