IE University’s Economic Impact Surpasses €450 Million, According to a PwC Report

IE University’s economic surpassed €450 million in the 2023–2024 academic year. The academic institution, which contributed to the creation of 7,000 jobs last year, is home to more than 10,000 students from 160 countries across its campuses—consolidating Madrid and Segovia as globally recognized academic destinations. These are some of the findings of the 2025 Socioeconomic Impact Report of IE University conducted by PwC. The study quantifies for the first time the institution’s transformative effect through its academic, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship activity, as well as its efforts to preserve heritage and attract students, faculty, and researchers from around the world to foster a transformative academic experience and fulfill its purpose of promoting positive change.

"The activity of IE University has a multifaceted impact through its contribution to GDP, job creation, and its attraction of international talent—students and faculty alike."
Jordi Esteve, Partner at PwC

"In both research and innovation, the data we analyzed shows performance above the European average,” said Jordi Esteve, Partner at PwC, during the presentation of the report.

Isabela del Alcázar, Chief Purpose & Sustainability Officer at IE University, added: "At IE University, we understand sustainability as the ability to generate real, positive impact in our environment. Madrid and Segovia are not just academic locations—they are engines of economic, social, and cultural transformation. This report confirms that our commitment to talent, research, and innovation contributes to energizing communities, strengthening ecosystems, and building a more just and resilient future for all."

Economic Engine. According to PwC, IE University’s activity generated a total contribution of €460 million to Spain’s GDP. For every euro directly generated by IE, €3.7 are produced in the national economy. In employment terms, the report confirms that IE University contributed to the creation of nearly 7,000 jobs in Spain during the 2023–2024 period. For every person directly employed by IE University, 3.9 additional jobs were created in the national economy. This multiplier effect positions IE University as one of the main employers and economic drivers in Madrid and Segovia.

Global Talent. With over 90% of its student body being international, coming from 160 countries this year alone, IE University is recognized as a global hub for academic talent. PwC researchers highlight that 24% of international university students living in Madrid—and 99.1% of those in Segovia—are enrolled at IE University. This global educational ecosystem enriches the student experience and strengthens Madrid and Segovia’s positions as world-class academic destinations.

To ensure access to its educational programs for talented young individuals worldwide, regardless of their financial means, IE University allocates over €24 million annually to scholarships. 35% of undergraduate and graduate students benefit from this financial support. This investment positions IE University as the top academic institution in Spain in terms of annual scholarship funding.

Employability. IE University ranks 18th globally in the Times Higher Education Global Employability Ranking, where international recruiters assess graduate employability across universities. IE University’s Talent & Careers team provides a proactive, personalized career development model, offering early career guidance, direct connections with more than 3,000 companies, and training in key skills. In 2024, IE University managed over 13,000 job offers for its students and graduates, hosted nearly 600 companies on campus, and achieved a 95% employability rate within six months of graduation.

Entrepreneurial Focus. IE University is globally recognized for its entrepreneurial character. Founded by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, it has embedded entrepreneurship at its core since its inception. IE University co-organizes South Summit every year—a global platform that positions Madrid, Porto Alegre (Brazil), and Seoul (South Korea) as major centers of entrepreneurship and innovation. This week, South Summit Madrid 2025 is taking place, featuring over 400 speakers, 140 investors, and 17 unicorn startups from around the world to promote innovation and entrepreneurship.

All IE University students develop business plans and receive entrepreneurship training throughout their studies, regardless of their specialization. As a result, 30% of IE graduates start their own ventures at some point in their careers. Supporting this strategic focus, IE Business School leads the Venture Lab, an accelerator where students design their startups and expand their networks through access to global business and investment leaders.

Research and Academic Excellence. According to PwC, IE University dedicates 16.7% of its total expenditure to R&D, with an annual growth rate of 8%—above the national average. Its R&D intensity (1.4% of direct GDP) surpasses the average for higher education institutions in both Spain (0.4%) and the EU (0.48%). Over the past three decades, IE faculty and researchers have published more than 3,300 academic articles, cited over 55,000 times, reflecting the university’s strong contribution to global knowledge.

Campus Growth and Heritage Preservation. As part of its commitment to preserving historical heritage, IE University invested €11.6 million in campus improvements during 2023–2024. Since 2007, the institution has allocated more than €14 million to the restoration of the Convent of Santa Cruz la Real in Segovia, a 13th-century landmark and the historical headquarters of IE University. In January, IE University also announced the acquisition of the Palacio de Mansilla—a historic building dating back to the 12th–18th centuries located in Segovia’s city center—where students and faculty of the IE School of Architecture and Design will develop projects in architecture, design, art, fashion, and entrepreneurship.