Extraordinary Impact

The University of Edinburgh is an economic powerhouse for the UK economy, generating £7.5 billion annually.

Research and knowledge exchange

The University of Edinburgh's research and knowledge exchange activities account for approximately £3.2 billion annually, which is 42% of our total impact.

Economic benefit

Every pound spent by the University produced £6.90 in economic benefit across the UK, corresponding to a 34% increase in impact from 2015-16.

Supporting our entrepreneurs

We provide comprehensive support for student and staff businesses, with over £30 million of investment raised by student-founded businesses.

Total economic impact of the University

London Economics were commissioned to assess the economic impact of the University of Edinburgh, focusing on the 2021-22 academic year.

The total economic impact on the UK associated with the University of Edinburgh’s activities was estimated at £7.52 billion:

The University of Edinburgh’s research and knowledge exchange activities account for approximately £3.2 billion* of this impact.
The value of the University of Edinburgh’s teaching and learning activities stands at £857 million.
The impact of the University of Edinburgh’s educational exports stands at £1.8 billion.
The impact of the tourism associated with the University of Edinburgh stands at £180 million.
The impact generated by the operating and capital expenditure of the University of Edinburgh stands at £1.5 billion.
Compared to the University of Edinburgh’s total operational costs of £1,086 million in 2021-22, this corresponds to a benefit-to-cost ratio of approximately 6.9:1.

^{*This estimate includes the direct, indirect and induced impacts of spinout and start-up companies.}

We wouldn't be where we are without our people. We value the contributions of every individual regardless of whether they are students, staff, alumni or the many partners we work with. As a world-leading centre of academic excellence, we aim to make a significant, sustainable and socially responsible contribution to Scotland, the UK and the world. This study strongly indicates the hugely important economic role that the University of Edinburgh plays within Scotland and beyond. We have more than 400 years of excellence behind us, but we're not done yet. Working together, we can make the next 400 years even better.