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Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.

Working in partnership both locally and globally, we are tackling each of the UN Sustainable Development Goals through our research and knowledge exchange, education and student experience, and through our operations. Discover how our unique commitments align with and support Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth.

Research and knowledge exchange

The University has retained the European Commission's HR Excellence in Research Award for 12 years, demonstrating its commitment to fostering a thriving research environment that aligns with the Researcher Development Concordat and supports research talent and career development as outlined in our Strategy 2031. Research on self-employment in The self-employment trap report reveals the challenges faced by self-employed workers, such as stagnating incomes, rising costs, and mental health struggles, emphasising the need for policies that promote economic stability, fair employment, and sustainable work models. Our research on youth entrepreneurship in the Youth Entrepreneurship Policy: Contemporary Challenges and Ways Forward policy paper, addresses barriers faced by young entrepreneurs, advocating for policy reforms that align support with their motivations, and promoting more inclusive, accessible, and diverse entrepreneurial opportunities to foster sustainable and equitable economic growth. Research on the value of the social economy in the Liverpool City Region has spurred new strategic initiatives backed by the Metro Mayor and Combined Authority, fostering social enterprise growth and enabling long-term sustainable impact through collaboration among local politicians, policymakers, and social entrepreneurs.

Operations

The University of Liverpool supports SDG 8 through initiatives that enhance employability, foster innovation, and drive sustainable economic development. Career services, internships, and entrepreneurship programs equip students with essential skills. Partnerships with businesses promote job creation and knowledge sharing, and the university’s commitment to equality, diversity, and fair working practices ensures inclusive opportunities. Through enterprise hubs like the Liverpool Knowledge Quarter and support for start-ups, it boosts regional and global economic growth. As a major contributor to Liverpool City Region’s economy, the university drives employment and investment on a significant scale. The IP commercialisation team has accelerated spin-out company growth, benefiting both society and the wider economy. Staff volunteering through the Liv to Give framework fosters innovation and cultural engagement while supporting community health, employment, and social mobility. Employment practices ensure safe, fair, and fulfilling jobs for all, guided by the university’s Values and Ethics Principles. Recognitions such as Living Wage Foundation accreditation, the Stonewall Diversity Champions membership, and the Silver Athena Swan Award highlight our inclusive culture. The university also combats modern slavery, addresses the gender pay gap, and celebrates staff achievements with awards and networks fostering community.

Education and student experience

The University of Liverpool plays a vital role in supporting the Liverpool City Region’s social and economic development by equipping students and local young people with the skills and opportunities needed for meaningful employment. Through the efforts of our Careers and Employability team, we help students secure roles within the region, while our apprenticeship programme, the most successful in the university sector, provides pathways for local young people to join the University workforce. The IntoUniversity Mentoring Scheme allows students to mentor young people, helping to ensure that socioeconomic background does not limit their life opportunities. These efforts exemplify the University’s commitment to fostering skills, resilience, and opportunity in alignment with sustainable economic growth. Additionally, our GiveGetGo Volunteering Programme offers training for local job seekers and guarantees interviews for all who complete the program. In summer 2023, our Libraries, Museums, and Galleries (LMG) launched the first-ever Student Partners Project, recruiting 18 talented students to help shape the library of the future. This initiative not only provided insights into the information and heritage sectors but also helped students develop transferable skills to support their academic and professional success. Students can also engage with SDG 8 through innovative modules like Enterprise Studies, which introduces entrepreneurial activity, and by participating in impactful extra-curricular initiatives. BA (Hons) Business Management focuses on developing leadership, entrepreneurial, and management skills that are essential for driving economic growth and fostering the creation of decent work opportunities.

Case Studies

Shaping Investment Zone plans

The University is playing a pivotal role in the Liverpool City Region’s Investment Zone plans, which were unveiled in March 2024. The UK government pledged £160 million to fund 21 projects aimed at advancing health and life sciences, with a total anticipated investment of £800 million over the next decade. Key projects included the expansion of the University’s Centre of Excellence for Long-acting Therapeutics and the Civic HealthTech Innovation Zone. CELT focuses on transforming existing drugs into long-acting medicines, while CHI-Zone aims to revolutionise health and social care using AI. The funding will also support the Microbiome and Infectious Disease (MaID) Innovation Hub and The Pandemic Institute, which will enhance research on microbiome therapies and pandemic preparedness. Additionally, the HEMISPHERE One and Two buildings in the Knowledge Quarter Liverpool will address the growing need for advanced laboratories in chemistry and life sciences. Mayor Steve Rotheram highlighted the Investment Zone’s potential to boost regional science and innovation. The Liverpool City Region, selected for both Investment Zone and Freeport status, aims to leverage its strengths to attract substantial investment and create high-skilled jobs. The Investment Zone is set to drive significant advancements in health and life sciences, with projects designed to tackle global challenges and improve public health outcomes.

Driving significant economic impact

A 2023 economic review revealed that the National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC), co-directed by the University of Liverpool and three other institutions, generated an economic impact of £204 million. The NBIC, a leading UK center for biofilms research, also created 101 jobs and supported 76 students, including 66 PhD candidates. Liverpool’s role includes leading the Open Innovation Hub for Antimicrobial Surfaces, directed by Professor Rasmita Raval. This hub focuses on developing new technologies to address biofilm and antimicrobial resistance. The review, conducted by Black Kite Ltd, highlights NBIC’s substantial contributions to environmental and social benefits, totalling £53 million. The center engages over 300 businesses across sectors like health, personal care, water management, marine, and food production. The NBIC, funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and Innovate UK, represents a model of interdisciplinary research and industry collaboration. Its work addresses key global issues, including antimicrobial resistance, food safety, and water security. In May 2022, NBIC estimated that biofilm-related markets are worth £45 billion in the UK and $4 trillion globally. In December 2022, further funding of £7.5 million was allocated to support Phase 2 of NBIC, aiming to enhance the adoption of innovative biofilm solutions and drive advances in standards and regulations.

Supporting SME’s to become a sustainable business

The University played a key role in supporting Buzz Education, an SME in Chorley, through a Clean Growth Project as part of the Eco-I North West initiative. This £14 million project, which involves six partner universities, helps SMEs in the North West of England develop sustainable business solutions. Buzz Education worked with a specialist environmental researcher from the University's School of Environmental Sciences to assess their carbon emissions and create a tailored report with recommendations for reducing their carbon footprint. This collaboration allowed Buzz Education to take the first steps towards sustainability, with both short-term and long-term measures outlined, such as energy consumption reductions and plans for more energy-efficient office equipment. Through this project, the University helped Buzz Education develop a sustainability framework that will inform their long-term business activities and guide their "Buzz Does" strategy, focusing on environmental and social responsibility. This partnership not only supported Buzz Education's sustainability journey but also demonstrated the University’s commitment to fostering sustainable practices in SMEs across the region.