By integrating employer perception, alumni reach, and market impact data, our methodology produces rankings that prioritize real-world effectiveness, offering a clearer view of how universities contribute to the digital economy.
Our methodology is designed to capture how universities are perceived, how widely their graduates are represented, and how effectively they contribute to the digital sector. To achieve this, we rely on three robust and complementary data sources:
Perception: insights from our proprietary global survey reflecting the views of over 2,000 digital experts
Reach: an analysis of 150,000 CVs and educational profiles of digital professionals
Impact: derived by linking alumni employers to a global company database that assigns performance scores based on digital innovation and growth signals.
To reflect the full scope of the digital ecosystem, we developed category rankings, each focusing on a strategic domain of digital expertise: Computer Science, Data Science, Ai &Analytics, Digital Entrepreneurship, Digital Business transformation, Innovation skills.
This document outlines the three-step methodology that culminates in the creation of the global rankings: “Digital Leaders in Higher Education”
Step 1 - Data collection: generation of three data sets
A - Employer Evaluation data set
A panel of 2,000 industry professionals participated in the review and voting process, including:
IT Managers
Digital Professionals
Start-up Founders and Managers
Each expert was invited to select up to 15 universities or schools across a set of category-specific lists. These categories align with key fields of study and program types, each reflecting a distinct cluster of digital skills
Computer Science Studies
Data Science, AI & Business Analytics
Digital Entrepreneurship
Digital Transformation Management
In total, 90 000 votes were cast, covering 300 universities across the categories
Field phase:
GEURS 2025
Method:
Online Survey
Main Countries:
USA India UK France China Australia Germany Brazil Canada Japan Mexico Sweden Saudi Arabia UAE Poland South Korea Spain Czech Republic Honk Kong Morocco Netherlands South Africa Qatar
B - Alumni career trajectory tracking
Educational profile extraction
Selection by profile activity: All profiles selected have graduated within the past 10 years and updated their CV within the past 6 months. This way we ensure that the CV is accurate and reflects the educational and career journey of the digital professional.
Selection by job profile: The research encompasses around 100 job titles that are requiring digital skills. We selected professional currently holding job titlescorresponding to the following job roles:
Tech & Dev
AI Specialists
Blockchain Expert
IoT Specialist
Machine Learning Engineer
NLP Expert
Autonomous Systems Developer
Computational Linguist
Computer Vision Enginee
Deep Learning Engineer
DevOps Engineer
Full Stack Developer
Algorithm Specialist
Biometrics Engineer
Prompt Engineer
Robotics Engineer
Cybersecurity Expert
Executive & Learning
CEO (Chief Executive Officer)
COO (Chief Operating Officer)
CPO (Chief Product Officer)
CDO (Chief Data Officer)
CDiO (Chief Digital Officer)
CXO (Chief Experience Officer)
CIO (Chief Information Officer)
CISO (Chief Information Security Officer)
CINO (Chief Innovation Officer)
CTO (Chief Technology Officer)
VP of Technology
Managing Partner
Entrepreneur
Founder
Co-founder
Investor
VC (Venture Capitalist)
Product & Design
Product Manager
UI/UX Designer
User Experience Specialist
Management & Strategy
Innovation Manager
Sustainability Officer
Management Consultant
Associate Consultant
Technology Consultant
Transformational Director
Strategy Consultant
Data & Analytics
Data Engineer
Business Engineer
Business Intelligence Consultant
Data Analyst
Data Privacy Officer
Data Scientist, Data Science
Consultant / Manager
Analytics and Reporting Specialist
Marketing & Communications
Technology Evangelist
Growth Hacker
Email Marketing Manager
Marketing Automation Specialist
Conversion Rate Optimizer
Inbound Marketing Specialist
Marketing Manager
Brand Manager
Social Media Manager
Content Marketing Specialist
Finance & Investment
Financial Analyst
Asset Manager
Private Equity Analyst
Risk Manager
Wealth Manager
Investment Banking Analyst
Selection by company industry: The research encompasses around 70 industry sectors that are at the forefront of innovation and deeply influenced by digital transformation. The sectors included are pivotal in driving advancements and exemplify the integration of cutting-edge technologies into their core operations, shaping the future of business and commerce. The selected professionals work in the following industries:
Technology & Communications
Information Technology & Services
Telecommunications
Internet
Computer & Network Security
Finance & Business Services
Banking, Capital Markets, Financial Services
Staffing & Outsourcing Services
Accounting
Insurance
Management Consulting
Education Management
Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
Medical Practice
Hospital & Health Care
Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, Medical Device
Veterinary
Energy & Chemicals
Oil & Energy
Renewables & Environment
Mining & Metals
Chemicals
Transportation & Logistics
Airlines/Aviation
Transportation/Trucking/Railroad
Logistics & Supply Chain
Maritime, Aviation & Aerospace
Media, Arts & Entertainment
Broadcast Media
Marketing & Advertising
Digital Entertainment (Animation, Computer Games)
Publishing
Performing Arts & Music
Media Production
Digital Entertainment
Consumer & Retail
Apparel & Fashion
Luxury Goods & Jewellery
Retail
Consumer Goods
Consumer Services
Automotive & Manufacturing
Automotive
Electrical & Electronic Manufacturing
Industrial Engineering & Automation
Selection by country: The selection of countries for this study has been strategically determined by their respective scales and the significance of their contributions to the global digital transformation. We focus on nations that not only have substantial market sizes but also showcase a profound and measurable impact on the advancement and integration of digital technologies.
