First university with general welfare balance in Germany

The International Graduate Center (IGC) of the University of Bremen has been certified by the "Association for the Promotion of the Common Good Economy", based in Vienna, in accordance with the common good economy. Thus, the association certifies the IGC as the first German institution of its kind to have "dealt intensively with social and ecological aspects of corporate governance". The IGC's public interest activities are "above average compared to other players in the industry" [...] "A positive note" is also "the very high and innovative service provided to students from all over the world". Joining the association "Gemeinwohl-Wirtschaft" involves a voluntary comprehensive review of all activities. In two years the certification should be repeated.

The starting point for the positive assessment was a thesis from the consecutive master's program Business Management. Its author, Katharina Nowakowski, suggested that the IGC should have a public welfare record drawn up. Thanks to the involvement of the graduate and the active participation of all IGC employees, the experts were convinced. The results are summarized in a 26-page report.

The common good economy e.V. focuses on joint solidarity economy. It is based on the values ​​of human dignity, compassion, solidarity, justice, environmental responsibility and democracy. Economic success is redefined by contributing to the common good of all, and made normatively measurable on the basis of the general welfare record. Public Interest Accounting has recently been presented by the Financial Times as the most comprehensive and, by its very nature, most effective measurement method for sustainable and responsible conduct.

"Sparing use of resources, fair relationships with customers and a democratic organizational structure have always been a central aspect of research, teaching and administration. Therefore, the concept of the common good economy is a logical step for the IGC in the direction of quality development and dealing with future topics. " Tim Goydke, director of the IGC.

The IGC performed particularly well as an employer on the topics of job quality and equality. Also in the field of ethical customer relations a high score was achieved. On the other hand, development potential still exists in ethical procurement management.

On its homepage, the association defines the term "common good economy" as follows: "The common good economy is the name of an economic system based on values ​​that promote common welfare. The common good economy is a lever for change on the economic, political and social level - a bridge from old to new "(www.gemeinwohl-oekonomie.de).

The IGC is the central institution for postgraduate studies and scientific further education of the Hochschule Bremen. With more than 1,000 graduates from more than 100 nations, 16 master programs, including twelve MBA programs, five of which are entirely in English, the IGC of the Hochschule Bremen is one of the leading international graduate schools in Germany. Many graduates have found their future career in companies in Bremen.

The IGC is also part of the International Business School Alliance (IBSA), where partner universities around the world combine their core competencies in the postgraduate field. The innovative study concept leads to a double master's degree within one year. The programs are accredited by the Central Evaluation and Accreditation Agency (ZEvA), the Agency for Quality Assurance through Accreditation of Degree Programs (AQAS) and in part by the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).