The University of Southampton is changing the world for the better, working with industry, governments and research institutions to make a global impact. Our staff and students tackle real-world issues, making a difference to people’s lives in the local community, across the UK and around the world.
Research impact
Visit our research impact page to find out how we are addressing some of the most challenging issues facing society, and how our research is changing the world for the better.
Our University performed exceptionally well in impact in the REF 2021 results. The assessment placed us in the top 10 per cent in the sector and fourth in the Russell Group.
Economic impact
The University of Southampton contributes £4.14 billion to the UK economy every year, according to the 2022 Economic Impact Report conducted by independent consultants London Economics. For every pound spent by the University, £7.40 was generated in economic benefit.
Approximately £1.6 billion of this economic impact occurs in the South East – with a very significant proportion of this occurring within Southampton itself.
The University also contributes £69 million to Southampton’s tourism industry, coming from approximately 23,000 study trips, business meetings and visits to see friends and family.
The Economic Impact Report indicates that every region and sector of the UK benefits from the activities of the University. The economic impact of the University on the East of England was estimated to be about £100 million in 2020-2021, while the economic impact on the North West and Yorkshire and the Humber were £83 million and £69 million respectively.
Our research, enterprise and knowledge exchange provides our largest economic impact, equating to £2.07 billion across the UK economy in the academic year 2020-2021.
Knowledge exchange and enterprise impact
The direct impact associated with activities of the University’s spinout activities in 2020-2021 was £370 million in turnover, supporting 1,140 FTE staff and contributing £126 million of gross value added (GVA). The total economic impact associated with the activities of our spinouts was estimated to be £928 million in 2020-2021. Additionally, IP income in the same year directly generated £2.3 million, and the University received approximately £32.6 million in revenues associated with consultancy services.
The University of Southampton Science Park - home to more than 100 companies – is a centre of excellence for innovation. It delivers an estimated £350 million in GVA to the local economy every year.
Our people
The University is a major employer, and creates and underpins employment in other organisations, amounting to more than 16,000 jobs across the UK.
