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The Oxford- Arc Economic Prospectus Foreword 3

Foreword

We are at a critical time, during which we can release the potential of the our nation’s economic resilience is being Arc’s key sectors, scientific community tested far beyond anything we’ve seen and entrepreneurial spirit to propel before. From the pioneering work on our country’s response to the major vaccines, through to distributing tens national and global challenges we face. of thousands of ventilators to the NHS, The Arc’s place is at the forefront of the our area’s immediate response during UK’s green recovery. This is the this pandemic confirms the strength, that can deliver new technologies, new capabilities and ingenuity of the Arc industries and new investment, at scale to region’s business community, universities strengthen the country’s position in the and public bodies. It shows our ability world economy. to collaborate, innovate and respond, at speed, to protect our health, wellbeing Through strong collaboration, we can and livelihoods. enhance the lives of our residents, increase the global opportunities for our Our vision is for the Arc to be a global businesses and improve our environment hub for innovation, and home to for the prosperity of all. exemplary models of green development that will inspire communities around the The Arc’s economic priorities are clear. world. This will be made possible through Together we can make this happen. bold leadership that focuses on the big opportunities. The Arc’s world-leading innovation across multiple sectors can deliver prosperity for the UK. We now need the commitment from Government and international investors to make the ambition a reality. Contents The Arc region has a critical mass of research, high-technology expertise and innovation assets found nowhere else Foreword 3 in the UK. Working with Government

The Oxford-Cambridge Arc 4 The Arc 6 Our ambition 8 The Arc at work 8 Our commitments 9 Our immediate actions 9 Our ask of Central Government 10 Investment propositions 10

The Arc of success 16 A UK and international success story 16 Cllr Barry Wood, Professor Sir Jeremy Long, Chair of Arc Peter Gregson, Chair Arc Local Re-imagining our long-term future 19 Leadership Group Chair Arc Enterprise Universities Group Partnerships Group Our economic priorities 20

Sector strengths 22 Building a new economy 22 Connecting threads 28

A call for action 29

Left. AstraZeneca, Cambridge Biomedical Campus. 4 The Oxford-Cambridge Arc The Oxford-Cambridge Arc 5

The Oxford-Cambridge Arc

The Oxford-Cambridge Arc has unrivalled assets of international standing and significance. With the commitment of Government to long term investment in the area, the Arc will fulfil its true potential to deliver transformational economic growth that University of Cambridge High Tech Agriculture zone will benefit the whole of the UK. Investment is critical to tackle connectivity and congestion constraints and to provide the skills Colworth Science Park

Wisbech that industry requires to enable the Arc to pursue its role as a Global Research Airport Cambridge Research Park leading global innovation region. Waterside Enterprise Zone Cambridge Science Park University of March

Cambridge The Arc is already home to Biochemical Kettering Ely Campus nearly four million people

Huntingdon Anglia Ruskin and two million jobs which Wellingborough University Silverstone Park Rushden together generate over £111bn Daventry Babraham Northampton Cambridge Research Park of economic output each Granta Park, year. With investment, this The Open University Bedford Great Abingdon

University of Haverhill area will enhance its world- Research leading science, technologies Park From understanding the building blocks Above. Students at National Film and Wellcome Genome Campus and industries which can drive Westcott of life in DNA, through to today’s search Television School. Venture Leighton Buzzard competitive growth, deliver Park Millbrook Technology Park for new vaccines. From pioneering Dunstable Luton Below. Oxford University COVID sustainable outcomes and IVF medical practices, to connected vaccine development. Science Park Luton Enterprise Zone machine learning that is stimulating secure inclusive job creation University of Bedfordshire human behaviour. From codebreakers Oxford University of Jenner Research Institute for the UK economy over the at , through to quantum Oxford coming decades. computing. The Arc is synonymous with Abingdon ambition, science and technology and knowledge industries. We now need Wallingford The region has an incredible tradition to enhance its economic ecosystem to New University of bringing the best minds together to better connect communities, expertise, create solutions to the most complex world-class capabilities and high- challenges. It is home to some of technology sectors. This will enable the world’s greatest innovators who innovation at scale and pace to inspire Oxford Science transform lives with their ideas, and lead the UK’s green recovery and Oxford Park entrepreneurs who have created world future in the world economy. Culham Science Centre leading products and services and Harwell Campus Oxford Brookes University researchers and academics who are at We have ambition for a Green Arc. the frontier of human discovery. We aim to be home to world-leading Pinewood Studios Milton Park Key Sites innovations that seek to address climate within the Arc change and the decline in natural capital. Where a protected and enhanced University Sites environment, natural resources and the health and wellbeing of people are Research and Technology Zones fundamental aspects of our economic ambition. The Arc’s growth will be Science Parks innovation-led and aimed at helping to solve the major economic, environmental, 19 FE College Groups health and social challenges facing the world. This will drive UK growth and create better-quality opportunities for our residents and businesses, now and in the future. 6 The Oxford-Cambridge Arc The Oxford-Cambridge Arc 7

The Arc is a highly successful, fast-growing and productive The Arc comprises network of places. Our internationally renowned cities, their neighbouring towns and rural communities, are home to vital innovation hubs that attract knowledge-led industries and 3.8 Million workers and are critical locations to support sustainable and Residents inclusive communities.

High-tech clusters and science parks and a current GVA p.a. of £111bn

2 Million Jobs

10 universities, contributing £13bn p.a. GVA2

1 International Airport

7000+ English Heritage recognised Each part of the Arc has its own distinct potential, sites underlying specialisms, cultural attractions and heritage. Our settlements are joined together with 26 local rural economies, places of natural beauty and authorities, environmental assets that have intrinsic value. covering 5 historic county areas The Arc benefits from its position at the centre of the UK transport and logistics network that connects to the , Greater , , the South West 3 local of , UK ports and global markets beyond. enterprise partnerships1 Our region’s successful places, thriving and well- connected communities are key to helping us to attract, develop and retain the skilled and talented people that 1 Combined will help drive our sustained economic future. Authority Business Board

1 emerging sub-national transport body

Left. Leading Agritech, one shared Cambridgeshire. ambition

Above. University of Northampton, Waterside Campus. 8 The Oxford-Cambridge Arc The Oxford-Cambridge Arc 9

Our vision: By 2050, the Arc will be the world leading place for high-value growth, innovation and productivity. A global hub where ideas and companies are generated and thrive, home to exemplary models of 21st century development, with a high- quality environment and outstanding quality of life, and with a strong economic focus that drives inclusive clean growth.

