Just a week on from the highly succesful launch of Digital Oxford, the TechNation Report has listed Oxford as one of 21 technology clusters across the UK.

The report is the first community-driven survey in the digital sector and recognises Oxford for key attributes such as talent, vibrant networks and technology excellence. It also reports a 24% increase in the number of digital companies incorporated since 2010.

Dave Fletcher, Digital Oxford Chairman, says: "This is a massive boost for our region’s reputation as a place to do digital business. “We are proud of this recognition, and feel that Oxfordshire has what it takes to lead as a national digital cluster. We have hundreds of technology companies, skilled talent and a hive of digital networks. The enthusiasm for digital business here is invigorating. Our task is to tell the world that Oxford really is the place to do digital in the UK."

John Wakeman, CEO of OmPrompt, an Oxford-based digital business profiled in TechNation, adds: "Working within the close community of digital companies in Oxford has been a huge benefit to my company. Being able to share expertise, ideas and contacts can be the difference between success and failure when growing a digital business. Oxford is rightly being recognised for the opportunities it offers local digital entrepreneurs."

Read the full report at www.techcityuk.com/technation

TechNation - The Oxford Summary

Number of digital jobs: 21,970

Cluster capabilities: Cyber Security, Mobile and Tablet Development, Systems Design and Integration

Growth of digital companies since 2010: 24%

Strengths of cluster: Social networks (79%), Access to talent (65%), Property (32%)

A growing network of local developer and entrepreneur groups are emerging. Success stories include the high-profile acquisitions of NaturalMotion by Zynga and two university spin-outs, Dark Blue Labs and Vision Factory by Google. New strengths include EdTech and HealthTech. A number of organisations have been established to support the growing startup scene, including Digital Health Oxford, Digital Oxford and Oxford Entrepreneurs. Local academic centres of excellence include science parks, the University of Oxford’s e-Research Centre, its long established Computer Science Department, and the Isis Innovation software incubator. Those who feel part of a cluster report a relatively vibrant social community, with strong access to talent, driven by the university, but limited benefits in terms of finance or property. The fragmented nature of the local community, which coalesces around the many different college institutes and groups rather than a single hub may contribute to this.

The TechNation Report Commenting on the evolution of Tech Nation, Gerard Grech, CEO Tech City UK, said, “I believe our findings will inform policymakers, investors and the wider business community about the sheer breadth and depth of Britain’s digital prowess. This is the first time that the UK’s digital economy has been so thoroughly mapped and analysed. It’s a powerful spotlight on how far we’ve come and where we are heading.” Delivered by Tech City UK, with key community partner DueDil, Tech Nation is the first time Britain’s digital businesses, areas of specialism and employment figures have been so comprehensively mapped and analysed. It is the result of an in-depth survey of over 2,000 digital businesses across the UK. In addition to analysing the clusters, the report provides an online interactive guide to 48,000 digital companies (developed with DueDil).