Country
Region
Sample size
Country share
Region share
United States
AMERICAS
13000
8,7%
32%
Canada
AMERICAS
8000
5,3%
Brazil
AMERICAS
8000
5,3%
Mexico
AMERICAS
8000
5,3%
Chile
AMERICAS
3000
2,0%
Colombia
AMERICAS
3000
2,0%
Peru
AMERICAS
3000
2,0%
Argentina
AMERICAS
1500
1,0%
India
ASIA-PACIFIC
13000
8,7%
31%
China (incl. Hong Kong)
ASIA-PACIFIC
13000
8,7%
Japan
ASIA-PACIFIC
5000
3,3%
Australia
ASIA-PACIFIC
4000
2,7%
South Korea
ASIA-PACIFIC
4000
2,7%
Singapore
ASIA-PACIFIC
3000
2,0%
Malaysia
ASIA-PACIFIC
2000
1,3%
Vietnam
ASIA-PACIFIC
2000
1,3%
United Kingdom
EUROPE
7000
4,7%
30%
France
EUROPE
7000
4,7%
Germany
EUROPE
7000
4,7%
Spain
EUROPE
6000
4,0%
Estonia
EUROPE
3000
2,0%
Netherlands
EUROPE
3000
2,0%
Italy
EUROPE
3000
2,0%
Switzerland
EUROPE
1500
1,0%
Poland
EUROPE
1500
1,0%
Sweden
EUROPE
1000
0,7%
Czechia
EUROPE
1000
0,7%
Hungary
EUROPE
1000
0,7%
Denmark
EUROPE
1000
0,7%
Finland
EUROPE
1000
0,7%
Norway
EUROPE
1000
0,7%
Israel
MIDDLE-EAST-AFRICA
2000
1,3%
8%
South Africa
MIDDLE-EAST-AFRICA
1500
1,0%
Nigeria
MIDDLE-EAST-AFRICA
1500
1,0%
Turkey
MIDDLE-EAST-AFRICA
1000
0,7%
United Arab Emirates
MIDDLE-EAST-AFRICA
1000
0,7%
Saudi Arabia
MIDDLE-EAST-AFRICA
1000
0,7%
Kenya
MIDDLE-EAST-AFRICA
1000
0,7%
Morocco
MIDDLE-EAST-AFRICA
1000
0,7%
Qatar
MIDDLE-EAST-AFRICA
1000
0,7%
Senegal
MIDDLE-EAST-AFRICA
500
0,3%
TOTAL
150000
Reach Measurement
Data selection: Within the 150.000 CVs, we set criteria to select relevant profiles and then count the university occurrences in their educational section of the CV - category by category.
Sub-Ranking Category
Job Title Selection
Sector Selection
Search for specific terms in Program name and description
Data Science
ALL
ALL
DATA SCIENCE: Data Science, Data Analytics, Data Engineering, Statistics, Quantitative Methods, Big Data, Data Visualization, Biostatistics, Data and Policy Analysis, Predictive Modeling, Data Mining, Database Management, Information Theory, Data Governance, Data Ethics, Computational Statistics.
BUSINESS DATA: Business Analyst, Business Intelligence (BI), Financial Data Analyst, Management Analyst, Financial Analyst, Data Analyst, Information Security Analyst, Operation Research Analyst, Data Strategy Specialist, Business Data Strategist.
