Bis research paper number 128 The wider benefits of international higher education in the uk

4.2.2.2 Implications 
Although the reporting of specific business transactions was relatively rare, such benefits 
to UK commerce may increase and evolve with time as the alumni progress to more senior 
career positions with more influence, as many are yet early in their careers. Several of the 
alumni reporting these trade relationships worked in their family businesses, in which they 
may have had accelerated career paths compared with other career settings, and hence 
were able to influence commercial transactions at a relatively younger age. The overall 
extent of these economic benefits is not readily estimated, but at the very least there was 
evidence for some tangible benefits already, in addition to many more instances of active 
collaboration and widespread expectation that business with the UK would ensue when 
circumstances enabled it. Together these could coalesce to become substantial trade and 
commercial benefits to the UK economy. 
The extent to which these benefits are causally related to the graduates’ experience of HE 
in the UK, or whether some of them would have transpired anyway, is not always certain. 
This is explored further in other sections considering the role of personal networks and 
also the impact of trust in the UK.
The British Council reports that those who trust people from the UK are more interested in 
opportunities to do business with people and organisations in the UK than others (‘Trust 
pays’, British Council, 2012).
This reflects the belief by economists that trust is an 
important factor in international business links/relationships – higher trust tends to mean 
lower commercial risk. It will also tend to build upon any existing UK brand value. The 
report also suggests that direct experience of, and engagement with, UK cultural 
institutions (including studying in UK HE) enhances trust in the UK and its people. 
The belief that a positive UK university experience by an international student can lead to 
a commercial advantage for the UK has been long understood. The Dearing report stated 
“Such people [international students and alumni] are likely to look naturally to the UK as a 
potential trading partner or for investment opportunities.” 
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The Wider Benefits of International Higher Education in the UK