The UK’s representative in Taiwan visits Oxfordshire to promote international collaboration
Oxfordshire welcomed the UK representative in Taiwan last month, as part of the government’s second ‘domestic roadshow’, showcasing the UK’s leading innovation regions.
During her visit, Representative Ruth Bradley-Jones MBE met pioneering businesses and research organisations across the county, including Harwell Science and Innovation Campus.
The visit highlighted Oxfordshire’s strengths in cutting-edge sectors such as quantum computing and space, and explored new opportunities for collaboration, investment and shared learning with partners in Taiwan.
The representative visited world-leading organisations including QuEra, a global leader in neutral-atom quantum computing, and RAL Space, the UK’s national space laboratory. The programme provided a first-hand view of how Oxfordshire’s innovation ecosystem is turning research into real-world impact.
This visit builds on a growing programme of diplomatic engagement in the county. Following the success of last year’s visit by Lindsay Croisdale-Appleby CMG, the Head of the UK Mission to the European Union, further roadshows are planned over the coming months to strengthen international partnerships and promote regional growth.
These domestic roadshows form part of the government’s wider effort to connect global partners with UK regions, enabling trade, investment and long-term economic opportunity.
Councillor Laura Gordon, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy, said: “I’m delighted to have welcomed the UK Representative in Taiwan to Oxfordshire, and to see continued international interest in what our county has to offer.
“Oxfordshire is home to one of the most dynamic innovation ecosystems in the world, with strengths across several internationally significant sectors. But our ambition goes beyond growth alone – we are focused on delivering growth that is sustainable, inclusive and benefits communities across the county.
“By building stronger international partnerships and opening up new opportunities for collaboration and investment, visits like this help ensure that our success is shared more widely, supporting good jobs, thriving places and a greener future.
“We look forward to continuing to work with partners in Taiwan and welcoming further international delegations to Oxfordshire in the months ahead.”
Representative Ruth Bradley-Jones MBE said: “It was a pleasure to visit Oxfordshire and see first-hand the innovation, talent and ambition that make it one of the UK’s leading science and technology clusters. I was inspired by the world-class work taking place across the county, from quantum technologies and space science to cutting-edge research and entrepreneurship.
“Taiwan is a natural partner for the UK, with complementary strengths in semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, research and emerging technologies. The presence of Taiwanese companies such as MSI and Acer in Oxfordshire reflects the strong links already connecting our innovation ecosystems.
“I see significant opportunities for deeper UK–Taiwan collaboration and look forward to supporting new partnerships between Taiwan’s technology sector and the UK’s leading innovation clusters.”
Monika Zemla, Director, Leasing & Business Development, at Harwell Science and Innovation Campus said: “We were delighted to welcome the UK Representative in Taiwan, Ruth Bradley-Jones MBE, to Harwell and showcase the breadth of innovation taking place across our campus. Harwell is home to a unique community of world-leading organisations, pioneering companies and research facilities, making it an ideal place to build international partnerships that translate cutting-edge science into real-world impact.
“Strengthening links with Taiwan creates exciting opportunities for collaboration in areas such as quantum technologies, space, health and advanced engineering, helping to drive innovation, investment and economic growth for both our nations.”
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