THE POTENTIAL OF THE OXFORD-CAMBRIDGE SUPERCLUSTER

I arrived in Oxford just over 18 months ago, and as a relative newcomer, I’m struck by the immense potential here - not only as a centre of academic excellence but as a place that could drive change across the UK and globally. The impact of the Covid vaccine and the potential impact of the Malaria vaccine are just a tip of the iceberg when it comes to ground breaking research that has the potential to solve many global challenges.

Oxford University has created over 300 companies that now attract over £1B of investment every year. The University is number one in the UK for company creation and for industrial research income, and has been named the top university in the world by the Times Higher Education for the record ninth year in a row.

However, to achieve the full potential and impact of this powerhouse, we need many more investors, corporate partners and talented scientists and entrepreneurs to come into the region - and here we come to the challenge of scale. To compete in the global arena with regions such as US West Coast or Shenzhen, size becomes important.

The Oxford to Cambridge Supercluster spans 2.8 million acres and is roughly comparable in geographic size the innovation hubs of Silicon Valley and Boston. Anchored by Oxford and Cambridge, with high-potential towns in between, the Oxford-Cambridge region has the potential to draw in talent, investment, and economic activity on a global scale.

Now, with renewed government interest in the region and a significant boost in the East West Rail project that will rejoin Oxford to Cambridge, there is a real opportunity to make this vision a reality.

What Could Be Possible?

Imagine an Oxford-Cambridge region where travel between the two cities takes under an hour, with high-speed, reliable links connecting hubs along the route. This isn’t just about making journeys quicker; it’s about creating space for ideas to flow, for researchers and entrepreneurs to collaborate, and for resources to circulate across the region. Startups, established companies, and investors would find a vibrant and connected environment to operate and grow.

This Supercluster could drive growth in industries such as life sciences, AI, and sustainable energy, building on the research foundations we already have. But to achieve this, a few key elements need to fall into place.

For a start, East West Rail requires more than just initial funding and enthusiasm—it needs consistent support over time. We are expecting initial services between Oxford, Bletchley and Milton Keynes to start in 2025 and Oxford and Bedford to begin by 2030. Recent commitments from two consecutive governments are encouraging, but this project must stay on track, literally and figuratively, with investment that ensures quality, efficiency, and sustainability.

And this is just the beginning. Beyond transport, we need to think holistically about the region’s infrastructure. A connected innovation corridor means addressing housing, digital connectivity, and the specific needs of high-growth industries. We know that Oxford and Cambridge are talent magnets, but people need affordable places to live, and businesses need skilled talent and modern facilities. Green spaces, public amenities, and digital networks are also crucial to creating a balanced, resilient region that’s as welcoming as it is innovative.

What Are We Waiting For?

After several changes of direction and priorities over the last decade, I’m now cautiously optimistic that Oxford-Cambridge Supercluster might actually get there. The government’s recent commitment to East West Rail is promising and the positive budget announcement with a real-terms increase in public R&D investment reaching £20.4bn in 2025/26 provides an encouraging outlook for the innovation agenda.

Oxford and Cambridge are jewels in the UK’s research and innovation crown, but they can only remain so with sustained support. This means bringing together the public and private sectors, local communities, and universities to align on a vision that benefits everyone.

The Oxford-Cambridge Supercluster Board led by industry and involving key stakeholders, could be an effective vehicle for bringing these organisations together. The test will be whether the Supercluster can establish a coherent vision, a sustained program of activities, and, crucially, advocacy and additional private and public funding needed to drive collaboration.

From an Oxford University perspective, we are committed to accelerating our impact across the region and to spread inclusively the prosperity that can arise from innovation. We will increase the number of staff and students engaged in innovation, diversify our sources of capital, and bring more entrepreneurial talent into our widening ecosystem. I am sure colleagues at Cambridge and others across our shared region share a similar vision, and together, we are ready to play our part in creating a vibrant, sustainable region that showcases the best of British innovation on the global stage to the benefit of our local economy and communities.