Our commitments Our collective ambition is significant, and we are committed to delivering genuinely transformative outcomes. We will:

Unlock investment: To enhance connectivity and innovation assets to ensure the Arc plays a leading role in Our ambition What we are about: solving big global challenges. Bold leadership: Setting and delivering Our ambition is to unlock the potential a bold and ambitious agenda for Drive economic growth: To secure of our assets to create a world leading environmentally sustainable economic positive environmental, health and innovation economy. growth within the Arc and demonstrating social change which improves the life- new routes to global economic work opportunities of local people. Using our vision, we will maximise competitiveness for the UK. the Arc’s transformative economic Promote our world-class research, potential. We will increase productivity Pioneering innovation: Spearheading innovation and technology assets: by intensifying our global strengths the adoption of new solutions emerging To strengthen the UK’s global profile. in science, technology and high-value from the Arc, and beyond, to be at the manufacturing together and contribute vanguard of new solutions for green, Above. Apprentices at Metalcraft. Transform our approach to to a doubling of GVA by 2050 to inclusive and innovation-led growth. building and delivering sustainable Below. Aerial view of Milton Keynes. Our immediate actions over £200bn3. development: For the betterment Catalytic advocacy: Enabling cross of our communities by capitalising Being a partner of choice for government sector fertilisation of ideas and securing on new technology and anchoring and investors, our immediate next steps

The Arc at work international investment to accelerate intelligent, creative and sensitive design are to: The Arc partnership will work at pace adoption of new solutions and projecting in plans, infrastructure and housing to achieve our vision. We will work our ambitious plans to a global audience. developments. Establish visible leadership: Partners collaboratively with local, national and will work to set ambitious and credible international stakeholders eager to targets that shape the scale of our explore new models of delivering the ambition. We will create a new and economic outcomes we want to see. accountable executive team which can Our focus will be on: drive forward our shared endeavours. Top. Woburn Forest, Centre Parcs. 1. South East Midlands Initiatives which have impact across Galvanise our wider partners: Seeking Above. Workstation at TWI. LEP, LEP, networked excellence by working local borders: Initiatives that maximise Buckinghamshire LEP. the collective strengths of the region. through our advocates to communicate 2. , Oxford our shared ambition and showcase our Nationally significant initiatives: Brookes University, University of strengths and opportunities among our Programmes which will reinforce Northampton, Buckinghamshire communities, businesses and investors. New University, University positive perceptions of the UK and of Buckingham, The Open have a global impact. University, Cranfield University, Progress our priority investments: University of Bedfordshire, Anglia Working closely with central government Innovation and thought leadership in Ruskin University, University of to secure critical investment for Arc Cambridge. key economic policy areas: Where the priority initiatives. Arc can set and shape the agenda to 3. This is an aggregation of the help achieve UK national priorities. four Local Industrial Strategies produced in the Arc. 10 The Oxford-Cambridge Arc The Oxford-Cambridge Arc 11

Our ask of Central channels for the future. We will continue Government to work with government, local, national and international partners to develop a Arc partners have three immediate asks suite of critical initiatives specifically for of central government which will help us the Arc that are of economic significance step up to the challenge of delivering to the UK. our vision: Our proposals will be developed, and Increased focus on the Arc’s strategic supported by strategic business cases, innovation infrastructure: Unequivocal prepared jointly by LEPs, universities, recognition that the Arc is central to national research and innovation bodies the government’s ambition under the and public and private sector partners. R&D Roadmap for the UK to be a world These will deliver increased research leading science superpower. It will, and development in key technologies therefore, have acknowledged status for and sectors leading to accelerated major innovation and R&D investment commercialisation of innovation and across our sector and industry strengths. ideas and the development of new high These are health and life sciences, electric growth businesses which will power job powered transport, space technologies, creation across the Arc and the UK. artificial intelligence and autonomous navigation and energy systems, and Arc’s strategic innovation environmental sciences. This will speed infrastructure up the commercialisation of ideas, create new products and services and lead the Innovation is strength of the Arc. Future mobility: To strengthen the Arc UK’s economic recovery. Below we summarise major areas where Arc proposals are at the forefront of as the UK’s hub for the development, Continued support for planned Arc- R&D expertise: testing and rollout of Connected based projects: For example, emerging and Autonomous Vehicles (CAV) plans for east-west connectivity, the Life Science innovation network: To and underpinning technologies. electrification and digitisation of road and build on the world-leading capability This would build on activity such as rail infrastructure and a step change in of the clusters around Oxford emissions testing at Millbrook Proving active travel infrastructure. and Cambridge, which have been Ground, CAV testing at Cranfield and central to the UK’s response to the Milton Keynes, the national CAV test Establishment of an Arc-governed COVID-19 crisis. The scientific and centre at Culham Science Park and the investment channel: We need more business community’s response to pioneering work of companies such as direct and efficient investment channels UK Space Gateway: To maximise the challenge of developing a vaccine Oxbotica and Latent Logic in Oxford to match our ambitions. This support the global potential of the Harwell and antibody therapy for COVID-19 and TWI in Cambridge. needs to be in the form of flexible Space Cluster, the largest in Europe, has demonstrated the importance of funding for capital and revenue to build and rocket propulsion and testing collaboration and sharing of resources. Zero-carbon energy: To accelerate collaborative business cases, unlock local capability at Westcott Venture Park to The Life Sciences Innovation Network solutions to tackle climate change public and private sector funding and to position the UK as a market leader in will facilitate increased opportunities and enable us to advance towards secure delivery. space technologies and applications for greater collaboration, accelerate a zero carbon Arc we aim to build to meet the national ambition for a innovation and commercialisation and on leading collaborations between 10% share of the global space market. Investment propositions power the scaling up of high growth industry and academia through Investments include a new space spinout companies within and beyond national energy systems demonstrator The dynamic nature of innovation and accelerator for spinouts and scale the Arc. This will support and level pilots in Oxfordshire, hydrogen world leading research and development up companies, an AI Lab to harness 4 up local economies by creating new research at Cranfield, the trialling in the Arc provides the basis for an machine learning and 5G technology opportunities across the Arc that bring and testing of hydrogen fuel in HGVs investment return to government to transform the satellite value chain. high technology, high quality, high at Chelveston and world leading in the order of £4 for every £1 of This includes in-orbit servicing, remote value jobs to towns and cities across research in fusion technology at public expenditure. This will further diagnostics and data acquisition the Arc. Culham Science Centre, home of the catalyse increased value across the UK processing and new Disruptive UK Atomic Energy Authority. We economy through new inter-regional Innovative Space Centres (DISC) to Sustainable aviation: To forge a will new solutions in energy collaborations, increased expenditure in provide open access specialist facilities research and development and creation pathway towards zero-carbon aviation, management, battery technology, with dedicated ‘upstream assets’ of new supply chain opportunities across delivering a leadership position for the renewables and clean forms of energy. (rockets, satellites) and ‘downstream the country. UK in the evolving global market of This will revolutionise how the UK applications’ in health, energy transport ‘green’ aviation. At the heart of this will generates power for residential, and agritech. The Arc needs to have a clear shared be three networked and collaborative industrial and commercial use and form identity: one which collectively promotes world-class academic partnerships with new technology sectors which will be industry and innovators: the UK Zero Top. JET, fusion energy at Culham the connected assets and opportunities Science Park. exportable and market leading. We across the functional economic area Carbon Airport and Aviation Centre, will continue to develop and spread and, is empowered to deliver. To fulfil based at Cranfield’s Global Research Above. Rolls Royce – Cranfield the benefits of our world-leading our potential, we need to be recognised Airport, the Oxford Thermofluids and University flight simulator. research to other UK regions through by government and stakeholders as the Energy Institute and the National 4. BEIS and Cambridge programmes such as STEP (a staged Econometrics, (2020), channel for Arc priority investments, with Centre for Propulsion and Power at the Macroeconomic Modelling of the programme to design and build the committed and dedicated Arc funding New Whittle Laboratory in Cambridge. 2.4% R&D Target. world’s first compact fusion reactor). 12 The Oxford-Cambridge Arc The Oxford-Cambridge Arc 13

Arc engineering and The interplay between the high technology Arc’s research excellence, excellence trace back technical testing assets and to pre WWII. commercialisation excellence enables successful collaboration with innovative businesses Early professional motorsport to create green focused on aerodynamics and weight- mobility solutions reduction, and shifted to racing on designated circuits established on disused airfields, such as Silverstone. Detailed business cases for the innovation infrastructure priorities are being developed. With a clear Silverstone has a global reputation focus on achieving at least a net-zero synonymous with high-performance, now carbon footprint together with net central to a cluster of over 4000 advanced tech firms ‘Motorsport valley’. environmental gain and net biodiversity gain by 2050, our aim is to create the assets required to stimulate the Local engineering and high-tech excellence innovation needed to realise our bring niche skills, cutting edge assets and capabilities. These are platforms full economic potential. to drive innovation in multiple sectors. In the immediate term, we need revenue Arc clusters are at forefront of support to on these business cases, Connected and Autonomous Vehicle by providing local, dedicated capacity technologies and testing, including and capability. Longer-term investment RACE at Culham Science Centre, Arc expertise is critical to future greener Human Drive which is using AI channels, will give confidence to investors mobility options, with specialisations in technology to provide human-like and emerging businesses. innovative technology, new fuels, engines control and perception. and propulsion and low carbon engineering. Enabling infrastructure The five innovation investment areas have the potential to advance current thinking and transform the UK with Arc investment fund: a fund to provide opportunities for commercialisation and new finance, equity and investment the creation of new highly skilled jobs. mechanisms to support and accelerate The Arc has centres of excellence in the growth in the next generation technical testing and electric vehicle innovation To provide the environment for these of innovative start-up and scale-up including the JRM centre for Low Carbon automotive technologies and Intertek’s European initiatives to flourish and succeed, we also businesses across the region, which can Centre for high voltage EV propulsion systems, need to invest in underlying infrastructure pioneer new ideas and translate these along with BP Chargemaster’s expansion. in its widest sense. This includes business into successful commercial enterprises. support, skills development, digital, rail and road connectivity, energy, water Internationalisation programme: to and the environment. It is important to promote the Arc’s investor potential The Arc’s future mobility Arc residents and businesses will benefit ensure that everyone in the Arc, whether in key global markets, aligned to our Top. Connected and autonomous strengths have major growth from efficient and sustainable transport in towns, cities or rural areas, has the world leading technologies and sector vehicle testing systems, provided by and trading potential. Global connecting towns, cities and rural skills and opportunities to engage in our strengths, accelerate and deepen Cranfield University. CAV market worth £907bn areas through demand-responsive potential economic prosperity. UK export opportunities for Arc by 2035. transport, technology solutions to fuel Above. Person working with freight and solutions for local firms and attract international capital red robot at Intelligent automation supply chain logistics. Business growth and investment to support critical science lab, Aerospace Integration Research Centre. commercialisation and infrastructure development. It The Arc’s high technology will build on the work already Business scale up programme: focused sector has proved its being carried out through a partnership on providing a world class leadership, innovation and adaptability between LEPs and the Department for in recent months as business coaching and high-performance International Trade. responded to the COVID-19 support programme to SMEs with high crisis. Although working growth potential, drawing on successful to the R&D Roadmap, R&D Arc will be a leader models operating in other leading in zero emission travel suffered during the last and freight, promoted recession. Today, we must international locations. on a global platform. ensure innovation excellence is not set back significantly by the current downturn. 14 The Oxford-Cambridge Arc The Oxford-Cambridge Arc 15

