Higher Education News
Thursday 11 Jun 2015
U.K. universities contribute over £39.9 billion to economy
A report published today by Universities UK reveals the extent to which universities are boosting the economy, regional growth and jobs.
The report, The Economic Role of UK Universities, highlights how universities increase skills, support innovation and attract investment and talent.
The report, the sixth in the Funding Environment series, emphasises how higher education is a high-growth UK export industry in its own right. In 2011-12, universities generated over £73 billion of output and contributed over £39.9 billion to UK.
Key findings from the report include:
Universities ensure that the UK remains competitive in the global market by supporting greater business innovation and export-led, knowledge-intensive growth
Universities play an important part in responding to skill needs as the shape of the workforce changes
Universities create prosperity in their local areas, contributing to regional growth, jobs, investment and community wellbeing
Universities anticipate future needs, help to shape policy and drive research and innovation to enhance efficiency and effectiveness
Dame Julia Goodfellow, Chair of UUK's submission to the 2015 spending review and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kent, said: “Universities are a fundamental part of the UK economy and play a key role in ensuring that the UK remains globally competitive.
Source: Universities UK