Cambridge sees off likes of Oxford, Coventry and Bristol to be crowned the top city for UK innovation | City A.M.
Cambridge has been crowned the UK’s most innovate city, according to a new ranking that underlines the area’s current scientific and technologic boom.
Famed for being the birthplace of the reflecting telescope, IVF, hovercrafts and iris recognition, the university city has topped a new innovation index released today by MHP global.
According to the data, Cambridge had 315.7 patents published per 100,000 residents.
Meanwhile, Coventry saw 108.9 patents published per 100,000 residents.
Derby, which has bolstered its technological reputation through the creation of video game characters such as Lara Croft, came in a close third with 98.6 patents.
Mike Price, director at MPA Group, said: “The UK truly is a hub of innovation and it is reassuring to see that we as a nation still haven’t lost our entrepreneurial spirit. It’s amazing to see the vast amount of patent applications that have come out of Cambridge alone. With nearly 14,000 patent applications filed in 2016, we are excited to see the next revolutionary invention to come out of our country.
“However, it’s not just inventors that are leading the way for innovation, there are thousands of companies across the country investing into research and development. It’s great that this has been recognised by the government as being a vital part of business growth in the UK, and that companies can be rewarded through HMRC schemes like Patent Box and R&D Tax Credits.”
The top ten most innovative cities were found to be:
1. Cambridge (315.7 patents per 100,000 residents)
2. Coventry (108.9 patents per 100,000 residents)
3. Derby (98 patents per 100,000 residents)
4. Oxford (78 patents per 100,000 residents)
5. Aberdeen (60 patents per 100,000 residents)
6. Slough (48 patents per 100,000 residents)
7. Aldershot (47.9 patents per 100,000 residents)
8. Bristol (38.2 patents per 100,000 residents)
9. Crawley (36.7 patents per 100,000 residents)
10. Gloucester (32.7 patents per 100,000 residents)