UN SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth
Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
Our research
Our world-leading interdisciplinary research at the University’s Tourism Studies subject area addresses the complexity of the tourism ecosystem and proposes sustainable, innovative, and impactful solutions to its challenges. Part of our School of Social & Environmental Sustainability, colleagues in the subject area work on indicators and valuation frameworks to assess the contribution of tourism policies and projects to the SDGs Partnering with IGOs and NGOs including ICCROM, UNESCO and the World Bank, the group also carry out research across the world to explore the impact of cultural tourism policies and projects on local sustainable development and the wellbeing of communities.
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Learning & teaching
The University’s Adam Smith Business School (ASBS) holds prestigious triple accreditation for our Glasgow MBA programme from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS.
ASBS are also an advanced signatory of the United Nations Principles of Responsible Management Information. This underlines the commitment of the school to promoting sustainability and responsible management in learning and teaching. Our first ‘Sharing Information on Progress’ report was produced in 2022 and highlighted many achievements of the school in embedding the SDGs in learning, teaching and research. The ASBS SDG Challenge was rolled out to provide workshops and support to course teams and coordinators to embed one or more of the SDGs into their courses.
Recently the ASBS celebrated the tercentenary of Adam Smith and continues to honour his legacy by engaging enlightened and enterprising students, recognised on a global level for the positive contribution they make on culture and society as graduates. The school offers a variety of degree programmes across undergraduate and postgraduate level focusing on economics, finance, accountancy, business management and financial technology.
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University operations
The University and the Joint Trade Unions have confirmed our commitment to advancing the Scottish Government’s Fair Work First agenda by ensuring fair working practices are in place across the institution.
The University values the culture of working partnerships that have been established with the Joint Trade Unions and, through formal and informal channels, is committed to working positively with the trade unions to promote a culture of open, honest dialogue and joint working which aligns strongly with and goes beyond the Fair Work First principles.
As a centre of employment in the local community we are committed to ensuring a positive and respectful environment for all our faculty, staff and students continuing to work in tandem with trade unions and representatives. Our enduring partnerships with trade unions have continued to produce working agreements on multiple employment matters and our spirit of regular engagement and consultation has seen us implement numerous progressive policies that improve terms, conditions and colleague work experience.
The University is one of the biggest employers in the city, with more than 9,000 staff. We recognise the duty we have towards nurturing an inclusive, dignified and respectful working culture in which everyone is valued and recognised. Our values and priorities support the Fair Work First principles through practical interventions including our status as a Living Wage employer; flexible and family-friendly working practices from day one of employment; investment in workforce development; and offering secure and non-exploitative contracts.
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Civic engagement
The Scottish Government this year announced the Glasgow Riverside Innovation District (GRID), in which the University is a key partner alongside Scottish Enterprise and Glasgow City Council, as Scotland’s first whole-system demonstrator.
GRID is committed to supporting the establishment of a series of real-world innovation testbeds. This major initiative, known as GRID Discovery, is identifying and launching a number of R&D collaboration projects with industry partners, government bodies, academics and communities. The exciting new programme draws on the University’s world-leading research capability and expertise to help drive impactful innovation at pace.
The Discovery programme is aimed at attracting inward investment, creating access to good- quality jobs, and developing a skills pipeline to build on the region’s strengths and support productive, thriving places. To this end, the close involvement of communities in the area will be critical success factors.
GRID is already home to the University of Glasgow-led Living Laboratory for Precision Medicine – an internationally leading programme supported by UKRI Strength in Places Funding, focused on translating cutting-edge science and healthcare innovation in a clinical setting and bringing an estimated 450 new jobs to the Govan area.
GRID Discovery will also foster better collaboration between researchers, industry partners and public bodies such as the NHS to enable the rapid translation of research into application and drive improved outcomes for Scotland. It will catalyse a dynamic innovation quarter with local community values at its heart.
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Tourism Studies at our School of Social & Environmental Sustainability aims to address the challenges of global tourism with innovative and sustainable solutions.
Find out about our progress towards the 17 SDGs:
