International Business awarded three-star Sustainable Higher Education certificate

A three-star rating represents the ‘Systematic’ level. This means that sustainability is demonstrably and structurally embedded in the programme's vision, teaching, research, organisation and impact. International Business also demonstrates that it continuously evaluates and further develops its sustainability objectives.

From Conscious Business to a renewed curriculum

The certification marks the culmination of a development that began several years ago. What was still considered a promising development under the name Conscious Business during an audit in 2019 has since evolved into a renewed curriculum. Sustainability and multiple value creation are now integral parts of all modules, projects and learning experiences.

Students learn not only how to focus on financial results, but also how to create value for people, the planet and prosperity.

“This certification confirms something we have been working towards with conviction for many years: sustainability is not an additional subject for us; it is embedded in everything we do. I am extremely proud of our team, which has successfully developed the Conscious Business philosophy into a curriculum centred on sustainability and multiple value creation. I am also proud of our collaboration with the Business Models research group, our international partners, students, alumni and the professional field.

“Being the first economic programme within Saxion to receive this certification is a wonderful recognition. It shows that sustainability and business go hand in hand, and that we educate professionals who do not simply ask whether something is possible, but also consider the impact of their choices,” says Hendrik Jan Jager, Programme Manager of International Business.

Bringing education, research and practice together

Collaboration with the Business Models research group plays an important role. The research group connects education, research and professional practice around sustainable and circular business models.

The programme's international focus also contributes to this. With students from dozens of nationalities, an extensive network of partner universities and close collaboration with international companies, students learn to approach sustainability challenges from different perspectives.

“This certification is wonderful recognition of the efforts of the entire team and confirms that sustainability is firmly embedded in our programme. This is important for our students, the companies we work with and society as a whole. We want to educate professionals who think internationally and entrepreneurially, and who know how to connect economic value with social impact,” says Sander Reinderink, Director of the School of Finance & International Business.

With this certification, International Business is further contributing to the ambitions of the School of Finance & International Business (SFIB), as set out in its identity document, Investors in Meaningful Business. The document focuses on educating professionals who can connect economic, social and societal value and, in doing so, contribute to a meaningful future.