Besides attracting high-tech industries to the area, the report says the eight universities also constitute one of the region’s largest employers—providing jobs for 50,750 people in 2002.

According to the report, the universities have also drawn in over $1.5 billion a year for research contracts and grants.

And, according to the report, the universities have also poured money straight into the local economy—and they are predicted to spend roughly $850 million a year on construction for the next four years.

Harvard’s own construction will primarily be in Boston over the next decade, as the University slowly crosses the river into Allston—according to Grogan.

“Unlike Cambridge, Boston has historically endorsed the University’s expansion,” Grogan said. “The Cambridge city council torments Harvard with projects on their own campus—but Boston has much looser policies.”

Grogan added that as all eight universities grow in the next decades, they need community support to remain competitive with other institutions across the country.

“Their relationship to the region will become increasingly important, especially because the good relationships and alliances they build with the region will help make them stand out from other universities.”

The 12-page summary that accompanied the report was signed by University President Lawrence H. Summers, as well as MIT President Charles M. Vest, among other university presidents and chancellors.

University officials will distribute the report this morning at a Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting downtown.

—Staff writer Lauren A.E. Schuker can be reached at schuker@fas.harvard.edu.