Why did the UW conduct an economic impact study?
The UW commissioned the Economic Impact Report to enhance understanding of the UW’s impact on the state of Washington by:
- Quantifying the economic and societal impacts of the UW on the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Metropolitan Statistical Area, the Puget Sound region, the state of Washington and the United States.
- Articulating the financial and societal benefits of a major research institution and its part in the state’s success as an innovative, global leader.
- Establishing the impacts of the UW as a global research university.
Why did the UW do this report now?
The UW’s last economic impact report was completed five years ago. The findings from the 2018 report were extremely helpful, not only for internal use but also to help convey the true measure of the University’s role in the economy and as an integral partner in the community and state. Updating the report keeps the information current, while allowing the University to evaluate and demonstrate how its economic impact has grown and changed over time. This is the fourth iteration of this report.
Many large public universities conduct impact reports approximately every five years. Other research institutions and universities, including the University of North Carolina, the Ohio State University, Perdue University, the Pennsylvania State University and the University of Southern California, have also conducted impact studies to help them better understand their contributions to the successes of their respective cities, regions and states, as well as the impacts of their research and medical endeavors on their communities.
Who funded this project?
This project was commissioned by the UW Office of External Affairs and Office of Finance, Planning & Budgeting, and it was funded by the Office of Finance, Planning & Budgeting.
Who contributed to the Economic Impact Report?
The project was overseen by the Office of External Affairs. The content and data collection were guided by a University-wide collaboration of parties including working groups and academic units. Key members of leadership, faculty, staff, alumni and regional thought leaders contributed time through interviews and directly supplied necessary data to help guide this project and ensure accuracy.
What methodology was used in this study?
The methodology employed in the calculation of the UW’s impacts on the state of Washington is IMPLAN, a cloud-based, input-output modeling system. Primary data used to conduct the analysis was collected from the UW. The primary data includes capital expenditures, operational expenditures, jobs, payroll and benefits, visitor numbers, and taxes. The approach taken in this study replicates the methodology employed in all previous studies.
How do I find out more?
For more details about the project, please visit the Economic Impact Report website or contact:
- Randy Hodgins, vice president for external affairs, at rhodgins@uw.edu for programmatic questions.
- Victor Balta, assistant vice president for communications and University spokesperson, at balta@uw.edu for media-related questions.