As the development of Oxfordshire’s Local Industrial Strategy (LIS) continues, one message is clear; our county has genuine international potential and is a hub for world-class innovation.
As one of just three net contributors to the exchequer, Oxfordshire is home to a host of global assets, including two world-renowned universities, the Science Vale enterprise zone and a thriving small business community.
The LIS will set-out an ambitious private and public-sector investment plan for the next 20-years, with the intention of securing further funds in research and development, paving the way for ‘less of the old’ and ‘more of the new’.
Although we cannot predict all future opportunities that will be created (due to the pace of innovation), it is essential businesses – of all sizes – feel ready to embrace innovation, supporting Oxfordshire’s strong, global economic position.
At the recent Business in Oxford event, several innovation-led debates took place, including a discussion on ‘Oxford Economic Development and Strategy’.
During this debate, our chief executive – Nigel Tipple – said: “Through world-class assets – like the University of Oxford, Harwell Campus and Culham Science Centre – our economy is already having a global impact.
“Last autumn, the Oxfordshire Transformative Technologies Alliance’s science and innovation audit suggested that – through developing the potential offered through quantum computing, connected autonomous vehicles, digital health and space and satellites technology – we have the ability to strengthen the national economy.
“If fully-utilised, these technologies could be worth in the region of £180billion to the UK economy by 2030 – so it is important that we work hard to understand these opportunities as soon as possible.”
The future of enterprise within the county will be discussed at OxLEP’s Q&A event on 10 July, focussing on: ‘How can Oxfordshire businesses make an impact – nationally and internationally – by embracing innovation?’
SMEs from across Oxfordshire will join Nigel Tipple – alongside several business leaders from around the county – at the breakfast event at the Kassam Stadium.
To book your FREE tickets, head to our Q&A event page
*Pictured: Bird's eye view of Harwell Campus
