Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cambridge Ahead?
Cambridge Ahead is a membership organisation that brings together leaders from business, research and academia to work with policymakers to unlock the sustainable and inclusive growth of Cambridge.
What is Cambridge Ahead’s purpose?
Cambridge Ahead exists to help ensure that the Cambridge city region can continue to thrive economically while addressing the challenges that accompany growth, including infrastructure, housing, skills, sustainability, and inclusion.
How does Cambridge Ahead work?
Cambridge Ahead works by convening senior leaders, commissioning and sharing high-quality, independent research, and engaging with policymakers to promote joined-up, informed, and evidence-based decision-making.
Is Cambridge Ahead politically affiliated?
No. Cambridge Ahead is politically independent and works constructively with stakeholders across the political spectrum.
What area does Cambridge Ahead focus on?
Cambridge Ahead focuses on Cambridge and the surrounding city region, including Greater Cambridge and Cambridgeshire, recognising the interdependence between the city and its wider economic area.
Why is the Cambridge city region significant?
The Cambridge city region is internationally recognised for its strengths in research, innovation, and high-value economic activity, supported by world-leading universities and a diverse business base. The city region’s success is intrinsic to national growth ambitions and to other high-growth clusters to which it is connected.
What challenges does the region face?
The Cambridge city region faces challenges linked to rapid growth, including pressures on transport, housing affordability, skills availability, environmental sustainability, and access to opportunity.
Does Cambridge Ahead produce research?
Yes. Cambridge Ahead commissions and supports high-quality, gold-standard research to inform debate on regional growth, infrastructure, housing, skills, and the future of the innovation economy.
How does Cambridge Ahead influence policy?
Cambridge Ahead engages with local and national government by sharing research, business insight, and regional perspectives to support effective and coordinated policymaking.
Who does Cambridge Ahead work with?
Cambridge Ahead works with businesses, universities, local authorities, government departments, and other regional and national organisations with an interest in the Cambridge city region.
Who can become a member of Cambridge Ahead?
Membership is by invitation and focused on organisations with a strategic interest in the long-term and inclusive success of the Cambridge city region, including businesses, academia, and research institutions.
What are the benefits of membership?
Members benefit from access to research, policy discussions, senior-level networks, and opportunities to contribute to initiatives that shape the city region’s future.
How does membership support the organisation’s work?
Membership enables Cambridge Ahead to remain independent, convene diverse perspectives, and invest in research and engagement activity that benefits the city region as a whole.
Does Cambridge Ahead host events?
Yes. Cambridge Ahead hosts events such as roundtables, briefings, and conferences that bring together leaders from business, academia, and the public sector.
What is the purpose of these events?
Events provide a forum for informed discussion, the exchange of perspectives, and consideration of long-term challenges and opportunities facing the region. They also offer members and participants access to senior leaders locally and nationally who have a direct say in how Cambridge is run.
What does sustainable growth mean to Cambridge Ahead?
Sustainable growth means supporting long-term economic success while protecting quality of life, the environment, and access to opportunity for current and future communities.
How does Cambridge Ahead approach housing and infrastructure?
Cambridge Ahead supports coordinated planning and investment in housing and infrastructure to ensure growth is both sustainable, inclusive, and equitable.
How is Cambridge Ahead funded?
Cambridge Ahead is funded primarily through membership subscriptions and project-based partnerships. Cambridge Ahead is a not-for-profit organisation.