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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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.
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.
13 March 2023 News

13 March 2023 News

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
7 July 2022 Opinion

7 July 2022 Opinion

How university changed my life

Universities have the power to change lives. Wrexham Glyndŵr University graduate Kerry Edwards shares her story.
10 March 2025 Impact of universities

10 March 2025 Impact of universities

How graduate skills power their future success and the UK's economic growth

Our analysis of government data shows that higher education gives graduates the skills to get good jobs and create economic growth.
24 March 2025 Explainer

24 March 2025 Explainer

How do incubators and accelerators support start-ups?

Policy Adviser Rowan King looks into the data to see how impactful incubators and accelerators are on entrepreneurial growth.

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