The Cluster Concept

A Cluster is a geographic concentration of interconnected businesses and associated institutions in a particular field who collaborate for commercial benefits.

The OxIT Cluster was formed by The Oxfordshire Information Technology Enterprise Network in 2003 with funding by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) to bring together IT businesses, research organisations and universities based in Oxfordshire, and the supporting specialist suppliers and service providers. It currently comprises over 150 member organisations.

Benefits

The OxIT Cluster encourages collaboration between business, public sector and research establishments to increase the competitiveness of the I.T.C. sector in Oxfordshire. Membership of OxIT is open to individuals, companies and other organisations whose main business is I.T. based, and to those who are involved with and wish to keep up to date with developments in I.T.C.

By joining the OXIT Cluster you will significantly enhance your strategic marketing capability; helping you identify changes in the market that will effect your business, helping you develop new products and services and helping you raise your profile.

OxIT also gives your company or organisation access to the collective resources, skills and talent of the region’s I.T.C. sector. Our members use the Cluster to:

•find solutions •bring new ideas to market •establish and raise their profile in the marketplace •access low-cost advice for business and project initiatives •connect with new skills and expertise •share the cost of project and product development

Membership of OxIT also includes the following valuable benefits:

• Partnerships with the public sector including access to funding and training opportunities. OxIT is also lobbying for more access to government I.C.T. projects for the regions ICT companies

• Membership Directory – promote your organisation on the OxIT Cluster website - www.oxit-cluster.org.uk

• Marketing and PR - Blitz PR is now retained to promote OxIT and our membership via regional and national channels

• Inclusive seminars and workshops to provide information, advice and support from the experts on both general business issues and technical IT issues that are essential for business growth

• Inclusive networking events that enable OxIT members to interact with other similar member organisations and potential customers, creating opportunities to share knowledge and create new business

• Direct access to relevant academic research from Oxfordshire’s world renowned academic institutions. The core of your next world beating product may already be the focus of the best brains in Britain

• Collaboration Do you have an idea for a collaborative opportunity? OxIT Cluster member organisations represent a wide range of skills and experience and are ready and willing to collaborate with others for the benefit of all parties. The Cluster can provide a level playing field through facilitating the process.

• All membership fees are sponsored by SEEDA until March 31 2005. So join now and enjoy all the benefits of membership of OxIT free of charge.(Membership fees for 2005-06 to be announced)

Management

The OxIT Cluster is managed by an elected Steering Group, and comprises representatives from IT businesses, universities, research organisations and specialist suppliers and service providers within IT.

Champion

Professor Malcolm McDonald, Emeritus Professor of Marketing at Cranfield School of Management is Champion for the OxIT Cluster.

A long time supporter of the use of IT in marketing, and until recently Professor of Marketing and Deputy Director Cranfield School of Management with special responsibility for e-business, Malcolm aims to help IT businesses to develop and implement processes that facilitate collaboration and co-ordination of resources across an extended enterprise network.

"Given' Oxfordshire’s innate brilliance, it deserves better recognition and, as a former Oxford scholar, I am keen to do all I can to promote OxIT’s reputation and commercial success."

Strategic Partners

Academia

Spinning out software from their research people Working with students to develop and commercialise new products

Public procurement

With permission we could identify those we work with and how we work with them.

Research

Spinning out software from their research people

Sponsors

The OxIT Cluster is sponsored by SEEDA, Manches, and the Oxford Science Park. Additional sponsors are always welcome. Please contact us for further information.