The Impact of Catalan Universities on Society and Economy study arises in a moment of change in Catalonia and as a bottom-up initiative. The White Paper of the University of Catalonia (ACUP, 2008), precedent of this research, stated the desire of the eight public universities to jointly create a cohesive, territorially balanced university system, coordinated and with unique quality profiles.
The objective is to provide an in depth knowledge of universities’ impact in Catalonia considering different aspects like: the impact on the region's economy, the importance of human capital, scientific production and its role in innovation and socio-cultural benefits of higher education.
Additionally this study presents an innovative method of university quality evaluation based on the analysis of university impact on society as a complement to the traditional methods and as a way to promote institutional differentiation. The study will be finalised in October 2009. The first public presentation will be at the EUA Quality Assurance Forum.