Allensbach University achieves top rating four times in „Leading Innovators 2027“
Allensbach University Constance is once again among the „Leading Innovators“ recognized by FOCUS Business. In the current evaluation process, the state-accredited private university achieved 14 out of 15 possible points and received the highest rating of „Excellent“ in four of the five evaluated innovation areas.
FOCUS Business, in collaboration with the research institute FactField, has identified the „Leading Innovators 2027.“ Allensbach University of Applied Sciences in Konstanz is once again among the honored institutions and has achieved a particularly strong result: In the areas of strategy and innovation culture, products and services, processes, and business model, the university received three out of three possible points in each category, earning the classification „Excellent.“ In the organization category, it was rated „Very Good“ with two points. Overall, Allensbach University thus achieved 14 out of a maximum of 15 points.
„Four top ratings and a total of 14 out of 15 points are a very gratifying confirmation of the development of our university for us,“ says Timo Keppler, Chancellor of Allensbach University. „Early on, we consistently aligned our study model with digital, part-time higher education and are continuously developing the associated study programs and processes. Particularly for a distance learning university, the ability to innovate is closely linked to how well academic quality and the requirements of working students are brought together.“
The individual benchmark report evaluates the business model innovation of Allensbach University particularly positively. In this area, the study sees the university as being exceptionally well-positioned compared to other recommended Leading Innovators. It highlights the ability to further develop established business models and respond to changing market conditions. For Allensbach University, this evaluation can be directly linked to its university model. The degree programs are primarily aimed at working professionals who want to combine an academic degree with their professional activity. Lectures are conducted entirely online and recorded, study materials are available digitally, exams can be flexibly integrated into the course of study, and instructors and academic advising support students with academic and organizational questions.
„Our business model is based on organizing higher education in such a way that a demanding degree program can realistically be completed alongside ongoing employment,“ explains Timo Keppler. „To achieve this, it is not enough simply to broadcast lectures on the internet. Study materials, exams, and support must be organized so that academic learning functions reliably even under conditions of spatial distance. We are therefore very pleased that FOCUS Business particularly highlights our business model innovation.“
The „Leading Innovators“ recommendation list, which emerged from the former „Innovation Champions“ study, is based on a multi-stage evaluation process. FOCUS Business and FactField examine companies in the five areas of strategy and innovation culture, products and services, processes, business model, and organization. For each dimension, a score is determined based on various data sources and then translated into a three-tier rating. Three points stand for „Excellent,“ two points for „Very Good,“ and one point for „Good.“ In total, companies can achieve a maximum of 15 points.
At least seven points are required for inclusion in the recommendation list. For the 2027 issue, FOCUS Business recognized around 400 companies from 31 industries as Leading Innovators. The companies are also evaluated by size categories so that their innovation performance can be assessed against suitable comparison groups. The evaluation model thus considers innovation beyond technical novelties. For products and services, for example, the assessment examines how companies further develop existing offerings and what benefits new solutions create for their customers. The process dimension looks at changes in internal workflows. The business model category is about how services are offered and new market opportunities are developed. The organization category captures, among other things, new structures, management styles, and reporting systems.
For Allensbach University, the award builds on several previous evaluations of its innovation and digitalization performance. The university was already recognized as an „Innovation Champion“ by FOCUS Business in 2024 and 2025, and in 2026 it was ranked among the „Leading Innovators“ for the first time under the new designation. This streak continues with the renewed award for 2027. Allensbach University also received awards in other university and employer rankings in 2026. FernstudiumCheck lists it as a „Top Distance Learning University 2026,“ and comparison portal Fernstudium Direkt ranks it as an „Excellent Provider 2026.“ These are complemented by the kununu Top Company 2026 Award as well as the „Germany's Best Employer 2026,“ „Champion of the Year 2026,“ and „Excellent Service 2026“ awards from the German Society for Quality and Evaluation (DQBG). In the current F.A.Z. Institute ranking of „Germany's Most Sought-After Employers 2026,“ Allensbach University is the industry winner in the „Private Universities“ category. In addition, it is among the „Digital Champions 2026“ designated by FOCUS-MONEY and Deutschland Test.
