This is the first published study of the impact of the higher education sector on the English regions. This study presents key economic features of UK higher education in the academic year 2007/08 and those aspects of its contribution to the nine English regions that can be readily measured. The sector is analysed as a conventional industry, highlighting the major economic characteristics of UK universities, including their sources of revenue, employment created, output generated and export earnings attracted. Appended are: (1) Notes on modelling methodology; and (2) Universities and colleges included in the study. (Contains 27 tables, 72 charts, and 4 notes.)