Areas still in the realm of advocacy and aspiration
Local Government Reform and Devolution
There are now three competing visions for the future of Local Government in Oxford, and in two of those visions, Oxford becomes part of a larger rural entity. Is this the right outcome given the UK Government’s ambition? How will these competing ambitions for Oxford be resolved? Devolution will add a new strategic layer and could slow the cluster down further as we grow accustomed to forming new ways of working and using the new planning tools.
Cowley Branch Line
Despite the Government’s vision for Oxford, funding for the Cowley Branch Line remains uncertain. A strategic project that will bring major investment in the south of the City, connecting communities and nationally important research sites directly to London truly seems like an open goal for the Government to fully get behind.
Planning Reform and innovation
The LSSP identifies planning reform and the shortage of R&D space as critical barriers. However, specific planning reforms or funding mechanisms are still under development, and the planning system is not efficient in focusing effort on the core issues: time wasted on performative studies and a critical lack of understanding on the public benefit of the Oxford Knowledge Cluster.(https://www.bidwells.co.uk/insights-reports-events/Planning-for-innovation-the-life-sciences-sector-plan/).
Ambition to become a top 3 route to patient access by 2030
The UK Government’s Life Sciences Sector Plan sets a bold target: to make the UK one of the top three fastest and most effective countries in Europe for patient access to new medicines and MedTech by 2030. This ambition is part of a wider strategy to position the UK as a global leader in life sciences innovation and healthcare transformation. The objective requires future integration of R&D, regulatory pathways, and NHS adoption. It’s a strategic aspiration, not yet backed by detailed implementation plans (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/life-sciences-sector-plan).
Skills and Jobs dividend for communities
The Knowledge Cluster is to 21st-century Oxford what the automotive industry was in the 20th century, a powerful economic engine. Yet, it remains poorly understood and not fully embraced by many in our communities. For every 10 jobs created within the Knowledge Cluster, 7 more are generated across the wider regional economy, defining the sector as holding enormous potential to create diverse and accessible job opportunities. It is particularly vital in Oxford as the city is still grappling with the effects of de-industrialisation and the left disadvantaged communities. The demand for non-degree technical skills that the cluster can unlock is an exciting gateway for young people, but we need to be better at how we plan and prepare for this opportunity.
New spatial development strategies and local growth plans
The Government’s push for integrated spatial development strategies reflects a shift toward place-based policymaking - where housing, transport, and innovation infrastructure are planned in concert. This approach is intended to overcome fragmented delivery and unlock the full potential of clusters like Oxford.
With Devolution, this means aligning Local Plans, emerging regional frameworks, and national ambitions (e.g. LSSP, Industrial Strategy). Hopefully, Local Government Reform and Devolution will lift the curse in Oxford and lead to effective cross-boundary working in support of growth.
We just need to know who will lead this planning and that they will have the funding and delivery mechanisms.