How can the Oxford to Cambridge region provide enough lab and innovation space to meet demand? Which sectors need targeted investment in infrastructure and skills? How can planning policy drive sustainable, ESG-aligned growth? Answering these questions is essential for partners responsible for shaping strategic plans and spatial development strategies. To do this effectively, we need a robust, data-driven evidence base that informs decisions on land use, infrastructure investment, and economic policy, ensuring the region’s growth is both sustainable and globally competitive.
To support this, the Oxford to Cambridge Pan-Regional Partnership commissioned two new reports: the Sector Specialisation Report and the Science, Innovation & Technology Business Premises Study. These provide critical insights into the region’s economic strengths, business space requirements, and infrastructure challenges, helping to shape future growth.
Sector Specialisation: Understanding the region’s strengths
The Sector Specialisation Report, written in collaboration with The Data City, provides a data-driven analysis of the region’s fastest-growing and most specialised industries.
Key Findings:
• Specialised growth sectors: The region excels in Engineering Biology Application, particularly in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, alongside strengths in Omics, Life Sciences, Biopharmaceutical, and Neurotechnology.
• Fastest-growing industries: Quantum Technology, Engineering Biology, Neurotechnology, and Biopharmaceuticals are expanding rapidly, reinforcing the region’s leadership in science and technology innovation.
• Net Zero and ESG on the rise: While not yet a specialisation, sectors like Net Zero, Energy Management, and Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) are experiencing significant growth and will play a key role in future infrastructure and spatial strategies.
• High-value industries - Energy Management, FinTech, Data Intermediaries, Telecommunications and the Streaming Economy are among the region’s most productive emerging sectors in terms of GVA per employee.
• Export and Investment Potential: Several clusters, including Biopharma, Engineering Biology, and MedTech, are already demonstrating strong international trade and investment opportunities.
Read the full report: Sector Specialisation Report.
What does this mean for business space?
Strategic planning must ensure that the right spaces are available to support business growth and investment. The Science, Innovation & Technology Business Premises Study, prepared by Iceni Projects with Carter Jonas and HDR, provides critical insights into the types of premises needed across the region.
• Diverse workspace needs: High demand for wet labs, dry labs, R&D offices, and advanced industrial spaces to accommodate specialised industries.
• Rising demand: Particularly for R&D and lab space in Greater Cambridge and Oxfordshire, with opportunities for expansion in South Midlands and Buckinghamshire.
• Location and connectivity: Businesses favour well-connected premises within established clusters, highlighting the need for targeted spatial development strategies.
• Infrastructure challenges: Water demand in Greater Cambridge, energy constraints in Oxfordshire and Northamptonshire, and rural digital connectivity must be addressed to support growth.
• Sustainability focus: Companies are increasingly prioritising energy-efficient, ESG-compliant premises, reinforcing the need for sustainable planning policies.
Read the full report: SIT Business Premises Study.
Data-driven decision making: The role of the Data Observatory
Both reports reinforce the importance of growing the evidence base to guide strategic decision-making for the region’s future. The Oxford to Cambridge Region Data Observatory is a key resource, offering a growing suite of real-time data insights. By leveraging data-driven insights, regional leaders can develop a cohesive strategy that supports business growth, attracts investment, and enhances the region’s global competitiveness.
Visit the Data Observatory here.