University Boost to City Economy

by Lynsay Keough

New independent research has revealed that Glasgow Caledonian University boosts Scotland’s economy by £406 million every year, and that £230 million of this directly benefits the city.
The university’s core impact is as a high quality educator, employer and key consumer of local goods and services. But the report, compiled by Biggar Economics, shows the distinct value Glasgow Caledonian brings to the city’s diverse communities and highlights its partnerships with business and its commercial, academic and training programmes. Its strategic social partnerships, for example with Nobel Prize Winner Professor Muhammad Yunus and the Grameen foundation aim to tackle major social challenges of worklessness and health inequalities.
The Biggar report shows additional social and cultural benefits - 37% of Glasgow Caledonian’s undergraduate students come from disadvantaged backgrounds and 50% are the first in their families to attend university. Through its award winning Caledonian Club, the university actively engages with families in communities where progression to university is traditionally low, aiming to further increase aspiration towards a university education for those with the academic talent to benefit from it.
Professor Pamela Gillies, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University said: ‘At Glasgow Caledonian University we leverage our knowledge and skills for the social and economic benefit of the communities we serve. We are proud of the contribution we make to Scotland’s economy and we look forward to working with our students, staff and partners to enhance our contribution in the future as a successful international university which delivers an educational mission of access and excellence.’
Glasgow Caledonian creates the equivalent of 5,075 full time jobs in Glasgow City, and 11,642 full time jobs in Scotland.