Universities are essential to the UK’s economy and society, creating jobs, delivering highly-skilled individuals to the economy, and developing new products and services. UK universities also benefit society through improving life chances for individuals, contributing to greater community cohesion and social inclusion.

This event (on 3 April 2014) will launch commissioned research by Universities UK on the impact of UK universities, including their ability to generate economic activity in their local economies, their contribution to national economic activity, and effectiveness in attracting export earnings. The research will update the estimated economic impact of the higher education sector, currently assessed at £59 billion.

The conference will:

• Examine the ways in which universities contribute to national and local economic growth – with perspectives from business, government and universities
• Cover topical issues across different aspects of the impact of universities, including social impact, research impact, innovation and higher level skills
• Share case studies and best practice on how universities are measuring their impact to their local and national economies
• Reflect on what further challenges should be overcome to maximise the contribution of universities to economic growth

Confirmed speakers include:

Rt Hon. David Willetts MP, Minister of State for Universities and Science

John Cridland CBE, Director-General, CBI

Professor Sir Peter Gregson, Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor, Cranfield University

Dr David Docherty, CEO, National Centre for Universities and Business

Stephen Isherwood, Chief Executive, Association of Graduate Recruiters

Ursula Kelly, Director, Viewforth Consulting

Professor Mark Llewellyn, Director of Research, Arts and Humanities Research Council

Dr Michael Kitson, Hub Director, UK-Innovation Research Centre

Dr Mark Bacon, Director of Business Partnerships & Enterprise in Science & Technology, Lancaster University

Ruth Arnold, Head of Corporate Communications, University of Sheffield

Dr Michael Wykes, Policy, Impact and Performance Manager, University of Exeter

Who should attend?

• Anyone working on aspects of the impact of universities, including business engagement, communications, and local growth
• Those working in business or in charities with an interest in collaborating with universities, and those working for Local Enterprise Partnerships and local government
• Researchers and policy makers with an interest in the evidence base on the contribution of universities to the economy and society, and university-business collaboration

For more information please click here.