AI: Machine Learning (ML), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Deep Learning, Autonomous Systems, Computer Vision, Cognitive Computing, Neural Computation, Cyber-Physical Systems, Intelligent Systems Engineering, Computational Neuroscience, Speech and Audio Processing, Quantum Computing, Large Language Models (LLMs).
Computer Science
ALL
ALL
Computing and Software Development: Computer Science, Software Engineering, Coding, Web Development, Software, Information Technology, System Engineering
Security and Networking: Cybersecurity, Network Engineering, Network and Security
Interactive Media and Design: Human-Computer Interaction, Digital Media, Game Development, Game Design
Emerging and Specialized Technologies: Robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), E-commerce Technology
Digital Transformation Management
Executive Leadership: Chief Executive Officer, Chief Strategy Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Chief Product Officer, Chief Digital Officer, Managing Director, President
Strategic Leadership and Management: Management Analyst, Operations Director, Growth Director, Intrapreneur, Digital Transformation Lead, Digital Strategy Lead, Digital Operations Leader, IT Consultant, Strategy Consultant, Innovation Strategist
Technology and Digital Transformation: Tech Lead, IT Security Leader, Digital Transformation Leader, Technology Innovation Lead, Information Systems Director, Digitalization Director, Digital Transformation Manager, Digital Innovation Manager, Digital Project Manager
Data Analytics and Business Intelligence: Data Analytics Lead, Data Analytics Manager, Business Intelligence Information Director, BI Director
Security and Operations: Security Analyst, Operations Research Analyst
Product and Innovation Management: Product Development Leader, Head of Product, Innovation Leader, Innovation Manager, Research and Development Manager
Venture and Investment:
Investor, Vice-President,
Partner, Business Owner,
Venture Capitalist, Angel
Investor, Managing Partner,
Shareholder
Strategy and Development:
Innovation Leader, Startup
Advisor, Business
Development Manager,
Product Manager,
Technology and Digital:
Information Technology and
Services, Computer Hardware,
Telecommunications, Consumer
Electronics, Computer Software,
Computer and Network Security,
Internet, and Advertising,
Entertainment, Market
information Services, Computer
Networking, Wireless.
Finance et Insurance: Banking,
Capital Markets, Financial
Services, Accounting, Insurance,
Investment Management,
Investment Banking, Venture
Capital and Private Equity.
Health and Wellness: Medical
Practice, Health, Wellness and
Fitness, Mental Health Care.
Media and Entertainment:
Broadcast Media, Marketing
search, Media Production,
Performing Arts, Motion Pictures
and Film, Music, Publishing.
Consumer Services and Goods:
Apparel and Fashion, Retail,
Consumer Goods, Consumer
Services, Education
Management, Business Supplies
and Equipment, Consumer
Electronics.
Energy and Environment:
Renewables and Environment.
Creative Industries: Computer
Games, Animation.
Corporate Services: Staffing and
Recruiting, Logistics and Supply
Chain, Management Consulting,
Executive Office,
Outsourcing/Offshoring.
Strategic Leadership and
Management: Digital
Operations Leader, Digital
Strategy Lead, Digital
Transformation Lead, Growth
Director, IT Consultant,
Innovation Strategist,
Intrapreneur, Operations
Director, Strategy Consultant,
Business Development
Manager, Innovation Leader,
Product Manager, Sales
Strategist, Startup Advisor.
Technology and Digital
Transformation: Digital
Innovation Manager, Digital
Project Manager, Digital
Transformation Leader,
Digital Transformation
Manager, Digitalization
Director, IT Security Leader,
Information Systems Director,
Tech Lead, Technology
Innovation Lead.
Data Analytics and Business
Intelligence: BI Director,
Business Intelligence
Information Director, Data
Analytics Lead, Data
Analytics Manager.
Security and Operations:
Operations Research
Analyst, Security Analyst.
Product and Innovation
Management: Head of
Product, Innovation Leader,
Innovation Manager, Product
Development Leader,
Research and Development
Manager.
Distance Virtual Remote E-Learning Digital Web-Based Internet-Based Online Cyber Interactive
Market performance assessment
Weighting of university occurrences based on digital business impact
To assess each university’s impact within the digital business ecosystem, we applied a performance factor based on the professional trajectories of its graduates. This factor reflects not just where alumni are employed, but the relative performance of those employers within the digital sector.
