‘Loyal’ graduates key to regional economic growth in Scotland

This briefing highlights the important role modern universities play in retaining graduate talent within Scotland’s regions. It shows that modern universities produce a significantly higher proportion of “loyal” graduates—those who study, live and work in the same region after graduation—helping strengthen local economies, support key public services and reduce regional skills inequalities.

Analysis of Graduate Outcomes data indicates that 31% of graduates from Scotland’s modern universities are “loyal”, compared with 16% from pre-1992 institutions.

The paper argues that these graduates are vital to regional growth and calls on the Scottish Government to recognise the role of graduate retention in higher education and economic policy, protect a broad regional subject mix and embed graduate retention strategies within the National Strategy for Economic Transformation.

‘Loyal’ graduates key to regional economic growth in Scotland

Download

Back to Publications