Our regional economic and social impact
As a champion of both the city and region, we collaborate closely with partners to fuel economic growth, drive innovation and positively impact people and communities across the city, region and beyond.
About our social and economic impact
The University of Sheffield’s impact extends across the city, region and UK. Through education, skills development, research commercialisation and community engagement, we’ve improved lives and fuelled economic growth. Our world-leading research and innovation drive investment, create skilled jobs and boosts national prosperity.
To understand our impact we commissioned a study by London Economics, which demonstrates our significant economic and social impact. The report, based on data from the 2022-23 academic year, reveals a total contribution of £4.82 billion to the South Yorkshire and the UK economy. Our activities supported a total of 22,990 full time jobs across the UK economy in 2022-23 and over half of our regional impact is felt in Yorkshire and the Humber, of which more than 80% occurs in South Yorkshire.
Key regional economic impact findings
- The total economic impact associated with the University of Sheffield activities in 2022-23 stood at £4.82 billion.
- For every £1 of expenditure, £6.40 of impact was generated by The University of Sheffield.
- Our activities supported a total of 22,990 full time jobs, with almost 13,000 in South Yorkshire in 2022-23.
- Over half of the University’s identifiable regional impact is felt in Yorkshire and the Humber, of which more than 80% occurs in South Yorkshire, contributing to the region's economic growth through support for local businesses, suppliers and communities.
- There are 138 start-ups and spin-outs (companies that commercialise University research) operating across the UK, with 60 per cent located in South Yorkshire.
- University of Sheffield graduates remain in Yorkshire and the Humber than from any other regional institution, and our graduates achieve higher rates of sustained employment or further study compared to other Russell Group universities in Great Britain.
Social impact
- The University has 2,200 student volunteers, who contribute more than 36,000 hours of their time to local community groups and charities.
- Healthcare students at the University make an impact even before graduation, in 2022-23, 750 students contributed over 365,000 hours to NHS clinical placements, directly improving patient lives.
- The University has worked with more than 8,500 local children and young people who may never have considered higher education to raise aspirations and help them overcome barriers.
Our universities are vital to the regional economy, and they help us to showcase just how much Sheffield has to offer on a global scale. The University is an important partner, and we look forward to continuing our relationship, driving economic growth and building on Sheffield's status as a vibrant, warm and welcoming place to live, work and study.
Councillor Martin Smith
Chair of the Economic Development and Skills Committee at Sheffield City Council