Plans to create 30,000 new jobs and attract £1 billion a year in investment to Oxfordshire
A new strategy also aims to make 20 billion-dollar companies in the county by 2035
Plans to create 30,000 new jobs and attract more than £1 billion a year in investment to Oxfordshire over the next decade have been unveiled.
The new Equinox 2035 Strategy also aims to create 20 unicorn companies – businesses valued at more than $1 billion – as part of efforts to make the county a global leader in innovation.
The strategy has been launched at the House of Commons at an event hosted by Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds.
Helping young people into work
Equinox, which stands for Equitable Innovation Oxford, is a partnership bringing together universities, businesses, investors, local authorities and communities.
Dr Olga Kozlova, CEO of Equinox, said the plans could create jobs for people with a wide range of skills and qualifications.
"The companies that are located here and are growing here will hire people and not just PhD level jobs. They will hire administrators, technicians, they will offer apprenticeships and placements," she said.
"There are opportunities for young people and communities across Oxfordshire to find really high quality and interesting jobs within Oxfordshire rather than moving away."
She added that they are exploring plans for an online portal where young people could find jobs, apprenticeships, internships and work placements in one place and could include support and feedback on their applications.
Building on Oxfordshire's strengths
Oxfordshire is already home to around 3,000 high-tech businesses employing approximately 30,000 people.
The county has major science and research centres, including Harwell and Culham, as well as the University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University.
Dr Kozlova said the new strategy aims to build on strengths in areas including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, medical technology and climate innovation.
"The technologies that we are working on are actually able to address some of the biggest global challenges," she said.
More than 100 organisations have already signed up to the Equinox Charter, with partners working on projects to support businesses and local communities.
Plans also include creating a dedicated inward investment unit to make it easier for international companies and investors to establish a presence in Oxfordshire.
Making sure everyone benefits
Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds welcomed the ambitions but said the benefits of growth must reach people across the county.
She said: "Thirty thousand new jobs would represent a huge opportunity for Oxfordshire, but only if people across our communities can see a route into them.
"That means investing in skills and apprenticeships, creating good jobs and making sure that young people growing up here can see a future for themselves in Oxfordshire's innovation economy."
The strategy also aims to attract investment from 10 major US venture capital funds and 10 UK pension funds, while encouraging more high-growth businesses to remain in the county.