In a new report, Andrew Limb explores the evolving landscape of Inclusive Innovation in Cambridge. Drawing on over 50 interviews he sheds light on a wide range of initiatives aimed at making the city's world-renowned innovation ecosystem more equitable.
Drawing on more than 50 part-structured interviews conducted in the early spring of 2025, this paper provides a snapshot of activity in Cambridge fitting a broad definition of inclusive innovation.
The research found that there are varying interpretations and understandings of what innovation means to stakeholders from different sectors in Cambridge. It also identified a number of factors that enable or facilitate inclusive innovation, and various factors that can inhibit or constrain that kind of activity.
Through conducting interviews, a very broad range of activities and interventions were identified, falling under four broad categories of inclusive innovation. Some of these have the potential to have significant impact. But there is not, seemingly, a coherent, overarching framework for inclusive innovation in Cambridge. This creates a risk of diffuse activity achieving suboptimal impact.
There is also low visibility and awareness of much of the inclusive innovation activity both within the ecosystem and more broadly. This lack of awareness can fuel a lack of understanding between sectors and communities.
The research suggests a case for an inclusive process to develop an overarching, mission-led framework for inclusive innovation in Cambridge, learning from other places that have been through a similar process, such as the London Borough of Camden.
There is also a case for a shared and concerted communication and engagement programme to raise awareness, involvement, input, understanding, trust and relationships between the various and diverse stakeholders, sectors and communities.
There is a clear case for change based on data relating to social inequalities and environmental stresses. The research suggests a rare opportunity for change arising from national Government’s strong and particular interest in Cambridge’s growth and its innovation ecosystem, and the anticipated advent of unitary local government in Cambridgeshire.
Read the blog: Innovating together for a better Cambridge
