Silicon Fen

More than 1,000 high-technology companies established offices in the area during the five years preceding 1998. Some early successful businesses were Advanced RISC Machines and Cambridge Display Technology. Cambridge Ahead, the business and academic membership organisation dedicated to the long-term growth of the city and its region, reported in 2015–16, that growth of Cambridge companies was approximately 7% over one, three, and five-year durations. Global turnover of Cambridge companies increased by 7.6% to £35.7bn, up from £33bn the previous year, and global employment grew by 7.6% to 210,292. The number of companies headquartered within 20 miles of Cambridge grew from 22,017 to 24,580. Silicon Fen, the high-tech cluster surrounding the University of Cambridge, demonstrates strong university–industry collaboration, particularly in the Pharma/Biotech sector, which accounts for most joint patents and the highest technological collaboration strength. Patent analysis (1999–2021) shows that university spin-offs drive these partnerships. Further analysis reveals that smaller and older firms collaborate more closely with the university and engage more female inventors. Promoting inclusion and collaboration beyond Pharma/Biotech could enhance innovation and regional technological development. ==Area characteristics==

The Cambridge Network is an organization facilitating networking in the area. Other possible factors include a high standard of living available in the county, and good transport links, for example to London and with Cambridge Airport having a full service business jet centre. Many graduates from the university choose to stay on in the area, giving local companies a rich pool of talent to draw upon. The high-technology industry has little by way of competition, unlike say in Oxfordshire where many other competing industries exist. Cambridgeshire has only recently become a high-technology centre, which has meant that commercial rents were generally lower than in other parts of the UK and thus giving companies a head-start on those situated in other more expensive regions. However, the recent technology boom has changed the situation and Cambridgeshire now ranks as one of the highest costs of living in the UK outside London, which is home to an even bigger technology centre. ==People and companies associated with Silicon Fen==

People Companies == See also ==