Oxford's AI adoption: Why every business should take note.

The University of Oxford is adopting AI. What's your excuse?

Why the number one university adopting AI should make every business pay attention.

There’s something about Oxford that makes the world sit up and listen. Maybe it’s the centuries of history, the top global ranking, or the fact that they’ve taught everyone from prime ministers to Nobel winners. So when the University of Oxford decides it’s time to bring AI into the heart of its operations, that’s not just interesting, it’s a wake up call.

Oxford’s IT department has just rolled out Microsoft 365 Copilot to over 250 of its team as part of a wider mission to future proof the university. This isn’t just about playing with shiny new tools, it’s about embedding AI into the fabric of how they teach, collaborate and operate. They’re using Copilot to save time, spark creativity and reimagine how work gets done. If the best brains in the world are turning to AI, it’s probably worth the rest of us paying attention.

At Intercity, we’re not surprised.

We’ve had the privilege of supporting Oxford’s business school with world class IT services for the past nine years, and we’ve seen first hand their appetite for innovation. But this latest move is next level, and it says a lot about where higher education, and the businesses it feeds into, are heading.

AI isn’t just a nice to have anymore. It’s your secret weapon against endless admin, bloated meetings and the constant pressure to do more with less. Tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot are reshaping the way we work, from drafting documents to distilling insights and handling repetitive tasks. But here’s the thing: it’s not just about flipping a switch and expecting magic.

WANT TO KNOW WHAT COPILOT CAN REALLY DO?

Grab an eBook, on the house.

Discover the impact properly implemented AI is really making. Not just on business, but for specific teams and functions.

Getting AI right takes preparation.

It’s about understanding how these tools slot into real world workflows. It’s about data governance, security, and yes, making sure your people are actually ready for it. AI is only as smart as the people using it, and the real game changer comes when organisations invest time into onboarding, training and ongoing support.

Oxford hasn’t just adopted AI. They’ve done it strategically, embedding Copilot into daily routines, listening to feedback and building a culture that’s open to change. That’s why it’s working for them. And that’s the model businesses should be paying attention to.

Because when AI is introduced properly, it’s not a gimmick. It’s not just a tool for saving a bit of time while you make a coffee. It becomes a core part of how teams think, collaborate and create. It helps people do their best work, faster, sharper and with fewer roadblocks in the way.

Oxford’s approach shows us what’s possible when AI is taken seriously, and introduced with the right mindset. And if the number one university in the world is going all in, maybe it’s time the rest of us did too.

At Intercity, we’re all about helping people Do More with their tech. We’re not jumping on the AI bandwagon, we’re driving it, with real world tools that make work better, faster and a lot less painful.

Oxford’s lit the torch. Now it’s time for the rest of us to run with it.

I'd like to learn more about CoPilot.

Find out how transformative AI can be for your business. See where you are on your AI journey and get expert guidance with a free discovery call. 

I'd like to truly implement Copilot.

Then look no further. Your business deserves to get the absolute best from this technology, so let's talk about what needs to be done first.