Measuring the social and economic impact of universities: Focused on the case of H university

Objectives This study was conducted to find a way to measure the social and economic impact of universities through a case studies of universities impact analysis. Methods We conducted a qualitative analysis of case studies and reviewed relevant literature from multiple universities. The proposed framework was tested and validated through its application to empirical data from H University. Results The social and economic impact of universities was categorized into four areas: economic contribution, human capital development, knowledge society advancement, and community engagement. These include both their role as economic entities and the value created through their primary functions—education, research, and community service. Analysis of 2023 data from H University revealed a monetary impact equivalent to 2.6 times its invested budget, highlighting its diverse societal contributions. Conclusions This study proposes and validates a framework for quantifying the social and economic impact of universities. The findings provide a foundational tool for evaluating university contributions and shaping future strategies.