Connectivity Skills We will work with government to Digital infrastructure: An area based on A dynamic and responsive skills enhance building regulations that align innovation requires exceptional digital system: To build on the successful pilot to sustainability principles, and actively infrastructure. We need to accelerate in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough reduce our carbon footprint, water the roll-out of full-fibre and 5G to better to transfer unused apprenticeship and energy consumption in new and connect rural locations, stimulate digital levy resources from larger employers existing commercial and housing stock. innovation to facilitate new learning for investment in SMEs. Extending A dedicated Town Deals Fund for the solutions and working patterns. this across the Arc will support the Arc will test ways to rejuvenate and development of a more responsive modernise our town centres of the : It is essential to deliver skills system which creates new future. the agglomeration effects of better employment pathways for young connectivity across the Arc in a people, aligned to the skills needs Green Arc: To double the amount of sustainable way. To this end, the whole of businesses. This will significantly land actively managed for nature by East West Rail project, electrified to increase Levy utilisation and the 2050 by establishing a Doubling Nature meet our de-carbonised transport number of apprenticeships. This will be Fund to protect and enhance the objectives, must be delivered as soon supplemented by an efficient source of environment and increase investment as possible. high-quality advice for young people on in natural capital assets working with their learning and work choices aligned major landowners and our important East west road connectivity: to our sector strengths, building on the agriculture sector across the Arc, Future roads will be designed to joint LEPs-Careers Enterprise Company building on the ambition already set in accommodate the needs of all users Skills Hubs model. Cambridgeshire and being delivered in including cyclists and pedestrians pilot projects across the Arc. and enable the use of innovative and New STEM focused institutions: Such sustainable methods of travel such as as new universities in Milton Keynes Environmental enhancements: To electric vehicles. Significant investment and Peterborough. MK: U is a new invest in projects, such as the Bedford is already committed and underway model university with a STEM focused to Milton Keynes Waterway (a scheme between Bedford and Cambridge curriculum. Milton Keynes’ world that has both flood alleviation and (Black Cat Roundabout, A421, A428 leading smart city credentials, which is water resource resilience benefits) and improvements). There is a need to being jointly developed by industry and the Marston Vale Forest and establish Below. Aerospace Integration Arc wide and more local Natural Capital Research Centre, Cranfield look again at the links between Oxford will complement the existing university University. and Milton Keynes in order to channel provision to provide young people with Investment Plans to inform and support investment more effectively to improve opportunities to excel in digital and the emerging Arc Spatial Framework Bottom. Apprentices at Reaction connectivity between the M40 and engineering skills. and Local Plans. Engines, Oxford. A14 and establishing the link between Arc data lab: Using data and AI to Jn 13 on the M1 and the A5 in Milton First mile – last mile connectivity: Skills capital fund: A co-investment Keynes. Improvement of the A34 is also fund comprising both capital and enhance understanding and inform There is a need to provide greater decision making around decarbonising essential to reduce congestion, improve funding certainty to support local and revenue budgets, to accelerate the safety and improve air quality. development of world class vocational transport, strategic planning and regional sustainable and innovative investment, environmental protection forms of transport to link the strategic education facilities, including Further Education Colleges, to help to and infrastructure planning. The Arc road and rail networks with our Data Lab would host a network of businesses in towns and cities. Active strengthen the supply of technical skills and routes to non-vocational and universities who will develop a Doctoral travel initiatives are fundamental to Training Centre to train professionals greater connectivity and these must life-long learning for the Arc’s young people and wider labour market. of the future. A ‘digital twin’ of the Arc be seen as integral to improved will be created here and will be used connectivity for the Arc – including Top. Elmswood eco-town. Place and environment to help deliver the government’s Arc connecting the places we live and Spatial Framework. work with the places we seek nature Above. MK:U development. Living labs: To integrate pioneering and well-being. The Cambridge technology and innovation developed Autonomous Metro is a good example across the Arc in mobility, healthcare, of the sort of innovative sustainable energy and sustainable design to create transport that would be fitting in flourishing communities and deliver the Arc. There are similar examples improved public service and public of low-carbon Mass Rapid Transit engagement outcomes for residents opportunities in Milton Keynes and across the region. Oxford. A dedicated and committed Arc Connectivity Innovation Fund Settlements of the future: To should be established to generate establish testbed locations to trial new viable, commercial business cases to sustainable and affordable solutions for then seek private/public investment living and working based around green funding for viable mass transit and transport hubs and modern methods active transport at scale. of construction – all settlements will be assessed against the aim of delivering

Above. Arial view of Harwell net environmental gain, net biodiversity Campus, Oxfordshire. and net zero carbon. 16 The Arc of success TheThe ArcArc ofof Successsuccess 1317

The Arc of success

Research at Oxford and Cambridge has improved The Arc is home to the UK’s the lives of millions of leading life sciences companies. Powered by globally-leading people across the world. A UK and international research institutions and new success story technologies the Arc is home to leading life science firms, and is Critical mass of commercial innovation: a breeding ground for digital health start-ups and scaleups Discovery of DNA, development Nine of the UK’s top 100 (and two of Below. Students walking around capable of transforming the of IVF treatment, gene sequencing the top 10) high growth tech firms are university campus. UK’s healthcare and technologies and the perfection of based in the Arc6. We have world leading diagnostics industry. monoclonal antibodies which underpin innovation clusters of life sciences, 6 of 10 world best-selling drugs are all aerospace, advanced manufacturing, associated with the University of Cambridge. transport, energy, creative and digital companies existing at greater scale and density here than anywhere else in the UK.

Pioneering at the frontier of discovery: Throughout history, the Arc has been the place of breakthroughs. Today, University of Oxford research has Arc scientists, entrepreneurs and unravelled the molecular structure academics are focused on solving the of penicillin, enabled the creation next generation of social, environmental, of antibiotics to treat septicaemia health and technological challenges. and meningitis, led to the invention and commercialisation of glucose sensors to Industry-government-academic Life sciences clusters are built around manage diabetes and many vaccines. partnerships are innovating in areas from nationally important assets such as the electric powered and autonomous flight A global magnet for knowledge and Rosalind Franklin Institute, Diamond to leading the fight against COVID-19. talent: 10 universities, including Oxford Light Source, the Wellcome Genome Campus, Babraham Institute and the and Cambridge which both consistently MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology. Places that attract and retain: The rank in the top four in the world. Together Arc’s global connectivity, knowledge- with our leading businesses, science based job opportunities and high- parks, Catapults and government quality natural environment and places labs, the Arc provides the UK with an make the Arc a desirable location to unrivalled concentration of world leading live and work. Enhancing our region’s academic and commercial innovation places by protecting and improving the expertise across many disciplines which environment will strengthen our offer draw international talent and creates further. We will ensure developments are innovation-led growth. The life sciences and tech sectors are rapidly merging. well-designed and sustainably built. They This can create enormous global opportunity for will be better connected and inclusive, Talented, productive & entrepreneurial: organisations that successfully fuse technologies delivering net biodiversity gain, net across these sectors alongside ICT and Below. Aylesbury Waterside The Arc’s schools, colleges and Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Theatre. environmental gain and achieving net universities work with businesses to zero carbon aims. support and train the next generation of highly skilled people, equipped with the know-how needed to drive future growth. We must build on this strength and The Arc can develop new businesses and collaboration to meet the skills and job approaches to integrate diagnostic platforms needs of the future economy. and data that can deliver transformative technologies for low cost, personalised treatments and prepare the UK for future health threats. A growth pedigree that sets us apart: The Arc has a strong track-record in creating higher value jobs for all communities in the Arc and in a wide range of sectors needed to drive Through enhanced collaboration among global growth. the Arc’s life sciences clusters, the UK can capitalise on the area’s strengths to boost the translation of research, ideas and insights through into firms across the area, able to rapidly scale innovations.

