ISM 2030 Strategy

We live in a time when access to answers is no longer the problem. Answers are everywhere. Generated instantly. Scaled endlessly. Delivered with confidence. But the hardest part was never the answer. It was judgement.

What matters now is not who can retrieve information fastest, but who can decide wisely when conditions are unclear, pressure is high, and consequences are real.

This is the world ISM is preparing people for. This is where universities are tested. If higher education only transfers knowledge, it will fall behind.

That is why ISM chooses to be REAL. Responsible. Entrepreneurial. Adaptive. Learning.

Responsible, because decisions stay human, even when technology becomes more powerful.

Entrepreneurial, because progress begins with initiative, not permission.

Adaptive, because resilience matters when reality shifts.

Learning, because growth is never finished.

Over the next five years, this choice will shape our directions: strengthening entrepreneurial thinking, increasing the real-world impact of research, expanding our international reach, and reinforcing lifelong learning.

At the center of this ambition is a clear goal: to develop a distinctive ISM Method that helps people not only know more, but become more capable of deciding, acting, and leading when the future refuses to be predictable.

Because real growth does not begin with certainty. It begins with readiness. And readiness begins with commitment. Commitment to always be one step ahead.

President of ISM
Prof. Dr Dalius Misiūnas

Read the full ISM 2030 Strategy and discover the vision shaping our future:

ISM 2030 Strategy

REAL is not a slogan. It is a standard.

Strategic directions

The ISM Method is the core of ISM’s strategy, built on REAL learning principles. The strategic directions develop this core through entrepreneurship, internationalisation, impactful research and lifelong learning.

Unique ISM Method

This approach will combine academic depth with real-world relevance. Final thesis processes will strengthen academic responsibility and rigorous thinking, while interdisciplinary capstone projects will address real-world challenges in collaboration with organisations. The model will also expand practical learning and entrepreneurial, initiative-driven thinking, and will strengthen liberal arts and AI-enabled competencies across programmes. Technology will support learning – but people, ethics and critical thinking will remain central.

Entrepreneurial mindset

An entrepreneurial mindset – the ability to spot opportunities, take action, and learn from setbacks – will be developed in all study programmes. ISM will provide strong support for future founders, providing tools to develop ideas and connecting students with mentors, investors and the startup ecosystem.

Lifelong learning community

We will build a lifelong learning ecosystem where students, alumni and professionals will continue to grow at every stage of their careers. Through stackable microcredentials, corporate learning partnerships, empowered faculty mentors and digital learning infrastructure, ISM will create flexible learning pathways and will remain a place people will return to throughout their lives.

Impactful research

Our research will focus on real-world relevance – contributing to business, public policy and society through applied insights and collaboration. We will build capacity around strategic research themes, will strengthen research excellence and recognition, and will enhance societal impact. An entrepreneurship-focused research centre will further support innovation, collaboration and knowledge creation.

Internationalisation

ISM will strengthen its European profile through international partnerships, diverse student recruitment and global recognition. We will aim to expand European student admissions, will explore a second European campus, and will enhance our position as a leading European business school through strong accreditations and rankings.

Choosing to be REAL. A conversation between ISM President Prof. Dr Dalius Misiūnas and journalist Rytis Zemkauskas:

What do we stand for?

OUR VISION | What do we want to become by 2030

A European university recognized for one step ahead mindset

Our vision is to be a European business university recognized for its REAL approach, high academic standards, impactful research, growing international recognition, and a lifelong learning ecosystem.

OUR MISSION | Why we exist

Challenge present. Inspire future. Empower change.

Our mission is to serve as a platform dedicated to developing responsible, entrepreneurial leaders who continue learning throughout every stage of their careers. Together with our business and societal partners, we create research-based knowledge that enables ethical decisions and drives real impact in society. Our community takes responsibility for creating the future.

OUR VALUES

The main principles that we are committing to in our behaviours and decisions

Responsibility to Respect and Delivery

Responsibility means caring for our students, supporting equal opportunities, and practicing social responsibility. We respect our community by openly sharing information, asking for feedback, and reacting quickly.

Entrepreneurial Mindset and Courage

Entrepreneurship means willingness to question, taking risks and learning from failure. We question assumptions and foster an environment where constructive criticism is welcomed, and innovation is encouraged. Courage for us means challenging the status quo and thinking one step ahead.

Excellence Through Continuous Growth and Adaptability

Adaptability enables us to remain effective in changing circumstances and is guided by a commitment to excellence, while learning fuels continuous growth, curiosity, and resilience. Excellence means striving for ongoing improvement. We set high standards for ourselves and others, seeing excellence as both a mindset and a lifelong journey.

Community of Lifelong Learners

We see our community – students, faculty, staff, partners and alumni – as our greatest strength. We are committed to continuous learning, curiosity and growth. We treat each other with respect, act with personal and shared responsibility, and value diverse perspectives that help us learn and grow.

Read the full ISM 2030 Strategy and discover the vision shaping our future:

ISM 2030 Strategy