Investigation into links with the corporate sector

The Executive Board of Erasmus University Rotterdam has set up an independent inquiry committee which will carry out an investigation into the facts surrounding the agreements between Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) and the corporate sector.

This investigation was prompted by the report "Changerism: A Pipeline of Ideas", which commented on the influence of the corporate sector on RSM's curriculum and academic integrity.

The investigation by this independent committee should clarify the matter. Erasmus University is an advocate of independent research and education, and adheres to the Netherlands Code of Conduct for Academic Practice of the VSNU, the association of universities in the Netherlands. Adherence to this code must be guaranteed at all times.

Terms of reference

The inquiry committee will investigate whether RSM entered into any agreements with businesses which might have influenced the curriculum. It will also examine whether RSM sufficiently complies with the regulations and procedures of Erasmus University with respect to guaranteeing the independence of academic research. This will include whether – and, if so, to what extent – collaboration with the corporate sector constitutes a risk for the integrity of academic practice.

Composition of the committee

The independent inquiry committee consists of Emeritus Professor G.P.M.F. Mols (Chair, Emeritus Professor of Criminal Law and Criminology, Maastricht University and former Rector Magnificus of Maastricht University), Emeritus Professor H. Verbruggen (Emeritus Professor of International Environmental Economics, former Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, VU University Amsterdam) and Emeritus Professor J.G. Kuijl (Emeritus Professor of Business Economics, Leiden University and Maastricht University).

The committee has already commenced its duties. It is not yet known when it will conclude.

RSM Corporate Register

In the interest of maximum transparency, RSM will also establish a public register of agreements with businesses. It will contain basic information on the party or parties involved, the purpose of the relationship, the form of the relationship, the start date and duration of the relationship, and the desired goals of the relationship. The register will be made publicly available probably during the first quarter of 2018.

More information

Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) is one of Europe’s top-ranked business schools. RSM provides ground-breaking research and education furthering excellence in all aspects of management and is based in the international port city of Rotterdam – a vital nexus of business, logistics and trade. RSM’s primary focus is on developing business leaders with international careers who can become a force for positive change by carrying their innovative mindset into a sustainable future. Our first-class range of bachelor, master, MBA, PhD and executive programmes encourage them to become critical, creative, caring and collaborative thinkers and doers. www.rsm.nl

For more information about RSM or this release, please contact Erika Harriford-McLaren, communications manager for RSM, on +31 10 408 2877 or by email at harriford@rsm.nl.