Iscte Business School has once again been recognised as one of the business schools most committed to creating a positive impact on society, according to the 2025 edition of the Positive Impact Rating (PIR). This is the fourth time that the school has achieved the “Transforming School” (Level 4) status on the five-level scale that assesses institutions' contributions to social and environmental transformation.

This year's edition included 17,167 students from 86 business schools across 28 countries, which is a 13% increase compared to last year. The PIR evaluates schools based on seven dimensions, including institutional culture, teaching methods, student support, governance, and public engagement.

PIR 2025 highlights:

• Iscte Business School is part of the group of 46 schools at Level 4 (Transforming School), demonstrating a positive institutional culture and visible results across several impact dimensions.
• The average score for Transforming Schools was 7.9 out of 10, reflecting a strong commitment to social responsibility.
• The global average PIR score remained stable at 7.8, with notable growth in student participation and the introduction of a new dual perspective comparing student and faculty perceptions.

What students want from their schools:

The report conveys a clear message: students want schools to abandon unsustainable practices and outdated pedagogical models and integrate sustainability into all areas, promoting practical learning connected to real-world challenges.

Key demands include:

• ending the use of disposable plastics and partnerships with unethical industries;
• More practical, less memorisation-based teaching;
• inclusion of students in decision-making processes;
• greater support for student well-being and diversity.

A Recognition with Impact

This recognition reinforces ISCTE Business School’s role as an institution that trains responsible leaders and serves as a reference model in purpose-driven business education. The school joins other internationally renowned institutions in leading the transformation of higher education towards a fairer, more sustainable and inclusive future.