Cambridgeshire and Peterborough sits at the beating heart of the UK’s innovation economy.
It’s where breakthroughs happen. From the discovery of DNA’s structure to today’s advances in AI, quantum computing, and life sciences, the area has an unparalleled ability to generate world-changing ideas. As Mayor, I see this pioneering economy first-hand. From surgical robots and revolutionary medical advances to new climate-resilient food crops, we are creating tomorrow’s world today.
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s role in the UK’s innovation economy
So, when the Chancellor Rachel Reeves touts the Oxford to Cambridge brain-belt as the UK’s answer to Silicon Valley, she’s right. We already have the ingredients and ambition to drive a science and technology superpower – we just need to unlock it.
What makes this region special is hard to replicate elsewhere. A fusion of world-class academia, cutting-edge research institutions, and exciting businesses – both global giants and ambitious startups – fuels both discovery and, crucially, the commercialisation of breakthrough ideas. The Cambridge Cluster alone turns over £51bn and has seen 5.7 per cent employment growth in knowledge-intensive industries.
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s growth is a global, not local, story
Our rivals are not Oxford or Manchester, but Boston, Paris, and Singapore. In a world where capital and talent are mobile, Britain must ensure that Cambridgeshire and Peterborough remains a compelling choice. We cannot be complacent.
We want Britain to lead in the industries of tomorrow, and with the right support from government, and new powers for the combined authority that I lead, we can spearhead the country’s charge for economic growth.
This region is projected to create 600,000 new jobs by 2036. It’s already home to global names that define modern industry. We must retain the ARMs and AstraZenecas of today while creating the conditions for the unicorns of tomorrow.
The world isn’t standing still. Countries across Europe, the US, and Asia are investing aggressively in their innovation ecosystems. They understand that the breakthroughs of today will determine economic leadership tomorrow.
‘Let’s face it, the OxCam Arc has been talked about for many years, but with little progress made. Mayors have built a track record of making things happen” – Dr Nik Johnson, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
I believe the current Government understands this too. A science superpower won’t emerge by itself. The stark reality is that innovation will go where it is best supported, and we do not want to watch as the commercialisation of world-changing discoveries only happens elsewhere in the world.
And that’s why the Oxford to Cambridge Arc is a critical opportunity. It’s a chance to align investment, infrastructure, and talent across a high-growth corridor, ensuring that the UK can compete on the world stage.
But we need more.
Infrastructure investment: Unlocking Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s full potential
It has been encouraging to hear the Government’s support for making the Arc work, underpinned by initiatives like East-West Rail.
For Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to thrive, we must remove the barriers that hold it back. Infrastructure constraints don’t just limit our potential, they pose a national economic risk.
As well as the welcome backing of East West Rail, we need further investment in our economic foundation – our energy, water, and housing.
It was highly encouraging to hear the Chancellor commit in her speech in January to the Fens Reservoir. Water supply, particularly around Cambridge, is a major bottleneck to sustainable growth. And she welcomed the University of Cambridge’s ambition for a new innovation hub, set to drive the next wave of breakthroughs.
“Plainly put, areas like the Fens haven’t seen the benefits of Cambridge’s growth. They want growth, they have the headroom for it and they need the opportunity” – Dr Nik Johnson, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
The return on this investment is substantial. Take the Ely Area Capacity Enhancements project – a rather dry name – but critical for our rail infrastructure. Upgrading this pinch point would unlock 2,900 additional freight services and 277,000 passenger journeys, benefitting the entire UK, including businesses in the Midlands and the North. Initial projections are that for every £1 invested, almost £5 is returned to the economy.
But our future prosperity cannot rest with Whitehall alone; regions must be better empowered to power up growth. Mayors and combined authorities stand ready to do much more. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has already put metro mayors at the forefront of national and economic renewal, with the recent Devolution White Paper setting out the details.
Let’s face it, the OxCam Arc has been talked about for many years, but with little progress made. Mayors have built a track record of making things happen. Greater devolution of powers, integrated settlements, and fiscal levers won’t just help mayors support the delivery of projects of this scale, they will also ensure they work for the people who live and work here.
Because the push for growth shouldn’t leave communities behind. Plainly put, areas like the Fens haven’t seen the benefits of Cambridge’s growth. They want growth, they have the headroom for it and they need the opportunity. Working with our local authorities, public services, businesses, and other groups, as we already do extensively, will help a project like the Arc to be more inclusive.
Why Cambridgeshire and Peterborough must lead the UK’s innovation future
Sustainable growth still matters. Creating healthy, pleasant places to live should be integral to what success looks like – putting less pressure on the environment, creating more space for nature, and building resilience to climate change.
The UK has a choice. We can double down on our strongest assets and invest to make Cambridgeshire and Peterborough part of a global belt of science, technology, and innovation. Or we can hesitate and watch other countries accelerate ahead.
Opportunity clearly knocks, so let’s seize it.
