Glass.ai Data Helps Shape a New Strategic Direction for Oxfordshire’s Economy
The onward success and future growth of the Oxfordshire economy is set to be guided by a new and ambitious document which glass.ai data has helped to shape — a refreshed Strategic Economic Plan (SEP). As a world leader in science, innovation, technology and high value clusters, Oxfordshire is one of the UK’s most dynamic economies, but one that requires a bold strategic framework from which to maximise its potential, build on strengths and tackle the challenges that constrain its global competitiveness. A core function of OxLEP, as the sub-region’s Local Enterprise Partnership, is to develop and deliver this strategic intent.
To prepare Oxfordshire’s economy for the future, glass.ai worked alongside SQW and Oxford Brookes University, to develop a SEP that would focus on the people and places within Oxfordshire. Underpinning this was an Independent Economic Review (IER), which included four thematic deep-dives — the foundational economy, net-zero, innovation and diffusion, and progression/inclusive growth. The IER used a variety of information, data sources and research methods to develop an innovative and deeper understanding of Oxfordshire, as the catalyst for setting a new strategic direction and developing priorities that will propel inclusive growth.
glass.ai’s inputs into the project focused on the delivery of deeper insights, uncovering sectors, businesses and their capabilities that would underpin a new economic narrative, and support strategic direction. Specifically, this required the preparation of bespoke datasets to establish an up-to-date picture of the Oxfordshire economy and key sectors, to challenge convention, further understanding and validate existing but disparate knowledge. This data subsequently informed the collation of an evidence base, feeding into the IER and thematic deep dive reports. The specific focus of glass.ai activity was on developing:
- A rich and up-to-date dataset of the OxLEP economy and its key sectors (Advanced Engineering, AI, Connected Autonomous Vehicles, Cleantech, Creative Digital, Cryogenics, Fusion, Life Sciences, Quantum, Space).
- Data that investigates the activities of businesses across three areas:
- Growth signals and expansion activity.
- Net Zero commitment and progression towards a Just Transition.
- Import and export activity linked to international presence and trading.
- Accompanying data visualisation and mapping, to support impactful presentation.
OxLEP SEP — Strategic Framework 2050
The SEP has been developed and will be delivered in partnership with stakeholders, such as local authorities, businesses, universities and HE, community groups and social enterprise. Going forward, the SEP’s four key Themes and Objectives will enable a ‘whole system’ approach to delivery, whilst the evidence base will offer the chance to explore other areas of research interest, assess impact and track progress over time.
For more information on the SEP and the associated evidence base, see here.
