Levelling Up Impact Report
The University of Southampton has set out 14 goals to help level up Britain by improving social mobility and tackling inequality of opportunity.
The goals are set up in a repot put together by the Purpose Coaltion, which outlines the university’s aim to to make sustainability a cornerstone of its research and societal impact, while ensuring it is part of every education programme. The university is also implementing a sustainable and ethical investment policy.
The report reveals that between 2014 and 2020, more than 4,200 new jobs were created by spinouts linked to the university. Those 364 active companies had a combined turnover of £573m and brought £162m of investment to the region, underlining the University’s pivotal role in creating a level playing field.
Vice chancellor, Professor Mark E Smith, said: “We care deeply about our local area, and while we often think about levelling up in the context of the north-south divide in this country, there are parts of our own city that feel left behind.
“One of the key pillars supporting our Strategy is civic engagement because we believe that universities have a big part to play in helping their surrounding communities and businesses realise their potential.”