6. Centre for Cities (2016), Cities Outlook 2016. 18 The Arc of success The Arc of success 19

Providing leadership to tackle Re-imagining our long- A pioneer in digitally connected the UK’s challenges term future and open networks We will make our places, people and Alongside our strategic priorities and our The Arc has a long-term vision for investment priorities, partners recognise institutions more resilient, better transformative change. This will informed and more widely connected to the importance of the Arc’s key role in enable the UK to strengthen its global opportunities in the Arc and around the demonstrating its contribution to the very competitive standing and position the world. In practice we will: immediate issues facing the country. As economy for a long-term transition we progress our plans, partners will be ensuring our businesses, institutions, Test and develop new ideas, products eager to help address: communities and residents are able to and solutions to drive prosperity and capitalise on the emerging opportunities sustainability in the Arc, grow UK supply chains and export our know- COVID-19 recovery: The for growth, innovation and prosperity how to the rest of the world. industry and inventive and respond to the global and local capabilities of the Arc region challenges we face. Sustain a culture of openness, provide scope to lead the UK’s collaboration and transparency in our acceleration towards a greener Together, our ambition is to create a institutions and amongst our businesses and more resilient future. future for people living and working here to use the broadest range of expert Our businesses can export that is characterised in three ways: insights and continually improve the innovations in the fight against quality of what we do. COVID. But the economic A zero carbon and net environmental Create flexible, accessible and resilient damage from COVID-19 is likely and biodiversity gain corridor infrastructure to allow more people to hit the younger generation and businesses to share ideas, trade and our towns and cities. The We will become at least carbon neutral before 2050 and secure transformative globally and facilitate stronger Arc’s resilience and government collaboration between institutions economic growth through innovation, support will play a central role in and businesses. bolstering the UK’s recovery and increased productivity and a more tackling future threats. inclusive economy which furthers the Deploy leading edge digital technology potential of all our communities. to increase the range and accessibility of learning and work opportunities for EU exit: The Arc’s science people and places across the Arc. and technology strengths In practice, we will: Pioneer new and skilled workforce will be Climate change and other Above. UTC Oxfordshire. solutions in energy management, Develop our communities to allow central in strengthening the sustainability challenges: The battery technology, renewables and people to continue living and working UK’s competitive advantage Arc’s sector strengths show clean forms of energy which will in harmony with our zero carbon and as we forge new trading deals. that this region contributes revolutionise how the UK generates net environment and net biodiversity Research and development, significantly towards the global power for residential, industrial and gain ambitions. an entrepreneurial spirit and response to climate change. commercial use. This will catalyse new strengths in commercialising The Arc will urgently pursue its technology sectors which will be The destination of choice for new technologies here, will commitment to achieve global exportable and internationally talent & skills enable the UK to capitalise sustainability outcomes. We market leading. We will ensure the Arc remains and on emerging industries and will work to secure investment grows as a source of world-class skills, a international partnerships such for local innovative solutions to Attract and concentrate R&D top destination for the most able people as the European Space Agency. support the circular economy. investment on the global effort who can drive forward our commitment The region’s university and We will promote the switch to tackle climate change, natural to solve global challenges and a place business global reach enables to renewable energy supply, resource depletion, the protection where everyone can access the learning they need to realise their full potential. us to explore and break into the more efficient use and and enhancement of the natural management of waste and environment and quality of life. In practice, we will: Top. The Schrodinger Building, new markets that can secure . prosperity for the UK. resources alongside improving Champion broad-minded businesses travel choices, supporting Revolutionise our use of renewable that invest in our local talent and Middle. Person using virtual National rebalancing: The Arc is changing working practices energy to power our growth, whilst suppliers to ensure solid foundations reality headset at the UK Atomic Energy Authority. uniquely placed to play a leading and enhancing building design, embedding this into upgrades to our of our economic growth. planning and construction. This infrastructure, housing and commercial role driving change in the UK Attract upcoming talents from around Above. People walking in will enable the improvements premises to maximise resource growth dynamic. The region can the world to work in Arc institutions open spaces. support the growth potential to design and development of efficiency. sustainable communities and the and help support our innovation-led to secure better jobs for local growth plans. people, by promoting the protection and enhancement of Protect, nurture and enhance our our natural environment. capabilities of, and connecting wildlife, natural capital assets and Drive ambitious, excellence-based the assets in, our area. The green spaces to provide vital green growth in applied research and learning Inclusive growth: Inclusivity in all our universities. region can connect the growth infrastructure for the Arc. is central to the Arc and trajectory of London and the Instigate a revolution in innovative, our ambition and values. South East to the rest of the Increase resilience of our places by flexible and accessible learning that We will reduce health and country. investing in infrastructure to manage capitalises on digital channels to ensure social inequality by creating the risks of, and embed our proactive people have the skills they need to fulfil opportunities, raising response to, flooding, water resources their potential and employees have productivity through skills, and quality, sustainable energy, soil access to globally best in class lifelong infrastructure and place- degradation and air quality. learning. shaping investments. 20 Our economic priorities Our economic priorities 21

