This research by RAND Europe shows that UK higher education research has a significant impact on society and the economy, both nationally and globally.
The study found that work by the academic community and universities played an important role across UK government policy priority areas. In addition to impacts within the UK, the research also had far-reaching global impact. The case studies demonstrated impact across almost every country in the world, benefiting society and the economy in many different ways.
Significant contributions were made by UK higher education research towards efforts to monitor, manage and mitigate the Covid-19 pandemic. Medical advancements were made which enabled the diagnosis and treatment of the disease, and research played a role in UK and international government policy responses from surveillance to public communication. UK university research saved lives and helped to ease symptoms among patients around the world.
UK research also made important contributions towards net-zero at local, national and international levels, particularly in terms of decarbonisation and emission reduction. It contributed to climate and energy policy, as well as advancements in technology.
The study team also investigated how research engenders impact. They found 48,571 pathways in total, of which over 5,000 were unique. This demonstrated that there is no single way from research being conducted through to the ultimate impact. Instead, there are many, and they are complex and diverse.