The Swiss Accreditation Council (SAC) has granted IMD institutional accreditation as a university institute, a major achievement which will enhance the institute’s academic stature in Switzerland and abroad.
In the accreditation report, the experts praised IMD for its agility, participatory quality culture, investment in human resources and infrastructure, development of the E4S Master in Sustainable Management and Technology in partnership with UNIL and EPFL, the responsiveness to students and participants, and support for faculty.
Guided by the reviewers’ assessment, the accreditation agency assessed the institute as fulfilling all 18 accreditation standards and concluded, “IMD has a quality assurance system that covers all areas and processes of the higher education institution.” The group of experts, therefore, proposed that IMD be accredited as a university institute without conditions – which is notable for a first accreditation process.
“We appreciate this recognition and official inclusion in the Swiss higher education landscape and look forward to the opportunities it creates,” said IMD President Jean-François Manzoni. “We thank the SAC, the Swiss Accreditation and Quality Assurance Agency (AAQ) and reviewers for this opportunity to explore, reflect and continually improve. We are also grateful to our partners, alumni and colleagues who have helped us achieve this milestone.”
“Quality is a race with no finish line, and we are committed to a process of continuous progress towards a more prosperous, sustainable and inclusive world.”
IMD, which celebrated its 75th anniversary at the end of 2021, has been part of the select circle of academic institutions to hold all three premier business school accreditations (AACSB, EFMD EQUIS and AMBA) for many years. These international labels make it possible to maintain a level of excellence in terms of teaching and research, to develop a strong image internationally and to attract students. Being also nationally accredited may facilitate administrative steps (visas, grants, loans, scholarships, etc.) and enhance the recognition of degrees in certain countries.
The Swiss Federal Act on the Funding and Coordination of the Swiss Higher Education Sector (HEdA) came into force in 2015. Among other things, it made it possible to harmonize the structure of studies according to controlled designations (universities, universities of applied sciences and universities of teacher education). Private establishments are not required to earn accreditation, but IMD, a Swiss foundation, chose to pursue Swiss institutional accreditation to obtain this recognition in line with its strategy.
