Dinner Debate in the State Parliament: "Our Universities Are Worth Their Weight in Gold"

This is because the activities are not limited to academic education, but also influence the economy, cultural and social life and the future viability of Thuringia. A recent study conducted by Heidelberg University on behalf of the TLPK confirms the outstanding contribution of these educational institutions to Thuringia's economic development based on data from 2022.

According to the study "The regional economic significance of state universities in the Free State of Thuringia", three factors are decisive: One key aspect is the university-related expenditure itself. The state universities invested 967 million euros in wages and salaries as well as in materials and services in the year in question. The almost 46,000 students spent a further 673 million euros. Due to their higher qualifications, graduates from the ten state universities in Thuringia earned a higher income than their peers without a university degree. The study speaks of almost 700 million euros on the labour market. Another important factor is the spin-offs from the universities, which generated additional expenditure of 139 million euros in 2022. Overall, this resulted in a total effect of a good two billion euros and almost 30,000 jobs in Bavaria. According to the study, every euro that flowed into the basic funding of Thuringia's ten state universities in 2022 generated added value of 3.64 euros.

Professor Kai-Uwe Sattler, Chairman of the TLPK, emphasised in his speech at the Dinner Debate: "Our universities are not only research and educational institutions, but also drivers of innovation and drivers for the entire region. The results of the impact study impressively illustrate their diverse and positive effects on the regional economy and the labour market."