The Mayor of London today joined forces with the capital’s universities, conservatoires, specialist institutions and research centres to make the case for London as the Higher Education Capital of the World.
The campaign begins with a new publication from London Higher, the voice of the capital’s higher education sector, which aims to demonstrate the ways in which London combines a scale, diversity and excellence of higher education unmatched among its global peers.
Future phases will examine international student competitiveness, the sector’s contribution to economic growth and the policy conditions needed to support world-leading industries including life sciences and the creative economy.
The capital is home to more students and higher education institutions than international competitors like New York City, Boston and Singapore, while its universities generate economic activity, research breakthroughs and skilled graduates that support communities and industries around the UK and across the globe.
In a foreword to the publication, the Mayor of London describes London’s higher education sector as a critical national asset too, helping to drive growth, opportunity and international influence for the UK. The publication shows that:
- London is the world’s leading higher education city by scale, diversity and global influence.
- The capital combines a concentration of universities, specialist institutions and research centres found nowhere else on earth.
- London’s higher education institutions contribute more to the UK economy than the Premier League and employ more people than Sainsbury’s nationwide.
- The benefits generated by London’s higher education sector extend well beyond the capital through research collaboration, graduate talent, business creation and international investment.
Professor Shitij Kapur, Chair of London Higher and Vice-Chancellor & President of King’s College London, said:
“London’s higher education sector is one of the UK’s greatest strategic assets. Our universities educate future leaders, attract talent from around the world, generate groundbreaking research and support industries that drive economic growth across the country.
“As a global city, London competes for talent, research and investment with the world’s leading centres of education and innovation. The strength of our higher education sector helps ensure the UK remains competitive, connected and influential on the world stage.
“But global leadership is never permanent. Cities around the world are investing heavily in higher education and innovation. If the UK wants to remain internationally competitive, we must continue to nurture the conditions that allow London’s universities and research institutions to thrive.”
The Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, said:
“London is an extraordinary global city, with opportunity on a scale few others can match. As someone who grew up on a council estate in Tooting and went on to study law at London Metropolitan University, I know first-hand how transformative the opportunity of higher education can be.
“London’s universities are among the very best in the world. They open doors for people from every background while leading the way in research and breakthroughs in areas such as life sciences and AI, where London’s leading the way.
“A strong higher education sector in London helps the whole country succeed. Every year our universities open doors for hundreds of thousands of students while supporting jobs, driving growth and strengthening the UK’s place on the world stage. That’s why higher education is such an important part of building a fairer and more prosperous London for everyone.”
Laura Citron, CEO of London & Partners, said:
“When international investors consider where to locate, expand or invest, they consistently ask about access to talent, innovation and skills. London’s world-leading higher education sector is one of our greatest strengths in answering those questions.
“In an increasingly competitive global environment, London’s position as the Higher Education Capital of the World is not just a point of pride but a major economic advantage for the capital and for the UK.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
For press and interview requests, contact: Jasmine Watkiss, press@londonhigher.ac.uk
See digital assets here.
About the publication
‘London: The Higher Education Capital of the World’ was launched at a reception at London’s oldest university, University College London, which is celebrating its bicentenary: a fitting setting to recognise the city’s enduring leadership in higher education worldwide.
Highlights from the publications include:
- London is the world’s leading higher education city by scale, diversity and global influence.
- The capital combines a concentration of universities, specialist institutions and research centres found nowhere else on earth.
- London’s higher education institutions contribute more to the UK economy than the Premier League and employ more people than Sainsbury’s nationwide.
- The benefits generated by London’s higher education sector extend well beyond the capital through research collaboration, graduate talent, business creation and international investment.
About London Higher
London Higher is the membership organisation for universities and higher education institutions across the capital. As the largest representative body of its kind in England, London Higher represents the full diversity of the capital’s vibrant higher education sector, from small, specialist conservatoires and research institutes to large, multi-faculty universities.
