The 'Arc' Knight Rises

Introduction

Oxford and Cambridge are world-famous university towns, steeped in history and academic success. For example, it was in Cambridge that Sir Isaac Newton discovered the laws of gravity, whilst more recently the efforts of Oxford scientists in collaboration with pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca have resulted in the development of a crucial vaccine in the fight against COVID-19. Oxford and Cambridge have always been hubs of technological advancement - and this looks set to continue.      

In support of this, the area between Oxford, Milton Keynes and Cambridge, the so-called Oxford-Cambridge Arc, has been specifically recognised by the government as an important area for future economic growth. In a report by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (see here), the area is described as containing "globally renowned universities, at the heart of a business, science and technology ecosystem that makes it one of the most exciting economic