LERU universities generated 100 billion euros for the European economy
In 2016, the 23 members of the League of European Research Universities (LERU) generated a collective economic value of €99.8 billion in Gross Value Added and 1.3 million jobs. These and other figures, which appear in a just published report by LERU, demonstrate the impressive contribution that LERU universities make to the European economy.
On Friday 1 December LERU presented the results of the study commissioned by BiGGAR Economics that measures the impact of the LERU universities in the European economy in 2016. This report represents an update of the figures published by LERU in 2015 and provide some telling figures on the significant role that universities play in driving the European economy.
Key findings of the report
Research universities are substantial contributors to European growth and jobs:
- LERU universities generated a total economic value of €99.8 billion in Gross Value Added and 1.3 million jobs across Europe in 2016.
- By extrapolating the findings, it is estimated that the entire European research universities sector contributed over €400 billion GVA (2.7% of the total GVA of the European economy), and supported 5.1 million jobs across Europe (2.2% of all European jobs).
Research and education have a high return on investment:
- LERU universities generated almost €5 GVA for every €1 of income they received.
Universities are key actors in the European innovation ecosystem:
- LERU universities generated €33 billion GVA in Europe in 2016 by transferring their research into industry through licenses, spin outs and services to business.
An economic impact that keeps on growing
Between 2014 and 2016, the economic contribution of the LERU universities increased by €28.2 billion GVA. While several factors are responsible for this growth, the largest contributing one is the increase in the size and scale of the LERU universities (including the fact that the League now has two additional members compared to 2014). The LERU members are not only strongly contributing to the European economy but also increasing their contribution every year.
Not only about economic impact
This report provides a snapshot of the economic contribution of the LERU universities in 2016. The long-term economic impact is, however, much bigger. In addition, it is important to recognise the wider impact (other than economic) that universities have in society, delivering talented graduates and professionals into society and acting as hubs for knowledge production, transfer and exchange. As LERU argued in a paper in 2017, 'societal impact has always been, is and will remain, a core task of universities'.
Prof. Deketelaere, LERU´s Secretary-General, is thrilled about these figures: 'The message is clear. If you want to deliver on growth and jobs, invest in research and universities! If you want a budget focused on results, invest in research and universities! We all need to speak up for research. This report provides sound and convincing economic evidence to support our arguments.'