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RTI conducts analysis of University of Saskatchewan’s economic and research impact

Independent analysis shows USask contributes $2 billion to Saskatchewan’s economy


RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — A new economic and social impact study, conducted by independent scientific research institute RTI International, reveals the University of Saskatchewan (USask) is a major driver of economic growth, workforce development and innovation in Saskatchewan and beyond.

The analysis, commissioned by USask, found that in 2024–25, USask generated $2.0 billion of Saskatchewan’s gross domestic product (GDP) and supported 13,320 jobs across the province.

The study also quantified USask’s research impact: it reported $321 million in research revenue and $286 million in research expenditures in 2024 and generated nearly three times the licensing income of 47 U.S. and Canadian universities with similar levels of expenditures.

“USask tied with the University of Calgary for fourth fastest growing research expenditures over the past five years among the U15 Canada institutions,” said lead author Jennifer Ozawa, senior economist for innovation and economic development at RTI. “Moreover, we found that USask is translating this research into successful innovations and startups.”

Among the study’s other findings:
 

  • For every dollar invested by the Government of Saskatchewan, USask produced $3.64 in GDP and $1.99 in labor income

  • Nationally, the university contributed $2.4 billion to Canada’s GDP

  • Over the past decade, USask has added more than 27,000 graduates to the provincial labor force

“The University of Saskatchewan is an economic engine for the province,” said USask President and Vice-Chancellor Peter Stoicheff. “This study demonstrates how USask is integral in building a strong economy, strong communities, and a stronger Saskatchewan today and for generations to come.”

The research team drew on internal university data and a variety of education, economic, workforce, research and innovation data to perform the analysis.

Learn more about the study

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Jennifer Ozawa Senior Economist, Innovation and Economic Development
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