A UNIVERSITY in Glasgow would contribute billions of pounds to the Scottish economy and would be a “valuable asset” for the city, according to report.
Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) would bring more than £1.4bn into Scotland’s pockets, an independent report on the institution’s economic and social impact found.
The higher education establishment would also represent a “valuable asset to the City of Glasgow”, bringing economic and employment opportunities, and “working to address the deep-rooted economic, social and health inequalities in the City”.
The report, drawn up by economics consulting firm BiGGAR Economics, also highlights major UK and global benefits, and noted GCU “lives its mission to be the University for the Common Good”.
It showed that in the academic year 2020-21, GCU generated £612 million and 5,390 jobs in Glasgow alone, and £1.1 billion and 9,760 jobs in Scotland.
The university, which also has campuses in London and New York, created 14,170 jobs in the UK, with a £1.7 billion economic footprint, and 14,360 jobs and £1.4 billion globally.
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The report, which surveyed more than 200 universities across Europe, also suggested that GCU would be driving social impact, for example widening access bringing “opportunities to children and young people who live in the most disadvantaged areas of Glasgow”.
In terms of its direct benefits to the city, the report states: “The economic, social and health inequalities which are present in the population and economy of Glasgow have, in many ways, shaped the offering at GCU and it has built its courses, access programmes, wider outreach work and business engagement activity to address these needs.”
Principal and vice-chancellor, Professor Pamela Gillies CBE, said: “We are delighted that this independent analysis finds that Glasgow Caledonian University authentically lives its values and mission as the University for the Common Good.
“In doing so, the University contributes very significantly in a sustainable way to the economic and social health and wellbeing of the communities it serves in the City of Glasgow, across Scotland and around the world.
“We will continue to challenge the traditional perceptions of how a University can work with others to have a lasting impact on society.”
She added: “Academic year 2020-21, on which the findings are based, saw the launch of the University’s ambitious Strategy 2030 which sets a clear vision for GCU as a world leading University for social innovation, committed to its mission ‘for the Common Good’.
“Building on the foundations of Strategy 2030, we will seek to further enhance our economic contribution and social impact in local and global contexts.”
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