BSIS 2026: Label renewal confirms MBS’s impact in Occitanie

€266.7 Million: Measuring MBS Impact on the Regional Economy

For almost 130 years, the story of MBS School of Business has been closely linked to Montpellier. Over the years, the business school has grown, expanded its international reach and strengthened its relationships with companies and stakeholders across the region.

Today, this strong local presence is reflected in the Business School Impact System (BSIS) assessment. The report estimates MBS’s total financial impact in Occitanie at €266.7 million, taking into account the school’s own activities as well as the economic benefits generated by its students and the various communities it welcomes.

This regional commitment is also reflected in MBS’s expenditure: 75% of its spending takes place in Occitanie.

With more than 3,000 students and extensive links with local businesses and stakeholders, MBS contributes to economic activity, employment and the attractiveness of the region.

But the impact of a business school cannot be measured solely in financial terms. It can also be seen in the people it educates and prepares for the future.

Developing Talent in Occitanie with a Global Outlook

Every year, students join MBS to gain knowledge and skills, acquire their first professional experience and gradually shape their future careers.

In this respect, the BSIS report highlights MBS’s academic quality, strong graduate employability, coherent programme portfolio, integration within the regional ecosystem and commitment to inclusion.

This strong presence in Occitanie goes hand in hand with an international outlook. In 2025–2026, 32.5% of MBS students are international.

This global dimension continues well beyond graduation. Today, the MBS community includes 25,000 alumni across more than 70 countries, while 4,030 MBS alumni work in Occitanie.

From Montpellier to the international stage, MBS contributes to developing talent capable of thriving in diverse professional environments while maintaining strong connections with the region where the school was founded.

Inclusion and Responsibility at the Heart of the MBS Model

MBS impact also extends to society, as highlighted by the BSIS assessment.

Inclusion, equal opportunities and social responsibility are at the heart of MBS’s mission and values. The report particularly highlights the consistency and structuring role of these policies.

Today, this commitment is reflected in the DD&RS label, MBS’s EESPIG status, the integration of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into its programmes, research focused on societal challenges, and policies addressing the environment, climate, inclusion and equality.

From teaching to research, these commitments are increasingly embedded across all of the school’s activities and have become a defining part of the MBS identity.

Nearly 130 Years of MBS Contributing to Montpellier’s International Profile

MBS impact also extends beyond the business school itself. Through its history, students, alumni and partnerships, MBS contributes to raising the profile of Montpellier and the Occitanie region beyond their regional boundaries.

The BSIS experts’ assessment is particularly clear: “MBS has a clear impact on the region’s image.”

Its AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA triple international accreditation, its ability to attract students from around the world and its network of 25,000 alumni across more than 70 countries all contribute to increasing the visibility of Montpellier and Occitanie, both nationally and internationally.

This influence is built on almost 130 years of history in Montpellier, while continuing to evolve alongside the transformation of the school and its environment.

A New Chapter to Strengthen MBS Impact

The renewal of the BSIS label in 2026 does more than measure the progress already made. It comes at a time when MBS is entering a new phase of its development.

Through its 2026–2031 strategic plan and its signature “From Knowledge to Impact”, MBS now aims to strengthen its ability to measure, manage and demonstrate its impact.

This ambition is reflected in the development of its “school as a laboratory” model, driven by a clear objective: to transform the knowledge created and shared at MBS into tangible impact.

"The renewal of the BSIS label recognises the impact that MBS has been building for many years alongside its students, staff and partners. Our 2026–2031 strategic plan now commits us to going further by strengthening our ability to measure, manage and demonstrate this impact. This is at the heart of our ‘From Knowledge to Impact’ ambition."

Mohamed Afennich, Dean of MBS School of Business