A civic deal backed by The Open University, Cranfield and MK College is set to strengthen skills and support innovation across Milton Keynes.
The agreement brings together higher and further education providers with employers, public bodies and community organisations across the city. Its aim is to align skills development, research and investment so local people and businesses benefit from Milton Keynes’ continued growth.
The civic deal was signed at Unity Place in Central Milton Keynes as part of a wider commitment to closer collaboration. Partners said the agreement also supports opportunities linked to the Oxford to Cambridge corridor.
Developer partners involved include Milton Keynes City Council, Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Trust, Santander, Tech Mahindra, East West Rail, HMGCC, MK Community Foundation and The Parks Trust.
The Open University, Cranfield and MK College already work closely with residents, charities and employers across Milton Keynes. Their activity spans automation and robotics, smart cities, manufacturing, tech-enabled healthcare and advanced transport, helping to strengthen the city’s reputation for innovation.
Dave Phoenix, vice-chancellor at The Open University, said: “This civic deal solidifies our commitment to Milton Keynes and strengthens our collaboration with Cranfield and MK College. It provides a foundation to support skills and innovation that will benefit people and businesses across the city.”
He added that The Open University has long been connected to Milton Keynes through its Walton Hall headquarters and a shared ethos of widening access to education.
Lynette Ryals OBE, deputy vice-chancellor in Cranfield’s Faculty of Business & Management, said the Oxford to Cambridge corridor has the potential to deliver significant economic growth. However, she said that ambition depends on developing a world-class talent base that attracts and supports innovative companies.
Sally Alexander, CEO and group principal at MK College, said Milton Keynes needs people with the skills to support its pace of development. She said working more closely with The Open University and Cranfield would help ensure opportunities are accessible to residents across the city.
A detailed work programme and further announcements are expected in early 2026.
