New innovation framework launched to drive Scotland’s bold vision
Innovate UK is the UK’s innovation system and works across the country, recognising what is unique within each region, its strengths and challenges. Innovate UK working closely with partners and regional initiatives to ensure that regions get what is needed to innovate and succeed.
This landmark commitment unites the agencies to deliver shared goals and actions, supporting Scotland’s ambitious businesses to invest in research to drive economic growth, create good jobs and help tackle major societal and environmental challenges
The Scotland Innovation Landscape
Scotland has a vision to be one of the most innovative small nations in the world and to use innovation as a key tool to make Scotland a fairer, more equal, wealthier, and greener country.
Scotland performs well in a range of industries, for example the food and drink sector: a £15 billion industry comprising over 17,000 businesses employing 129,000 people, it reaches into all parts of Scotland’s communities, playing a hugely important role in supporting remote and rural communities. The sector accounts for 4.9% of total employment in Scotland.
The Innovation Collaboration Framework for Scotland sets out our partnership with the economic development agencies Scottish Enterprise, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, and South of Scotland Enterprise, as well as Scottish Government and regional authorities.
The framework complements Scottish Government’s National Innovation Strategy – it focuses on key themes and sectoral priorities including Energy, Health & Life Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing and Digital Technologies, to boost economic growth and global competitiveness.
Innovate UK will work with the Economic Development Agencies across three priority areas:
Supporting the customer journey – from idea to commercial reality, providing a more coherent and effective support offering to innovators.
Targeting support services to connect local businesses with regional and national strengths and opportunities.
Improved place-based innovation support – collaborating with partners to build-up regional strengths and drive competitive advantages across Scotland.
This work builds on Innovate UK’s Place work, having already formalised strategic partnerships with 10 Local Action Plans delivered so far, with other plans under development.
Explore Our Region’s Innovation Ambitions
The Edinburgh and South East Scotland Innovation Action Plan, launched in partnership by Innovate UK, Scottish Enterprise and Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region, sets out a bold vision to drive business growth and regional innovation. Building on the area’s strengths in advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and financial services, the plan focuses on three high-potential innovation clusters to accelerate inclusive and sustainable economic development.
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