The University of Barcelona generates an impact of €323 million on Catalan GDP

Logo of the University of Barcelona.
Logo of the University of Barcelona.
Institutional
(31/10/2013)

The immediate impact of the University of Barcelona on Catalan GDP is 323 million euros, a sum of money that meant 0.2% of GDP in 2012. If we add the UB Group, the amount raises up to 0.3% of GDP. This is one conclusion of the report developed by the technical services of the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce. The rector of the UB, Dídac Ramírez, has already informed about these data in one of his latest blog updates, entitled "El risc dʼequivocar les prioritats".

Logo of the University of Barcelona.
Logo of the University of Barcelona.
Institutional
31/10/2013

The immediate impact of the University of Barcelona on Catalan GDP is 323 million euros, a sum of money that meant 0.2% of GDP in 2012. If we add the UB Group, the amount raises up to 0.3% of GDP. This is one conclusion of the report developed by the technical services of the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce. The rector of the UB, Dídac Ramírez, has already informed about these data in one of his latest blog updates, entitled "El risc dʼequivocar les prioritats".

The report also highlights the impact that the UB produces on human capital, which was calculated at €1,381 million in 2011-2012 academic year; this sum was equal to 0.7% of Catalan PIB in 2012. The calculation takes into account that the differential return on university human capital, so-called ʻsalary premiumʼ, is 9,360 euros per year.

The contribution of the UB to Catalan labour market is also important: besides, 7,600 direct job positions, about 13,749 more are attributed to the Universityʼs expenses; in total, they add 21,349.

Another important data provided by the report is the return on assets that society obtains from administrationsʼ investment in the University. According to the report, the return on assets carried out at the University is 221.1 million euros per year, as each university student offers a return on assets of 5,602 euros per year to public funds. The Chamber of Commerce calculates that an extra university year increases public expenses, but wages and employment raise tax collection and reduce unemployment allowance. The amount of 221.1 million euros represents 100% of current transfers given by the public sector.

Finally, the stock of technology capital generated by the UB represents 4.8% of Catalan total amount —20.6% if we only consider higher education—, and 0.5% of Catalan GDP. The rector of the UB, Dídac Ramírez, affirms on his blog that “these data prove the importance and solvency of the University of Barcelona in our countryʼs economics and productive fabric”. Ramírez also stresses that the report developed by the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce highlights that Universityʼs public funding always generates a positive return of investment for the society.