Oxford ranked third most intensive science and innovation cluster in the world | University of Oxford
The index establishes clusters through analysis of patent-filing activity and scientific article publication, documenting the geographical areas around the world with the highest density of inventors and scientific authors. This data forms part of the latest GII, which is due to be published in full later this month (Sept 27).
The Oxford cluster, which covers an approximate 5-10k radius from the centre of Oxford, filed 2,934 PCT patent applications and published 34,176 scientific articles, both per 1 million inhabitants over the last five years, making it the third science and technology cluster by intensity (relative to population density) in 2023. This year Cambridge took the top spot, followed by San Jose, San Francisco, in second place.
I am thrilled to see Oxford recognised as a leading science and technology cluster and I am extremely proud of the role that the University plays in catalysing innovation through its incredible research and talented people. Together with partners across the Oxfordshire ecosystem, such as Oxford University Innovation and Oxford Science Enterprises, alongside investment from the private sector nationally and internationally, we are working to create more space, more opportunities, and secure more investment to provide the optimum environment to accelerate innovation so that we continue to make global impact.
Professor Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor
The University of Oxford is a cornerstone of Oxford’s thriving innovation ecosystem which has grown and developed substantially in recent years. Oxford is the highest university patent filer in the UK and is ranked first in the UK for university spinouts. It has created 300 new companies since 1959, with over a third of these companies created in the last five years.
The GII science and technology clusters are one element in the larger GII, which takes the pulse of the most recent trends in global innovation. The report ranks the innovation ecosystem performance of economies around the globe each year, while highlighting innovation strengths and weaknesses and particular gaps in innovation metrics.
The GII was founded in 2007 by Soumitra Dutta, who is now Dean of the Said Business School at the University of Oxford. He said: “In today’s age of breakneck technological advances and significant environmental challenges, our unique global pulse check on the state of innovation has never been more important. Over the last 16 years, we have seen the GII help to shape the innovation policies and agenda in many countries, and this year will be no exception. It is pleasing to release this snapshot, ahead of our full publication, not least with a result that highlights the extraordinary impact Oxford has on the world.”
Cluster Highlights: Oxford, Cambridge & London
The United Kingdom has 3 clusters within the GII 2023 top 100 science and technology cluster ranking: Oxford, Cambridge and London.