Our economic priorities Commercialisation culture Workforce of the future The Arc will stimulate a dynamic The Arc will develop top global talent in business culture which fosters the local labour market to drive future entrepreneurship, innovation, growth and unlock the potential of commercialisation and business people living and working in the area. growth at scale. To realise our Vision the Arc will pursue Future-proofed places The Arc is home to 1/3 of the six economic priorities: Oxford and Cambridge have UK’s biotech employees The Arc will create attractive places developed nine unicorn with robust connectivity that sustains The Arc has internationally leading Globally recognised proposition growth in our network of sites and businesses of $1bn+ in value plus academic institutions complemented The Arc will establish a global reputation priority sectors. a tech sector worth $57bn by a series of learning and research as a breakthrough region for innovation- organisations that work closely with led growth. Living Labs will trial and The Arc already has a strong track record of deploying its skills and know- businesses and supply thousands of well commercialise new technologies how to secure economic growth. We qualified people into the local labour Oxford University’s Jenner like Connected and Autonomous market each year. We need to expand Institute is at the heart of must accelerate and broaden our Vehicles and electric energy, successes through an enhanced focus these organisations to deliver more and Coronavirus vaccine trials smart homes and sustainable on intellectual property creation, support ever better qualified people who can help share in our ambitions for innovation living for spinouts into commercial ventures The Arc must develop and promote a and attention on scale-up enterprises and knowledge led growth. stronger identity that represents our Better connectivity is essential for aiming to reach global markets. We will unique combined proposition to investors strengthen collaboration among supply The Arc will be known for the and entrepreneurs. Our proposition will releasing the full potential of our skills needed to meet the evolving assets and people right across the Arc. chains to help small businesses scale up be based on the Arc’s quality of life offer, in size and boost commercial knowledge requirements of business and ensure innovation potential and the diversity Alongside our sub regional transport everyone living in the area can fulfil their body ‘England’s Economic Heartland’, flow to SMEs. The Arc will establish a of investment opportunities on offer for living and working testbed ready to roll- potential for success throughout their communities and businesses. the Arc will implement infrastructure working lives. The Arc universities will plans for growth. out the latest technologies for sustainable development and modern working ideas deliver training and skills provision to help The Arc will have a strong, instantly in readiness for large scale deployment. equip the future workforce. recognisable brand that is centred on its We will champion de-carbonisation of unique innovation and commercialisation the transport system, seek investment Investor ready region to innovate, test and develop our digital The Arc will be recognised as the natural strengths in industries that are shaping home for entrepreneurs and innovators The Arc will attract global investment our future. and transport infrastructure to boost our reach and unlock our commitment ambitious to realise their goals and drive to drive innovation-led economic to innovation-led growth. We aim to innovation-led growth. growth and generate new opportunities establish and sustain active and for people to work and businesses Top. A student at The Foundary, Innovation assets to prosper. connected communities which can Oxford. benefit from easy access to The Arc will deepen and better integrate employment, learning, natural, cultural Above. RAL Space, Harwell. its global innovation assets into the In the last five years, Foreign and heritage assets. economy to better establish sector Direct Investment generated and clusters that attract top global talent protected over 26,000 jobs in We will seek to address our and investment. the Arc8 Top. Academic Centre, MK Hospital. environmental constraints turning them Above. UAV Flying Lab. By 2050, the Arc will be the world to net advantages – managing flood University of Cranfield’s Project The Arc has a strong economic track risk through developing green and blue leading place for high-value growth, Fresson is spearheading the record of investment in our urban corridors. We will increase and promote innovation and productivity. A global centres, employment sites, innovation access to, and interaction with, green and development of electric flight hub where ideas and companies assets and businesses. We need to blue spaces enhanced and created. replenish our assets, strengthen our are generated and thrive, home to The Arc has a highly competitive base of sectors and clusters and a network infrastructure and upscale our businesses exemplary models of 21st century The Arc will be recognised for its of innovation centres undertaking R&D, so we can sustain a new wave of development, with a high-quality comprehensive network of green, blue supporting in commercialisation and innovation-led growth into the long term. environment and outstanding quality of and smart transport connections that facilitating business networking. We need Our appetite for growth and our potential facilitate economic growth and boost life, and with a strong economic focus to continue to strengthen our innovation to commercialise innovation needs quality of life. that drives inclusive clean growth. assets and exploit every opportunity to further investment from venture capital, harness their know-how to secure local inward investors, public sector partners economic growth and rapid expansion and sovereign wealth funds to realise into new international markets for the UK. its growth plans and fulfil its potential contribution to UK economic growth. The Arc will be recognised as having the country’s strongest portfolio of The Arc will be globally recognised universities, research centres and by investors as a secure destination knowledge-driven businesses to for investment which can deliver attract UK and international innovation good returns and unlock new globally 8. DIT (2020), ‘Inward Investment investment. competitive assets. Results 2019-20’. 22 Sector strengths Sector strengths 23

Future Energy Future Transport UK Atomic Energy RACE at Culham Authority Sector strengths Millbrook Proving Ground Culham Science Centre UK Automotive and Westcott Fuel and Battery Human Drive Cluster Connected Places Chelveston Energy Catapult Park Advanced Manufacturing Motorsport Valley Silverstone Technology The Arc clusters provide the UK with Cluster Building a new economy BMW Aviation Life Sciences strong foundations to drive growth. Oxfordshire Cryogenics Cranfield Aerospace The Arc is the UK’s leading region Cluster Integration Research Cambridge Biomedical They are innovating in high profile Centre Campus of innovation. The area’s research, disciplines on global platforms, including Luton Aviation Cluster Babraham Research technology and testing capabilities, in vaccine development, med-tech, space UK Aviation Innovation Campus Enterprise Zone Harwell Science and alongside our record in commercialising applications, connected and autonomous Digital Aviation Research Innovation Campus ideas, attracts new business, talent and and Technology Milton Park vehicles, robotics, electric and hydrogen Centre investment. This is already creating powered transport, quantum computing, significant economic value to the UK. through to artificial intelligence. Space Digital and Creative Westcott Venture Park Pinewood Studios To continue the success of spin outs Defence and Space Quantum Computing in these fields, we need to further Harwell Science and Cluster Oxford Innovation Campus connect and invest in the Arc’s business Microsoft Research ecosystem. Laboratory Milton Keynes Smart City The Arc has the capability to be a world-leader in a wide array of industries with global reach and strong Life Sciences Space growth potential. The Arc can help The strength of the Oxford to The Arc supports the largest space focus UK economic growth towards Cambridge Arc’s life sciences sector cluster in Europe. Our local base of innovation-led sectors with export has been underscored by the recent space businesses is three times more potential which help solve the urgent COVID-19 crisis. productive than the national average challenges facing society. and is rapidly growing. The application The two globally renowned life science of space-based technology such as Working with government, the Arc clusters around Oxford and Cambridge remotely sensed data and satellite needs to support: are the most productive in Europe and technology is helping humanity to better compete internationally. Specialisms understand our natural environment new enterprise and investment to include med-tech, pharmaceuticals, and improve communications to drive stimulate the next generation of genomics, biodata, diagnostics, digital the next generation of growth in digital businesses in newly emerging markets health and biomedical engineering. health, agri-tech and energy. Supported driven by the latest technological by innovative space and technology developments Oxfordshire hosts a leading bioscience research at Arc universities, developing cluster, with over 300 companies new AI, 5G and propulsion solutions, the revolutionising our mature sectors such operating in biotech, med-tech and sector has the potential to maintain a as healthcare, tourism and hospitality diagnostics, including the world leading leading edge globally. and manufacturing, logistics and supply and the national Vaccine chains to create long term higher value Manufacturing & Innovation Centre. The The space cluster at Harwell Campus sustainable employment. Cambridge life sciences cluster of 400+ employs over 1,000 people and supports companies, employ 15,500 people and 110 organisations including the European The Arc is committed to supporting Top. Students in a laboratory. contribute nearly £3bn annually to the Space Agency (ESA), the National new innovation infrastructure, enhanced UK economy. Buckinghamshire is home Satellite Testing Facility, Lockheed Martin connectivity and attractive places to Middle. Plane testing. to a growing med-tech sector, with the and Airbus Defence and Space. sustain economic growth to further Above. StreetDrone development of the Buckinghamshire Top. Glasshouse, Agriculture develop our existing sector strengths. autonomous vehicle. Life Sciences Innovation Centre. Westcott Venture Park in Technology Centre, Cranfield Highest density of R&D institutions than Buckinghamshire is home to the National University. any other UK region which provide a Propulsion Test Facility where the UK The life science clusters have the critical Above. Redbull Racing driver, vital capacity to translate innovation mass and growth potential to reach Space Agency is investing over £4 million in central MK. into commercial successes. across the Arc and rival the world’s to develop a new generation of space largest life sciences ecosystems. propulsion engines, along with a 5G Established venture capital and angel Catapult Centre. investor networks not seen elsewhere These assets are essential if the outside London. UK is to remain at the forefront of global competition in this growing, global market. 24 Sector strengths Sector strengths 25

