Skills and economy

Universities support businesses and communities, promoting economic growth, enterprise and training highly skilled graduates. We develop stronger links between universities and employers to boost graduate employability and champion graduate skills.

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13 June 2025 Explainer

13 June 2025 Explainer

How university research and innovation is primed to drive local growth

The newly announced Local Innovation Partnership Fund is a vote of confidence for research and innovation in higher education.
16 February 2024 Media releases

16 February 2024 Media releases

Huge interest among young people in NHS careers

A major new survey, published today, shows that ambitious plans to recruit thousands of extra healthcare professionals will likely only succeed if greater financial support is offered to students and these careers are made more appealing.
20 October 2022 Media releases

20 October 2022 Media releases

Hundreds of local jobs, skills and growth on a cliff edge across the UK as funding stalls

The government is being warned that jobs and talent are at risk, and over 100 local innovation, skills and business support projects teetering on the brink, because of delays and complications as European Union funding for local skills and training partnerships ends.
21 October 2024 Skills and economy

21 October 2024 Skills and economy

IfATE (Transfer of Functions etc) Bill briefing, October 2024

Universities UK briefing circulated to interested Peers ahead of its second reading in the House of Lords.
21 June 2023 Publications

21 June 2023 Publications

Impact of universities: in numbers

Our universities are a national asset. They give opportunities, grow the economy, solve global challenges, and equip graduates with skills for the future. We’ve set out the most compelling evidence behind the impact of universities.
9 September 2021 UUKi news

9 September 2021 UUKi news

In-depth analysis reveals the huge contribution of international students to the UK’s economic prosperity

In-depth analysis reveals the huge contribution of international students to the UK’s economic prosperity.Every part of the UK is financially better off – on average by £390 per person – because of international students.International students in Sheffield, Nottingham, London, Cardiff, Glasgow, and Newcastle are among those to deliver the greatest financial contributions.
16 May 2023 Media releases

16 May 2023 Media releases

International students boost UK economy by £41.9 billion

New data reveals that the intake of international students in the 2021/22 academic year contributed a huge £41.9 billion to the UK economy.
13 March 2023 Media releases

13 March 2023 Media releases

Investing in University Enterprise Zones (UEZs) could contribute to government goals

In a recent speech, the Secretary of State for the new Department for Science, Innovation and Technology outlined the department’s “singular goal” of leading the UK to science and technology superpower status by 2030. In the run up to the Spring Budget, Universities UK (UUK) in its latest report calls on the government to invest in University Enterprise Zones and use the UK’s pioneering universities to drive SME growth and rebuild the economy.
14 November 2025 Letter

14 November 2025 Letter

Joint letter calling for greater recognition of training needs and strengths in NHS workforce plans

Universities UK, the Russell Group, Council of Deans of Health, GuildHE, London Higher, Medical Schools Council, Dental Schools Council, Pharmacy Schools Council, MillionPlus and University Alliance have collectively written to Secretary of State Wes Streeting and Health Minister Karin Smyth to reinforce the vital role their organisations will play in transforming the NHS, and urging government to place education, training and research at the heart of the new 10 Year Workforce Plan.
23 February 2023 Parliamentary briefings and submissions

23 February 2023 Parliamentary briefings and submissions

Lifelong Learning (Higher Education Fee Limits) Bill - Second Reading

This parliamentary briefing provides background and summary of the Lifelong Learning (Higher Education Fee Limits) Bill and areas for clarification for Second Reading.
27 November 2024 Case study

27 November 2024 Case study

Making local growth happen in the North East of England

With the launch of Universities for North East England, Head of Innovation Greg Wade looks at how universities can work together to make local growth happen.
21 November 2024 Media releases

21 November 2024 Media releases

New analysis reveals graduates in every region earn at least a third more

Universities UK’s new analysis of government LEO (Longitudinal Education Outcomes) data demonstrates those who chose to attend university earn significantly more than those who didn’t.

Skills and economy

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