For every euro of revenue received by UPF-BSM, the school generates €2.34 in social value

• This is highlighted in the conclusions of a study on the social impact of the UPF Barcelona School of Management (UPF-BSM), conducted by researchers from the business school.

• Among the variables used to calculate social value are the academic and professional training provided by the institution, the employability of students and their access to the job market, as well as support for entrepreneurship and innovation, among others.

• 50% of UPF-BSM's programs are focused on social impact; the school has 11 chairs primarily dedicated to sustainability and a dedicated Vice-Dean's Office to lead this area.

The UPF Barcelona School of Management (UPF-BSM) has published the Social Value Study, a pioneering report in the sector that quantifies the institution's social impact on its environment. The study reveals that UPF-BSM generated an integrated social value of €43.9 million during the 2022-2023 academic year, equivalent to generating €2.34 in social value for every euro of revenue the school received.

“This study highlights UPF-BSM's prominent role in generating social value in Barcelona, as well as its essential contribution to economic development and academic achievements. Additionally, it underscores the extensive reach of UPF-BSM's interactions with its immediate community and society at large,” notes José M. Martínez-Sierra, General Director of UPF-BSM.

The report, conducted by Ana Freire, Vice Dean of Social Impact and Academic Innovation, alongside professors Luz Parrondo and Erola Palau, indicates that most of the social value generated comes from academic and professional training, estimated at €26.2 million—60% of the school’s total social value. This is followed by the category of UPF's prestige, valued at €11.8 million, accounting for 27.3% of the social value.

Among the three main stakeholders analyzed in the study to evaluate the social value UPF-BSM contributes to each, the group formed by students and alumni benefits the most, with a monetary value of €31.8 million. This is followed by companies and private entities (€5.85 million) and academic, research, and administrative staff (€5.7 million).

The study also identifies the variables that provide the most value to the school’s stakeholders. These include: 1. access to internship agreements and job contracts, 2. the generation and transfer of knowledge between university and industry, 3. social benefits for academic and administrative staff and 4. the value of the UPF brand for quality and excellence.

Methodology

To produce this report, the researchers used the Integrated Social Value methodology and also incorporated some indicators from the BSIS (Business School Impact System) seal, developed by EFMD Global. The report measures the value of 20 variables for its three main stakeholder groups. Among the variables analyzed in the study are: employability and access to the job market, networking, support for entrepreneurship and innovation, customized training for companies, and more.

Each of the analyzed variables has its corresponding numerical indicator, which allows for the quantification of the economic value of each, thereby generating the social value of UPF-BSM.

Finally, to arrive at the figure of €43.9 million in social value, the researchers measured the Specific Social Value (€43.36 million) and the Economic Social Value (€11.2 million). The first (SSV) is the value generated through the institution's academic activities, with key contributors including academic training initiatives and efforts to improve access to the job market. The second (SEV) evaluates the impact of UPF-BSM’s economic activities on a specific population within a given territory. This value includes both direct and indirect impacts.

Commitment to Sustainability

50% of the programs at UPF-BSM are focused on social impact, and 42% of the faculty members are specialists in this area. To measure the impact of sustainability in the school’s programs, various actions are carried out each year, including a survey on how the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been integrated into students' master’s theses.

Additionally, the research activities at UPF-BSM are organized around two observatories and one laboratory, ISDaLab, which focuses on research with a strong commitment to positive social impact, oriented towards sustainability through various data analysis methodologies. In collaboration with companies and institutions, the school has 11 chairs and two observatories, as well as a total of 21 research partnerships with different types of organizations, with sustainability being a focus in most of them.

“Our commitment to generating positive social impact is part of the DNA of our school. This priority is reflected in the creation of a dedicated Vice-Deanship to lead this area. Through this, we have created a solid social impact strategy that is allowing us to become a reference business school internationally in this field,” explains Ana Freire.

Currently, UPF-BSM has renewed its BSIS seal, which recognizes business schools with a significant impact on their region, and advises universities in developing countries, such as Tribhuvan University in Nepal, to train managers in sustainable management.

In the Executive Education area at UPF-BSM, there has been an increasing demand for executive training in sustainability from companies. At present, 25% of the 28 ongoing custom programs have a sustainability focus.