Download the report here

The report compares the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor with 14 other innovation clusters. It recognises the Corridor’s strengths in research and company creation, while identifying five constraints on growth: capital, commercialisation, talent, infrastructure and transport. It also calls for faster, more coordinated delivery.

The findings on talent are particularly relevant to Arc Universities Group. Around two-thirds of unicorn companies founded by Oxford and Cambridge alumni are headquartered outside the Corridor, although most remain in the UK. The challenge is to create the conditions for more companies and people to build their futures here.

Across our nine member universities, research and teaching connect with employers, entrepreneurs and local communities. Working alongside colleges and schools, universities can help people enter growing industries, develop specialist skills and retrain as those industries change.

Alistair Lomax, Director of Arc Universities Group, said:

“The test now is how the Corridor turns ambition into delivery. AUG’s work on skills and talent asks what capabilities growing sectors will need, where the gaps are, and how education and employers can respond together.