In the latest Positive Impact Rating 2025, IMC Krems has achieved Level 4 ("Transforming") — an impressive testament to its commitment to sustainability, social responsibility and forward-looking university development.
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IMC Krems once again among the world’s leading universities for positive societal impact
Strong international performance with a societal focus
In the sixth edition of the Positive Impact Rating (PIR) for Business Schools, IMC Krems has once again been classified as a "Transforming School" at Level 4, one of five possible rating categories. This places the university among a select group of 46 higher education institutions worldwide which, according to their students, demonstrate a deeply embedded impact in the fields of sustainability, responsible governance, and societal engagement.
"As a university, we carry responsibility — not only for teaching and research, but also towards society. Achieving Level 4 in the Positive Impact Rating shows that our third mission activities are perceived as a genuine commitment to sustainable and social development," emphasises Victoria Englmaier, Sustainability Coordinator and Project Manager for Gender and Diversity at IMC Krems.
Student feedback as a benchmark for transformation
The Positive Impact Rating is based solely on student evaluations — in 2025, more than 17,000 students from 28 countries took part in the survey. The areas assessed included governance, teaching methods, programmes, institutional culture, student support, the university’s role as a role model, and its public impact.
"Reaching Level 4 in the Positive Impact Rating clearly shows that our efforts towards sustainability are making an impact — and are recognised by our students. This motivates us to continue pursuing our path as a transforming university," says Bernhard Dollensky, COO and Chair of the Environmental & Sustainability Advisory Board, affirming the university’s approach.
Global themes, local impact
The PIR results reflect global trends: students around the world are calling for a stronger integration of sustainability, participative decision-making processes and real-world learning experiences. IMC Krems is rising to meet these expectations through innovation — for example, by embedding sustainability within curricula, collaborating with NGOs, using research-based teaching methods, and offering a wide range of mobility and practical learning opportunities.
PIR as a tool for development
The aim of the rating is not competition but collective progress. The initiators of PIR view participating universities as platforms for societal transformation. Being recognised as a "Transforming School" confirms that IMC Krems is actively contributing to this process — not only through its teaching, but also through its leadership, culture, and strategic direction.
About the Positive Impact Rating (PIR)
PIR was developed in 2020 by an international alliance of civil society organisations. It measures the societal impact of business schools from the perspective of their students. The focus is not solely on academic excellence, but also on contributions to a more sustainable and inclusive economic system. The 2025 report is based on feedback from over 17,000 students across 86 universities worldwide.