University of Wisconsin System - Madison
The Wisconsin Idea at Work
The Challenge
Tripp Umbach was engaged to help clearly define and communicate the full impact of the university, its affiliated organizations, spin off companies, and related healthcare, research, and economic development entities across the state. The report captures the comprehensive influence of an internationally recognized institution such as University of Wisconsin–Madison on Wisconsin’s economy, workforce, innovation ecosystem, and communities. It also addresses the challenge of communicating the interconnected activities of multiple affiliated entities in a unified manner, enabling UW–Madison to present a cohesive narrative and speak with one voice to policymakers, stakeholders, and communities across the state.
How We Helped
Tripp Umbach utilized the IMPLAN input-output modeling system to analyze data provided by UW–Madison, its affiliated organizations, and university-related spin-off companies, including operational expenditures, employment, payroll, and capital investments. The analysis also incorporated benchmarking data to estimate additional impacts such as visitor spending, alumni contributions, research commercialization, and related economic activity. This methodology quantified the direct, indirect, and induced effects associated with the university’s activities across economic output, employment, and tax revenue, while also capturing the broader community and societal impacts generated throughout the state.
In FY25, UW–Madison, its affiliated organizations, and university related spin off companies generated $38.9 billion in total economic impact, supporting 287,232 jobs statewide, approximately one in every 11 jobs, and producing $1.94 billion in state and local tax revenue. The university’s core operations alone contributed $13.2 billion in economic impact and supported more than 103,000 jobs, while affiliated organizations and research driven companies generated substantial additional economic activity across the state. The university’s research enterprise generated $3.0 billion in economic activity, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for innovation, commercialization, and industry growth, while alumni living and working in state contributed an estimated $12.8 billion in annual economic impact through their earnings, workforce participation, and spending. Together, these findings demonstrate UW–Madison’s role as a major economic engine and a sustained driver of workforce development, research innovation, and long term economic growth.