New Civic University Agreement to drive skills and innovation in Milton Keynes
A new Civic University Agreement for Milton Keynes, backed by some of the city’s biggest and most innovative organisations, is set to drive skills growth and innovation across Milton Keynes.
Led by The Open University, Cranfield University and Milton Keynes College, the agreement seeks to foster deeper collaboration between the signatory organisations for the benefit of the city and future generations, seizing on the opportunities of the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor.
The Open University, Cranfield University, and Milton Keynes College already work closely with individuals, charities, and businesses across Milton Keynes to create and expand opportunities for skills development. Across sectors such as automation and robotics, smart cities, tech-enabled healthcare, manufacturing and advanced transportation, Milton Keynes is rapidly emerging as an innovation hub.
The new Civic University Agreement aims to capitalise and strengthen the thriving tech ecosystem, high-quality skills training, and world-class research that is already present in the city, making sure that the benefits and opportunities are available to all residents across Milton Keynes. A detailed work plan and further announcements will be made in early 2026.
Developer partners for the Civic University Agreement include:
- MK City Council
- Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Trust
- Santander
- Tech Mahindra
- East West Rail
- HMGCC
- MK Community Foundation
- The Parks Trust
The signing of the agreement took place at Unity Place, Milton Keynes on Friday 28th November 2025, at a ceremony attended by all three Milton Keynes MPs and Deputy Mayor of Milton Keynes. The signing was preceded by a ‘Responsible AI and Automation’ conference led by the Arc Universities Group, a collaboration of universities across the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor.
At the conference, academics from partner universities shared the latest research and thinking on AI and automation, and the practical benefits it can bring to organisations across the Growth Corridor. Guests at the conference, including business and community leaders, were also able to trial the latest in autonomous vehicle technology trips aboard autonomous shuttles provided by Smart City Consultancy.
Professor Dave Phoenix, Vice-Chancellor of The Open University, said: “While The Open University was founded as a ‘disrupter’, with the aim of using technology to open access to higher education and we have always been inextricably linked to Milton Keynes through our headquarters at Walton Hall and a shared ethos of doing things differently and better.
“This Civic University Agreement solidifies our commitment to the city, together with our key partners Cranfield University and MK College. Through our research and teaching we already support investment and skills growth within the city but this agreement today, can act as a bedrock to further enhance our collaboration and support innovation and skills development that will benefit people and businesses from across the city now and for generations to come.”
Professor Lynette Ryals OBE, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Faculty of Business & Management, Cranfield University said: “Milton Keynes is at the heart of the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor, which has huge potential to add billions to the UK economy and grow into Europe’s Silicon Valley. But that ambition can only be realised if we work together and develop a world-class talent and skills base that will attract and nurture innovative companies.
“From degree and higher apprenticeships through MK:U right in the city, to delivering advanced research and postgraduate qualifications at our campus on the doorstep of Milton Keynes, Cranfield University has a vital role alongside our partners to deliver the growth that our city deserves.”
Sally Alexander, CEO and Group Principal at MK College, commented: “Milton Keynes is a vibrant, growing and dynamic city and needs people with the skills to support the exciting developments happening in our region and beyond. At Milton Keynes College Group, we strive to deliver Fairer Futures for all, and we’re confident that joining forces with The Open University and Cranfield University will help us to take further strides towards this goal”.
To find out more about how we work with employers, visit Employers – MK College