Economic contribution of the UK mathematical sciences: an updated & refined quantification—AcadMathSci's methodology

Abstract

The Academy for the Mathematical Sciences has undertaken a significant piece of work to derive new best estimates for the UK's mathematical science (MS) workforce and its associated economic contributions in 2024. Our new estimates benefit from several methodological refinements to previous work, as well as the availability of newer, more comprehensive data sets. We calculate that 5.11 million people were working in mathematical science occupations in 2024, representing 15% of all UK employment; that those workers directly contributed £489 billion to the UK economy in 2024, representing 19% of total UK gross value added (GVA); and that those workers were, on average, paid salaries nearly 50% higher than workers in other occupations. We estimate that even a 1% increase in MS workers could be worth £5 billion to the UK economy. Our new analysis also identifies the occupations and industries where the mathematical sciences play particularly significant roles in the UK. This report provides context and rationale for the new analysis; details the methodology and data sources; and discusses some of the findings. A shorter companion report highlights key results.