The economic impact of research conducted in Russell Group universities

10 June 2010

This report focusses on the benefits of university research to new and existing businesses, and shows how that research serves as a platform for economic growth in the UK.

It demonstrates how Russell Group research has brought new knowledge and new perspectives to university-business partnerships, helping businesses to innovate.

Research has informed the education and training of highly-skilled graduates and postgraduates, giving them the qualities which will be needed by UK businesses to stay ahead of the competition.

It has shaped the development of new products and services within UK industry, and helped to improve businesses’ strategy, management, and productivity.

In some cases, often when least expected, research within Russell Group institutions has led to truly world-changing discoveries, offering the potential to revolutionise whole areas of healthcare, technologies, or our society. These breakthroughs have sometimes led to substantial revenues for universities and for the UK economy. A sample of such breakthroughs included in this report generated combined wealth of almost £2 billion.

The economic impact of research conducted in Russell Group universities

This report focuses on the benefits of university research to new and existing businesses, and shows how that research serves as a platform for economic growth in the UK.

Download (PDF, 6.2MB)

This is the first part in a series on the impact of research from Russell Group universities. You can also read The social impact of research conducted in Russell Group universities (2012) and Engines of growth: The impact of research at Russell Group universities (2015). 

Related case studies

Reducing blood transfusions to lower patient risk, reduce costs and save lives

More than half a million people in the UK receive a blood transfusion each year and demand is increasing. Our ageing population, and a stringent donor selection process, mean the supply of blood is limited. 40% fewer new donors came forward last year compared with a decade ago. Recognising these challenges, researchers at the University of Edinburgh have shown the benefits of reducing the use of blood transfusions in intensive care and surgery.

Read more >

University of Oxford - Using science to help the UK reopen safely

The Oxford Vaccine, developed by the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca is being used in 165 countries around the world to protect people from the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Read more >