OPENING up universities to more gifted pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds will have a positive impact on Scotland's economy, according to a leading university figure.
Professor Anton Muscatelli, principal of Glasgow University, said current moves to widen access had prompted suggestions it could hold back economic progress - particularly if pupils with lower grades were given university places. However, he believes tapping into a wider pool of talent can only have a positive impact.
He said: "People sometimes see social justice as something which is not complementary with the other work of universities, but that is absolutely not the case.
"Although this is something that one does because it is part of the DNA, and certainly part of the culture at Glasgow University, it is also something that makes perfect economic sense for the country as a whole.
"All too often you hear of tensions between social justice and economic growth, but I do not believe that is the case because you are tapping into new talent and that will boost productivity and economic prosperity."
Mr Muscatelli said the policy could also have a transformative impact in disadvantaged communities with rising expectations of what was possible and the implanting of a new tradition of going to university.
And he said students coming through widening access programme at Glasgow University often exhibited a greater resilience and will to succeed - although it was also crucial to support them when they made the transition between school and university.
His comments came after the publication of a new report which says Glasgow University contributes more than £1.5bn to Scotland's economy.
The economic impact report, commissioned by the university, also shows the university supports some 15,000 jobs in Scotland, 40 per cent of which are outside Glasgow.
Around £900 million of output and £500m of gross value added can be attributed to the direct impact of the university, its students and international visitors, the report concludes.
In 2014/15 Glasgow’s income rose to £569m which included over £172m from research grants and contracts. For every £1 of public funding the university said it could generate an extra £8.37 of output.
Mr Muscatelli said: "This report shows how significant the university is as a driver of the Scottish economy.
"As we move towards the hugely exciting opportunities that the redevelopment of our Gilmorehill campus will bring for staff, students, the local community and Scotland’s global reputation for education and innovation now is the right time to celebrate our economic impact.
"The university has long been regarded as a world leader in teaching, research and innovation. Working with our partners in government, industry, the health service and other academic institutions we are now delivering major benefits to the Scottish economy."
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "Scotland’s universities – including Glasgow University of which I am very proud to be a graduate – are truly world-class seats of learning and are a significant contributor to our economy, skills development and job creation.
"Glasgow and its fellow institutions across the country are a vital part of the educational, economic and cultural fabric of Scotland."
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