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The °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼ contributes approximately £1bn a year to the UK economy, new research shows (The Economic Impact of the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼, Hatch Urban Solutions). This positive effect is felt locally, regionally and nationally. 

Based on data from the 2021/22 academic year, the University and the tenants within its commercial spaces contribute £1bn to the UK economy in Gross Value Added (GVA). Around half of that is retained within the local area, equivalent to 2.9% of the economy of Reading. This economic contribution is 24% larger than the impact observed for 2017/18. 

Key statistics

• The University supports 12,300 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs nationally.
• Approximately one in 26 jobs in Reading and Wokingham can be traced back to the University.
• For every direct job at the University, a further 2.8 jobs are supported across the UK economy.
• °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼ students spend an estimated £260m off campus each year.

Read The Economic and Social Contribution of the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼, 2017/18

Beyond these quantitative economic measures, the report also found that the University supports the local, regional, national and global economies by: 

• Supplying highly skilled graduates: around 86% of graduates go into highly skilled occupations shortly after graduating; 36% of graduates go into the education and health sectors, plugging vital skills gaps.
• Continuing professional development: the University is a major supplier and supporter of continuing professional development (CPD) for both business and key public services, including schools and healthcare.
• Driving business productivity: through knowledge exchange programmes and by supporting businesses located on the University’s campuses, including Thames Valley Science Park. 
• Supporting research enterprise: in 2021/22, the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼ attracted £38 million in research income, estimated to generate another £270 million in private sector income.