Western University's Economic Impact Report
On January 27, 2015 Western University released the results of a comprehensive study assessing the University’s total annual economic impact at $11.3 billion, of which $3.6 billion was realized in London, Ontario where the university is located.
The study also found that 15,480 jobs in Canada are connected to Western (10,840 in London), providing further confirmation of the University’s significant contribution to local, provincial and national economies.
Conducted by KPMG Management Consulting, the study examined the economic impact of Western’s activities from enrolment, employment, innovation, commercialization of new discoveries and company creation, as well as other supports and services provided to the community.
“Western is deeply embedded into London’s social and economic fabric,” said Amit Chakma, Western’s President and Vice-Chancellor. “As we grow and play a larger role on the international stage, we are confident that our position as a key contributor to the economy will continue to strengthen.”
The report found that Western contributes $1.62 billion to Canada’s GDP through spending on operations and $146 million to Canada’s GDP ($120 million in London) due to capital investments.
Locally, the University helps to inject $293 million in student living expenses to the London economy and $46 million as a result of an estimated 190,000 visitor-nights to Western.
Western’s focus on research, innovation and entrepreneurial initiatives is attracting researchers, funding and business to London from around the world and helping local business grow and compete. Research undertaken at Western and its two Research Parks is estimated to have an annual cumulative contribution of $2.06 billion to GDP in Ontario; $720 million of that impact is estimated to accrue to London.
Since 2009, WORLDiscoveries, the business development arm of London’s research institutions, has facilitated the creation of 12 spin-off companies and generated nearly $23 million in royalty and license income. In total, Western holds 198 patents and more than 100 active licenses.
“Western is committed to supporting business through access to leading researchers, facilities and business-development guidance,” said President Chakma. “Our Research Parks are considered to be among the region’s most attractive features for industry currently operating in London or considering relocating to the city. We see a very bright future in our ability to bring our considerable resources together with those on the commercial side to enhance our learning experience and help bring new innovations to market.”
The report also cites that in 2013, Western alumni living in Ontario improved their earnings by $4.95 billion as a result of their education at Western ($1.15 billion among alumni living in London). The estimated direct, indirect and induced impacts of this additional income is $7.43 billion in Ontario ($1.71 billion in London).
The report also noted that Western is one of London's largest employers and that many of its 6,200 faculty and staff and 36,000 students contribute their time, expertise and financial support to the community in an effort to improve the quality of life for all Londoners.
News
Western reports offer steps to address sexual violence (University Affairs, Jul 28, 2022)
Western makes new commitments to address, prevent gender-based and sexual violence (May 19, 2022)
Western takes steps to enhance safety on campus (Mar 3, 2022)
Community, cross-campus collaboration drives anti-violence work (Feb 7, 2022)
Students begin unique training to prevent sexual violence (Jan 31, 2022)
Nathalie Des Rosiers, Sonya Nigam to conduct independent review (Dec 15, 2021)
Western and St. Joseph's partnership augments violence-survivor services (Dec 8, 2021)
How do you stop sexual violence on campus? (University Affairs, Nov 16, 2021)
Fostering agents of change to prevent gender-based, sexual violence (Nov 2, 2021)
Work begins for Western's new residence health & safety advisors (Nov 1, 2021)
Western welcomes USC recommendations for safer campus (Oct 19, 2021)
Western names gender-based & sexual violence action committee co-chairs (Oct 7, 2021)
Prioritizing student safety on and off campus (Sep 23, 2021)
Mandatory sexual violence awareness & prevention training begins for students (Sep 22, 2021)
Western supports student-led walkout (Sep 17, 2021)
Western launches action plan and task force on sexual violence and student safety (Sep 16, 2021)
President Shepard on community safety (Sep 14, 2021)
Resources
Experienced sexual violence? You have several options for help (poster, pdf)
Understanding Gender-Based & Sexual Violence
Get Support for Disclosing Gender-Based & Sexual Violence
How to File a Formal Report/Complaint Gender-Based Violence
Policy on Gender-Based and Sexual Violence (MAPP 1.52, Effective May 1, 2020)
Code of Student Conduct (Effective April 25, 2019)
Policy on Non-Discrimiation & Harassment (MAPP 1.35, Effective July 13, 2017)
Policy on Safe Campus Community (MAPP 1.46, Effective May 1, 2008)