Consultant – Innovation and Enterprise Organisation of Private and Public Investors for Innovation in the Oxford Region Paul A Bradstock OBE, DL Consultant – Innovation and Enterprise p.bradstock@btinternet.com

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Oxfordshire & The South East of England (SEEDA) 8 million people (4m) GDP £145bn, 16%UK £28bn exports 30% Goverment R&D 25% Business R&D Gateway to Europe Oxfordshire 632,000 people, (344) GVA per head c£21k 1400 technology firms Market cap £2.5bn >£500m pa R&D Harwell Campus

Sectors Defined as High-Tech Biotech & pharmaceuticals Computer equipment Electrical equipment Electronic equipment Instruments, medical & optical equipment Motorsport; automotive engineering/design Aerospace Advanced materials Precision engineering Telecommunications Software, web/internet & other computer services Research & development Technical consultancy, testing/analysis

“My message to you is that one needs to know ones strengths and build on them using networking as a force.” Milton Keynes

The Oxford Trust “for the encouragement of the study and application of science and technology” Oxford Innovation Ltd Oxfordshire Biotechnet Ltd Oxfordshire Investment Opportunity Network Ltd Founded 1985 Abstract The role of an independent charitable foundation in encouraging economic growth through science and technology is described. The importance of building strong local networks of public and private sector actors around the processes of business incubation is discussed. Examples from Oxfordshire are offered. The messages are that a region should “know its strengths and build on them” and that to achieve this networking is the most effective tool. Introduction Good afternoon/evening ladies and gentlemen, it is an honour to be invited to speak to you. Over the next 40 minutes or so I will offer a brief account of the work of TOT to trigger some ideas about economic development linked to the knowledge base. Of course Oxfordshire and Milton Keynes have quite different strengths in their economies, my message to you is that one needs to know ones strengths and build on them using networking as a force. I will draw on the example of The Oxford Trust and Oxfordshire to demonstrate this to you. First some brief facts about the Trust TOT is an independent foundation, funded by “endowment”. It is a company and it has charitable status. Its mission is to encourage the study and application of science and technology by promoting economic development through STI enthusing young people in STI It was the brainchild of Sir Martin Wood FRS and his wife Audrey. They founded Oxford Instruments in the late 50’s. it went public in 1983. I have been CEO since it was founded in 1985.

Oxford Centre for Innovation

Definition… Incubation is a unique and highly flexible combination of business development processes, infrastructure and people, designed to nurture and grow new and small businesses by supporting them through the early stages of development and change. Reducing dependency Increasing sustainability

Incubator summary Help Entrepreneurs to get started Find them an early source of income Provide a desk and telephone in a lively office Lend them credibility Treat them as colleagues