Our work equipped the university with a clear evidence base and actionable recommendations to ensure the Schwarzman Centre strengthens Oxfordshire’s economy, skills base and cultural life. 

We reviewed skills development and training provision across the county, identifying gaps in expertise, facilities and technologies. Alongside this, we analysed the role of the creative industries in Oxfordshire’s economy, mapping their strengths and future potential. 

Through extensive consultation with education providers, public agencies and creative businesses, we identified barriers to growth and opportunities for deeper collaboration. Benchmarking against comparable international institutions provided models of effective regional engagement that could be adapted for Oxford. 

The resulting framework gave Oxford University a roadmap for aligning the Schwarzman Centre’s objectives with local needs, building sustainable partnerships and maximising its contribution as a cultural and economic anchor for both the university and the region.