Oxford cluster takes on the world in self-drive cars and quantum computing

The Oxfordshire Transformative Technologies Alliance’s science and innovation report highlighted the quality of research and development in these four technologies already operating in Oxfordshire

Oxford quantum key

The Oxford report suggests these technologies have the potential to be worth in the region of £180bn to the UK economy by 2030.

Oxfordshire is home to to University of Oxford, Harwell campus and Culham Science Centre.

Dr Phil Clare, head of knowledge exchange at University of Oxford, writes:

“Oxfordshire has outstanding capabilities in such areas as digital health translational research – and accelerating those pathways to market – next generation sensors, cryogenics.”

“These are all technology areas where the UK has an opportunity to gain a competitive advantage for the whole country in future industries as part of a coherent industrial strategy,  and Oxfordshire stands ready to play its part.”

The Oxford report responds to a commitment made last autumn by the Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond, with the view to better understand the future economic impact eight UK regions could have – both globally and nationally – through science and innovation.

It also aims to help ensure future investment, across science and innovation, becomes more targeted.

Behind the report are the University, the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP), Oxford Brookes University, the Oxford Academic Health Science Network, the UK Atomic Energy Authority, the Science and Technology Facilities Council and the Satellite Applications Catapult.

Nigel Tipple – OxLEP chief executive – said:

“Oxfordshire has already proven its ability to create internationally-recognised clusters in areas such as life sciences and the automotive industry, therefore – there is little doubt that we can play an even bigger role in the UK’s drive for economic growth.”

The report did say there were challenges around recruitment, ensuring the correct infrastructure is in place to attract world-leading businesses and professionals to Oxfordshire.

To view the full report.