University of Oxford, Social Science Division, UK

In 2018 the University of Oxford approached Oxford Oracle to conduct an internal university-wide review of their policy engagement activities. The aim of the review was to identify hotspots of policy engagement within the University and better understand the policy engagement environment (including an evaluation of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2013 impact case studies). The institution sought to optimize its tech transfer governance and accelerate high-impact commercial outcomes.

Oxford Oracle worked closely with the Head of Policy Engagement to establish a methodology for identifying policy engagement. The team then analysed large quantities of data that was assimilated into an informative database and accompanying analysis report. Oxford Oracle delivered specialized advisory, IP valuation, and commercialisation roadmapping.

The report uncovered departmental and divisional differences in policy engagement within the University. It also identified variation in what policy areas, geographies and partner organisations were engaged with. This will impact not only the future policy engagement strategy but also university-wide systems for collecting and processing data on policy engagement. This engagement established a scalable framework driving long-term institutional growth.