Aviation Electric and hydrogen propulsion, The Arc has an aviation Arc was the birthplace autonomy and airspace management of the Royal Flying Corps, and aerospace technological technology are becoming increasingly underpinning that’s unique in the forerunner to the RAF. the UK. important drivers of competitiveness in the aviation market. This will be at the forefront of the UK’s aviation role in Cranfield University is a research-airport reducing carbon emissions with a global reputation operating at the and working to a carbon zero economy. forefront of aerospace technology and engineering. It is home to the Aerospace Integration Research Centre, Cranfield Proliferation of RAF bases enabled Aerospace Solutions and the Aerospace the development of enterprise zones Technology Institute. Together with and innovation parks, including the new Digital Aviation Research Cranfield University – and the unique Global Research Airport. and Technology Centre (DARTeC), Cranfield is the nation’s flagship research Digital and creative institution in the Future Flight aerospace Digital innovation is driving rapid sector deal. The Arc is also home to progress in artificial intelligence, robotics, The Arc offers a gateway the Whittle Laboratory in Cambridge, cybersecurity, advanced quantum to the R&D capability across which is the world’s most academically computing, the internet of things (IoT), the UK via the UK Aerospace successful laboratory in the field of Research Consortium. virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality aerospace propulsion and to Oxford (AR). The Arc is already on the map as a Thermofluids Institute, which is world major centre for application and testing leading in its research in heat transfer and in these technologies which complement thermal systems – both essential for the our strong foundations in creative, digital New activity includes £65m introduction of zero carbon flight. Digital Aviation Research and and ICT. Technology Centre and Aviation Top. Digital Aviation Research and technology Enterprise Zone. As well as having the UK’s fastest Oxford supports 4,700 businesses Technology Centre. growing major airport, the Luton Airport with strengths in gaming, software Above. Drone flight. cluster is one of the top three hubs for development, cybersecurity, high Arc-based companies lead business aviation services, specialising performance computing and film and TV. It is also leading in quantum industry consortium-government in aircraft maintenance. programmes to reduce readiness and is the home of the new carbon in flight. National Quantum Computing Hub at Harwell Campus.

Cambridge also has a strong IT and Applying R&D expertise and developing digital technology sector and is home to manufacturing capacity offers prospects of world-leading position in developing several award-winning games companies medium - scale electric aircraft. including Microsoft’s first lab outside the US, along with Google, Amazon and Apple. At heart will be the UK’s Zero Carbon Airport and aviationcentre, supporting Milton Keynes is a testbed for AI the development of a mature supply chain innovation at the heart of the Arc. to scale innovation and the UK’s most The Smart City has over 1,000 people sustainable airport, London Luton. with direct AI or machine learning skills and is home to over 6,000 software The UK aerospace industry engineers and 4,000 data engineers. supports 120,000 highly skilled The city is working to integrate real time jobs and with an annual turnover of £35bn. data and deploy the UK’s first dedicated 5G Network to trial applications in It is the third largest aviation mobility, health and energy solutions. sector in the world, behind only the The city has the world’s largest fleet of US and China. delivery autonomous robots and has The UK will be recognised Two significant challenges face clear scope to be a global destination for as a world-leader in the industry: New global partnerships future waves of innovation-led growth in sustainable aviation and regulation following EU Exit and the application of AI. products, skills and markets threat to sector as we respond to worth over £500bn. lockdown travel restrictions and economic shock. The creative cluster at Pinewood is globally renowned for its state-of-the-art film, TV and gaming production and development. 26 Sector strengths Sector strengths 27

