5.6 Billion Dollars in Economic Value Added by KAUST to the Kingdom Annually

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From research laboratories and educational halls to industry and the labor market, the impact of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) translates into an economic value for the Kingdom estimated at $5.6 billion annually, according to an independent assessment of the university's economic impact published recently.

The figures reveal the expansion of this contribution, which includes support for approximately 28,800 full-time jobs across the Kingdom, in addition to direct contributions to the GDP estimated at $2.2 billion.

The assessment applies internationally recognized methods for measuring the impact of universities, relying on methodologies used by institutions including the universities of Oxford and Cambridge to estimate the economic value generated by research, alumni contributions, startups, and other university activities.

It also relies on conservative assumptions and takes into account the overlap between different areas of impact to avoid counting the same value more than once.

The publication of the "Economic Impact Assessment" coincided with the release of the "KAUST Impact Report," which showcases, through case studies, how research, education, innovation, and partnerships contribute to creating a broader impact across the Kingdom. Together, the two reports provide a measurement of the university's economic contribution, along with a broader picture of the ways this value is realized.

For his part, Professor Edward Burn, President of KAUST, said: "KAUST makes a significant contribution to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, generating an economic value of $5.6 billion annually, and creating a broader impact through various activities.

These figures reflect the university's contribution to the industrial sector, where innovation generates direct economic value, and to the lives of community members by providing job opportunities, skill development, and supporting livelihoods.

At a time when national priorities are focused on meeting community needs, according to Burn, measuring the impact of scientific knowledge on society has become more important than ever. This measurement will help guide KAUST's future path to continue enhancing its impact.

These figures tell part of a broader story about the role of research universities in transforming knowledge into tangible value. The ideas that take shape in KAUST's laboratories find their way into companies and practical applications, while partnerships with government entities, the industrial sector, and academic institutions help expand the benefits of the university's research and technologies across the Kingdom.

These contributions are manifested in research areas of importance to the Kingdom, including food, water, health, energy, and the environment. An example of this is KAUST's research in algal biotechnology, which is being scaled up through a facility covering 42,000 square meters to study the potential for producing protein-rich biomass for use in animal feed. This example illustrates how KAUST's research can transition from the laboratory to practical application in the Kingdom.

Conversely, the "Economic Impact Assessment of KAUST" measures the university's contribution to the Saudi economy, while the "Annual KAUST Impact Report" showcases how the university achieves broader value through scientific research, education, innovation, and partnerships. The two reports also provide a reference framework for the next phase of KAUST's journey; by understanding the areas where impact is already being realized and those that offer opportunities for further achievement, the university can leverage the findings to guide its future decisions and enhance the translation of research into outcomes that benefit the Kingdom.