Milton Keynes: Leading the Charge in Britain’s Silicon Valley with Innovation and Inclusivity
The announcement by the Chancellor to position the Oxford and Cambridge Arc as central to the UK’s growth marks an exciting and important opportunity for Milton Keynes. With the potential to become Europe’s answer to Silicon Valley, this vision places innovation, research, and science at the heart of the Arc, unlocking up to £78 billion for the UK economy by 2035. Milton Keynes, strategically located within the Arc, is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation.
Our city already stands as a beacon of innovation, with a thriving tech sector contributing £3.4 billion in GVA annually and an impressive one in three jobs tied to technology. This strong foundation gives us a springboard to further solidify our place at the centre of Britain’s Silicon Valley. To truly capitalise on this extraordinary moment, we believe Milton Keynes has a chance not only to drive innovation but to lead in fostering progress and inclusivity by addressing the underrepresentation in STEM careers.
Women currently make up just 30% of the STEM workforce. As a community, we must recognise that bridging this gap is not only a matter of fairness but also a tremendous opportunity. Diversity is a proven driver of innovation, and encouraging more women and other underrepresented groups into STEM roles will be vital for sustaining our city’s leadership and long-term prosperity. At Women Leaders, we have continually celebrated the achievements of women while collaborating with employers through initiatives like MK Innovates to inspire girls and women to pursue careers in STEM. We believe there is more to be done—and this moment calls for bold action from businesses across Milton Keynes.
Milton Keynes has the chance to redefine the future of enterprise within the Arc by actively encouraging, recruiting, and retaining diverse talent. Together, we can create a blueprint for a truly equitable and innovative British Silicon Valley.
At Women Leaders, we are deeply committed to working alongside our partners to seize this opportunity. By amplifying education, fostering inspiration, and investing in leadership development, we can build pathways for young women to discover STEM opportunities and achieve their full potential. This is Milton Keynes’ moment to drive progress—not only as a central hub of innovation but as a champion of change towards a brighter, more equitable future.
