What we do
Advanced Oxford is research-led, providing insight, analysis and a united voice for our members on the key issues affecting the development of the innovation ecosystem in the Oxford region.
We generate our own research and work to support and inform key stakeholders involved in the development of the business environment, infrastructure and policy.
Our areas of focus
Advanced Oxford is working to support the long-term development and success of the Oxford region as a place to live and work. We do this by drawing on our collective experience of setting up, running or working in knowledge-based, innovation-focused businesses and organisations. We use our connections to other businesses to generate evidence and undertake research.
Collectively, we can share our knowledge and experience on the issues that matter; this will shape and drive our priorities and activities. We are inclusive in our desire to work across regional boundaries, with organisations in the public, private and third sectors, at local, regional and national level.
Skills & education
Advanced Oxford will work with key educational partners to find ways to support our young people to have the aspiration, skills and opportunities to pursue a career in science and tech within the region. We also want to ensure that we build the right networks, collaborations and partnerships so that we can attract and retain the best people, with the right skills, to work within our innovation sector.
Housing delivery & affordability
Through research, Advanced Oxford will build a picture of the long-term housing needs and wants of people working in our region’s growing innovation economy and communicate these to the planners and policy-makers who can orchestrate change and development.
Quality of Life
Advanced Oxford is equally interested in the lived experience for the people who work in, or are impacted by, the innovation ecosystem across the Oxford region. We will work with relevant organisations to express the need for growth and development to be balanced against the equally important need for green spaces, fresh air and cultural enrichment in our region.
Research infrastructure & commercial spaces
Advanced Oxford will seek continued support for the elements that underpin the region’s scientific assets: a world class research base and suitable spaces for all knowledge-intensive businesses, whether they are a small start-up or a global corporation.
Innovation ecosystem & business environment for enterprise
As well as physical spaces, businesses of all sizes need a business environment that is stable and supportive for growth. Through our research, we will ensure that the needs of innovative businesses are articulated to provide a clear understanding of barriers and opportunities, in order to create an environment that supports the start-up, growth and retention of innovative businesses in the region.
Policy development & support
Advanced Oxford will support Oxfordshire’s local authorities and public bodies in their development of policy and plans by providing a clear, cogent and dispassionate voice, reflecting the needs of the people who work for the region’s knowledge-intensive businesses. The Oxford Stategic Partnership is currently running a series of seminars on Inclusion, see here for more information.
The future of transport
Our region’s leading-edge status needs to be supported by an effective transport system for the Oxford region.
Advanced Oxford will contribute to the debate around transport and accessibility, working with policy makers and transport providers to ensure that their work is informed by the needs to the region’s innovation economy.
Investment environment for growth
We need an investment environment that supports the ambition to be a globally competitive innovation environment that supports companies to start, grow and locate within the Oxford region. We will look at the factors that affect investment in our region and how the investment landscape can be developed and improved.
Equality and Diversity
We have an active interest in equality and diversity within the workplace, particularly in leadership. Our current focus relates to gender diversity.
Image courtesy of ThisisengineeringRAEng via Unsplash
Working with others
Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Partnership
Oxfordshire, despite its perceived affluence, global position and role as 1 of only 3 regions that contributes a surplus to the UK economy, is home to significant inequalities. 17 of 61 wards in Oxfordshire are the most deprived in England, with Northfield Brook in the 10% most deprived. The city of Oxford is the second most unequal place in the UK, in terms of income, housing affordability and life expectancy. Education attainment is below average affecting all generations. These problems extend beyond the city and exist across the whole of Oxfordshire.
The Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Partnership brings together over a hundred organisations – employers, business, education, community groups and local government – this county-wide group is working to share knowledge, expertise and resources to address some of our greatest challenges.
The Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Partnership is working together to create a more equal and sustainable region that creates opportunities and benefits for all people within the county. The Partnership is working to tackle some of our region’s biggest problems to create a fairer environment where everyone can contribute and share in our success.
Advanced Oxford is a member of the steering group for the Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Partnership, represented by our Managing Director, Sarah Haywood.
Find out more: Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Partnership.
Oxford City Council Economic Growth Steering Board
Advanced Oxford is represented on Oxford City Council’s Economiuc Growth Steering Board.
Oxford – Cambridge Supercluster Board
The Supercluster board brings together industry leaders, universities, and investors to drive innovation, unlock investment, and shape policies to propel the UK towards its Science Superpower ambition. The Supercluster board works alongside the Oxford to Cambridge Partnership (Pan- Regional Partnership) and Government to bring private sector knowledge, and expertise to the table. Through collaborative efforts, we are working to create an environment that fuels innovation, bolsters the local economy, and positions the Supercluster as a beacon of success. Advanced Oxford’s Managing Director, Sarah Haywood, is a member of the board and a number of its working groups.
Find out more at: Supercluster board
Advanced Oxford is a member of Social Enterprise UK and is committed to paying the Oxford Living Wage to all people who work for Advanced Oxford.
Latest research
Growing and diversifying equity investment – green paper publication
Growing and diversifying the supply of equity investment into Oxfordshire-based science companies Advanced Oxford has now published ... read more
Gender Inclusion – A Catalyst for Innovation
Research from Advanced Oxford and Oxford Brookes University was published on 12th September, 2024 Our report, Gender inclusion - A ... read more
Stronger Together: Why we need a new and expanded role for universities and university groupings
The new Government at Westminster is placing emphasis on economic growth, devolution and local empowerment. A new paper from the ... read more