Advanced manufacturing Future energy In easy reach to and from London, The Arc’s advanced manufacturing Energy is central to the green Arc historically the Arc was home to many cluster is known for high-performance vision for carbon neutrality by 2050 of the secretive war locations where technology and motorsport engineering. and the UK’s Clean Growth Grand scientific acumen could be challenged, Arc’s creative and data We have specialisation in the design and Challenge. Oxford is developing excellence combined with tested and applied. world-class expertise manufacture of innovative technology, future energy systems at scale in high in space and satellites engines and products that incorporate capacity batteries and intelligent battery technologies is powering the low carbon engineering and the management systems at the Culham UK’s global opportunities in These sites are now home to major application of lightweight materials Centre for Fusion Energy and the rapidly growing sectors. advanced-technology clusters, and composites. Faraday Institution. including space, data and creative industries. These are leading in the Motorsport Valley is a £6bn global The Arc is also home to Westcott development and deployment of disruptive technologies (AI, 5G and propulsion). cluster of automotive, motorsport and in Buckinghamshire with it specific advanced manufacturing companies capabilities around hydrogen fuel cell extending from Northamptonshire to testing and development, and renewable energy generation is being pioneered in Oxfordshire. Silverstone is at the heart several locations including Chelveston of the advanced manufacturing sector, Renewable Energy Park which integrates testing facilities for materials and high energy consumer businesses vehicles and the world-famous with large scale on-site renewable F1 Circuit. energy generation and storage facilities The Arc contains the largest space alongside include renewable hydrogen cluster in Europe. Harwell Campus connects Related capabilities in defence, over 110 organisations that enable the It has several universities with world- production capacity. commercialisation and deployment leading space capabilities, including electronic sensors, medical devices, of space innovation. This includes the Oxford, Buckingham and Cambridge food and drink and technologies such as In fusion, the region is home to three and two pioneer universities for space European Space Agency, European Centre for Cryogenics, in which Oxford is a world different approaches making it unique: Satellite Applications & Telecommunications, applications, The Open University and Cranfield. These with links to Arc-based leader, are critical to underpin our longer- they are led by First Light Fusion, Disruptive Innovation for Space Centre, term competitive potential in high value UK Space Agency and Rutherford Appleton drone and aerospace capabilities Tokamak Energy and the Culham Laboratory Space. and are complemented by emerging manufacturing and engineering. Centre for Fusion Energy. The cluster propulsion and 5G facilities at Westcott. is supported by technical research, a Future transport Superconductivity Centre, a Cryogenics Below. ICEoxford Cryogenic The Arc’s expertise in future green cluster and technical innovators. engineering work experience. mobility options is built upon specialist Global space companies such as Airbus Defence and Space, Thales Alenia Space and Lockheed Martin expertise in the design and manufacture have established presence at Harwell, joined by of innovative propulsion systems that rapidly growing businesses. Leading companies incorporate low carbon engineering. including Airbus, ARM and Reaction Engines are present in the Arc to catalyse new developments, alongside The Arc has the credentials to lead the a burgeoning start-up community and with investment from global tech companies. UK’s push for global prominence in connected autonomous vehicles (CAV), The UK space sector has trebled in size since 2000, and remains a major growth area. The UK building on its expertise in robotics and aims to capture 10% of the global market that autonomous systems (RAS) in which could be $1tn revenue by 2040. RACE at Culham Science Centre is a key UK centre of excellence, alongside the Millbrook Proving Ground which is Arc capabilities are transforming employing 5G technology for innovative industry sectors. The Arc provides Arc R&D and specialisation includes more opportunities for space and AI astrophysics, in-space systems and satellite real-time autonomous vehicle trials to join, develop,scale and deploy enabled services on , as well as new solutions. concentrations in data science, AI and Milton Keynes is home to the UK’s most autonomy. Notable deployments of advanced EV charging infrastructure technologies include Oxford software guiding Mars rovers and Cranfield and an EV experience centre, while the autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles. Multiuser Environment Autonomous Vehicle Innovation project at Cranfield and Northampton’s 1.5-mile route for fully autonomous vehicles can help transform our know-how into world leading technological solutions.

Connecting to recent Government investment, and with further support the Arc can develop talent and build on the unique research, testing capabilities and innovation to respond to the Government’s intention to be at the forefront of Space. 28 Sector strengths A call for action 29

Connecting threads A call for action The Arc’s strengths are concentrated in innovation-led and highly productive sectors. They draw on a set of shared technologies, skills and assets. The The Arc has significant strengths and transformative Arc is determined to further deepen economic potential. The Arc is the UK’s leading region for the connections between its priority sectors and innovation assets to research, development and commercial exploitation of deliver networked excellence. We have shown that connecting businesses, innovation. We have world-renowned assets, talent and a academia and clusters across industries recognised track-record in globally significant discoveries stimulates new ideas, collaboration and technologies that have a dynamic effect and industrial breakthroughs. on growth and productivity. We have the environment to develop, apply and test new solutions across other sector challenges and create efficiencies for businesses. The Arc has the ability to lead the UK as it drives further waves of: The Arc Leadership will pursue We can bring forward our energy and our innovation-led growth to help solve vision, we can unlock co-investment and Green growth: securing low carbon major, urgent environmental, health and we can deliver success, but we need full solutions that minimise depletion of social challenges, and at the same time, government backing to do so. precious resources. drive UK competitiveness and local prosperity. In partnership with the government, Innovation-led growth: promoting the Arc can double its economy by 2050 technology and know-how to develop We have established a vision for to over £200bn. With committed and new products and processes that help sustainable and inclusive growth that sustained support, this can be achieved solve the world’s greatest challenges. will be an exemplar of net zero and net through science, technology and high gain approaches and have assembled a value manufacturing, which will drive green, inclusive and innovation-led Inclusive growth: creating new partnership to harness the assets that growth supporting our local communities, opportunities for new talents to be together make the Arc the UK’s obvious harnessed which allow more people to the country and the world. We will be an choice for investment in future growth. exemplar for other regions in the UK with realise their full potential and make a Above. Volante Vision concept, the investment here spreading benefits contribution to growth. This economic prospectus sets out Rolls Royce, Aston Martin, Cranfield across the UK as a whole. Aerospace Solutions. our plan to work with UK government Alongside the area’s innovation to make the UK a world-leader in new Left. University of Bedfordshire, sector strengths, the Arc will continue The Oxford to Cambridge Arc is a technology and industries in zero-carbon Luton. to develop and support the cross- genuine global asset and a national aviation, space, life sciences, future investment priority. With determined sector collaboration among the area’s mobility and energy. With investment, Below. Entrance to Pinewood leadership and financial backing, the Studios, Buckinghamshire. growing and enabling sectors, such as we can better connect and realise the care, learning, logistics and the visitor Arc can deliver for the UK. potential of the critical mass of assets economy. These crucial sectors provide and know-how created by our area’s employment opportunities for many people, businesses and institutions. We and underpin the successes of the rest aim to be a testbed for new ways of living of our economy. and working including by demonstrating net zero and net gain are achievable and These foundational sectors also have economically beneficial. This will unlock scope for huge transformation as the connected potential across our sector technology and new business practices strengths to propel the Arc and the transform traditional business models. UK into an era of global growth at the The Arc will harness innovation in vanguard of innovation. technology rich sectors and apply this The Arc’s economic potential is great to mature industries to help them but we are very early in the life cycle innovate and create new jobs. of regional maturity. We now need government backing and investment from across to help us clearly establish our nationally significant status and to develop robust and committed investment channels so that we may upgrade critical parts of our infrastructure and to secure the future competitive edge of our knowledge assets.