IDEA
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!
Here’s some of our favourite resources – use the filters below to further customise your search.
IDEA Programmes & Opportunities
Join one of our key programmes starting September 2021 – we welcome her, him, them, everyone to participate.
Wonder Women
Get inspired by Oxford women (including students) who have started their own startups and social enterprises.
Engaging with Entrepreneurship
Find entrepreneurial activities and opportunities in one place! Open to all Oxford students and staff.
Enterprising Women Programme
Encouraging, inspiring and supporting the participation of female STEM researchers in innovation and entrepreneurship
Equality and Diversity at Oxford
If you’re looking for networks, opportunities, and resources, check out the Oxford EDU website.
Women on Boards Membership
If you have an Oxford email address, take advantage of the opportunities around board training and roles!
What’s On: IDEA Women
Entrepreneurship OBN presents EPIC Pitch Night!
EPIC Pitch Night will feature top 10 Oxford Saïd Entrepreneurship Project teams to present their work to a panel of judges.
Business: The next 25 years – Dr Bourla in conversation with Prof Dopson
Dr Bourla, Chairman and CEO of Pfizer will be in conversation with Interim Dean, Professor Sue Dopson. They will discuss the story of his career, how he steered the iconic company through the greatest public health threat in a century and how the lessons of Covid-19 are already reshaping the industry.
Masterclass in Leading Collaboration – Bringing people together to achieve the extraordinary: Tues 21st June 2022 (In person)
In this course we look at what neuroscience has taught us about how to collaborate.
INNOVATORS IN INDUSTRY
Join our first discussion of the #InnovatorsInIndustry series as Shirley Chen talks about #GlobalHealthInvestment post-pandemic.
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Enterprising Oxford is a University of Oxford initiative to help connect people to the entrepreneurship resources they need, and to promote entrepreneurship across Oxfordshire.
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