To assess the digital impact of universities, we matched alumni CVs with their current positions in companies recognized for strong digital performance. The performance of these companies was evaluated using data provided by Coresignal, a trusted third-party provider.
This analysis is based on a set of global trend-based indicators that reflect company innovation, reputation, growth, and influence in the digital ecosystem. These indicators are derived from a variety of public data sources — including Crunchbase Trends, which offer valuable insight into the visibility and momentum of companies across the tech sector.
For each university, we calculated the average performance score of its graduates’ employers. This average was then normalized on a 0–1 scale to produce a weighting factor. That factor was applied to the university’s raw alumni occurrence count, effectively adjusting the impact score to reflect not just the volume of alumni employed, but the performance of their employers in the digital sector.
Crunchbase, Inc. is not affiliated with this ranking and does not endorse the methodology. All employer performance data was obtained indirectly and used in accordance with the terms set by our data provider.
Data processing: standardizing and indexing University entities
To ensure consistent and accurate counting of university occurrences across data sources, we implemented a detailed standardization and indexing process. This step was essential for consolidating the many variations in how institutions are named in alumni CVs and online profiles.We began by identifying and unifying different instances of labels referring to the same institution. A standardized naming convention was developed, and each university was indexed by cross-referencing with official sources.
This rigorous process guaranteed that each institution was uniquely and consistently represented, regardless of how it was originally referenced, enabling reliable aggregation and comparison in the category rankings.
Step 2 - Production of domain and category rankings
To build the category-specific rankings, we combined two complementary perspectives
Employer Perception ("Survey")
Market Impact ("Data Mining"): based on alumni reach and the performance level of their employers
Each category ranking was produced by combining these two components using adjusted weightings, tailored to reflect the nature and maturity of each domain. The weighting model also accounted for the relative volume and distribution of data in both streams.
Weighting ratios by category (survey: data mining):
Computer Science – 1:1
Data Science, AI & Business Analytics – 1:2
Digital Entrepreneurship – 1:1
Digital Transformation Management – 1:1
As of 2025, online programs have been removed from the Global Digital Leaders ranking and thecategory-specific rankings. They are now featured in a dedicated sub-ranking that better reflects their unique pedagogical formats, delivery models, and impact within the digital ecosystem.
Step 3 - Production of the global ranking
To produce the Global Ranking, we consolidated the results of each university across the category-specific rankings. Each category was assigned a weight reflecting its relative importance in shaping digital talent:
Computer Science – 30%
Data Science, AI & Business Analytics – 30%
Digital Entrepreneurship – 20%
Digital Transformation Management – 20%
To ensure consistency and reduce volatility across annual results, we applied a smoothing technique, averaging each university’s 2025 score with 25% of its 2024 score.
NOTE: Entity consolidation rule - In cases where a university and its affiliated business school appeared as separate entities in the category rankings, they were merged into a single entry for the global ranking. The unified name was determined based on the most frequently used reference across the data sources, in accordance with our standard naming convention
Our partners
Global business trends, company data, employee data & job data sourcing: public web datacollection powered by Coresignal (www.coresignal.com) which specializes in gathering publiclyavailable information from approximately 20 various online data sources.
Employers and digital expert’s surveys / data collection: Trendence Institute GmbH is an independent consulting and market research company standing for data-driven employer branding and recruitment for 25 years. It has conducted the annual survey for the GlobalEmployability University Ranking and Survey with Emerging since 2010. Trendence knows the career plans and preferred employers of applicants and helps employers understand the needs of their target group (www.trendence.com)
Research and data analysis: Pollup Data Services UG is dedicated to uncovering human needs and identifying societal trends through advanced data analysis techniques, including artificial intelligence and large language models, to deliver cutting-edge solutions in IT consulting and software development. Their expertise in data processing and analytics enables them to provide actionable insights and sophisticated tools, driving digital transformation and operational efficiency for organizations worldwide (www.pollup.net)
One global ranking composed of five specific category ranking
As of 2025, fully online programs have been removed from the Global Digital Leaders ranking and the category-specific rankings. They are now featured in a dedicated sub-ranking that better reflects their unique pedagogical formats, delivery models, and impact within the digital ecosystem. This new focus highlights the TOP 50 institutions that empower learners to upskill flexibly and thrive in an increasingly dynamic digital economy, while giving online education the visibility and analytical depth enabled by our data.
