This report by the new economics foundation, commissioned by Universities UK, attempts to put a monetary value on some of the ways that universities contribute to society at both a local and a national level, using Social Return on Investment (SROI) methodology. These values go beyond measures that have traditionally been used to calculate universities' contribution to society by making visible a far greater range of social, environmental and economic benefits.

The report examines some of the social benefits of universities in Britain, including their contribution towards a healthier, more cooperative and more democratic nation; greater social mobility; and volunteering and culture.