ONE of Scotland's newer universities generates nearly £1 billion to the UK economy, according to a new report.
An impact study into the work of Glasgow Caledonian University also found it supported 14,000 jobs.
The report by Biggar Economics said that for every £1 the institution received from funding bodies it returned £14.75 to the UK economy and £13.13 in Scotland.
The news comes as GCU prepares to launch its 2020 strategy, reinforcing its commitment as a university for the common good and building on the progress it has made in research.
Professor Pamela Gillies, GCU principal, said: "We are is determined to challenge traditional perceptions of a university, how it works and the impact it has on society.
"We are proud to have been cited as an example of how a university can create social benefit whilst at the same time contributing significantly to the economy.
"The report particularly noted the global social and economic impact created by our partnerships at home and overseas, including those with the Grameen Caledonian College of Nursing in Bangladesh, with the Mary Robinson Foundation for our contribution towards climate justice, and with the Scottish Ambulance Service."
The Biggar report for 2013/14 showed the university contributed £560.6m for the UK economy. When the wider productivity of its graduate is included, the return to the UK economy rises to £990.2m. In Scotland, it generated more than £880m, including the graduate productivity value of £399m.
In Glasgow, the university generates £492m, including graduate productivity of nearly £250m. The institution also supports more than 14,000 jobs in the UK with 12,437 in Scotland and 6,000 in Glasgow.
The report, commissioned by the university, also highlight its role in widening access, with 21 per cent of students coming from the most deprived backgrounds compared to the Scottish sector average of 13 per cent. Some 39 per cent of students come from the 40 per cent most deprived backgrounds compared to the sector average of 29 per cent.
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