IDEA (Increasing Diversity in Enterprising Activities) is a set of long term and sustainable actions and interventions aimed at addressing inequalities in entrepreneurship.  While the University of Oxford is a leader in innovation and entrepreneurship, and has committed to supporting entrepreneurship (as detailed in the Strategic Plan 2018-23, the KE Strategy, and Innovation Strategy), there are still inequalities in the entrepreneurship ecosystem which need to be addressed.  IDEA is currently focussing on gender, with an aim to broadening the scope as the programme develops.

Why do we need this?
The playing field is not, and has never been, level. Globally, women hold fewer than a quarter of senior leadership positions, and in 2020 less than 2% of European tech investment capital went to female founders.  The UK government’s 2019 Alison Rose Review highlights gender inequalities throughout the entrepreneurial life cycle, showing that women entrepreneurs are at a disadvantage every step of the way. We need to act now to change this picture for current and future generations of women, and to create the conditions that will enable significantly more women to become leaders and entrepreneurs.

How do I participate?
If you’re interested in participating, simply sign up here, and we’ll keep you informed about upcoming opportunities and events.  And don’t forget to join our LinkedIn group!