Innovation Action Plan unveiled for Edinburgh and South East Scotland
A new action plan, which puts business growth and innovation at the forefront, has been launched.
Developed collaboratively by Innovate UK, Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region, and Scottish Enterprise, the plan aims to build a strong, resilient and investment-attractive economy by leveraging regional strengths and capabilities. It was launched at the University of Edinburgh’s Futures Institute at an event attended by business leaders from across the region.
The document has identified key areas with high innovation potential, helping to position Edinburgh and South East Scotland as leaders in advanced manufacturing, life sciences and financial services. The City Region’s initial focus is on three priority innovation clusters:
- Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing cluster at the Forth Green Freeport
- Health cluster in Edinburgh’s BioQuarter
- Financial Services and Fintech cluster in central Edinburgh
The plan also establishes core areas of alignment between Innovate UK, Scottish Enterprise and local leaders, including shared ambitions to:
- Expand collaborative research and development between industry and research organisations
- Develop new strategies for key growth sectors
- Support under-served communities to drive more equitable and inclusive growth
- Ensure existing business support is made more visible and easier to access
- Support the uptake of technologies to achieve Net Zero targets
- Strengthen the support pathway for small businesses from start-up to scale-up
From these shared ambitions, the plan outlines a series of commitments to streamline innovation support, amplify regional assets, attract inward investment and address innovation skills gaps.
In the past five years, Innovate UK has invested £139 million into innovation projects across the City Region. But Innovate UK’s offering goes beyond funding, from supporting researchers to commercialise academic ideas through its ICURe programme, to helping businesses connect to university innovation ‘know-how’ through the Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP).
Throughout 2025, the KTP programme celebrates its 50th year. In the past five years, KTPs have invested £5.5 million in Edinburgh and South East Scotland alone.
Dr Stella Peace, Interim Executive Chair for Innovate UK said:
Innovate UK is pleased to be part of the launch of this innovation action plan alongside Scottish Enterprise, and Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region.”
“It is a testament to the power of partnerships in driving regional innovation. By tailoring our approach to maximise the region’s unique strengths, we can help businesses and researchers take full advantage of the opportunities for growth.”
“Together, we are unlocking the region’s full potential— driving innovation, economic development, and meaningful societal change.
Adrian Gillespie, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise said:
Scottish Enterprise is backing Scotland’s most ambitious companies to achieve a level of success that has transformative effects on the Scottish economy. Innovation is a key part of unlocking that success.”
“Alongside regional partners, we’ve helped to support a world-class innovation landscape across Edinburgh and the South East region through targeted support to companies, attracting inward investment, and investing in innovation hubs and infrastructure. Scottish Enterprise will build on this by helping companies to focus on scaling Scotland’s innovation strengths into high growth industries of the future.”
“Partnering with Innovate UK and the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region allows us to work smarter on transformational projects to create high quality jobs and prosperity for communities across the region.
Cllr Jane Meagher, Convener of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland Joint Committee said:
The Edinburgh and South East Scotland Region is the Data Capital of Europe. Our region’s world-leading expertise in data, artificial intelligence and robotics contribute to breakthroughs across key sectors as part of the fastest-growing and most economically successful part of Scotland.”
“Delivering on this plan will cement the region as a leader in health innovation, sustainable manufacturing and fintech and will drive opportunity and prosperity that benefit businesses and communities throughout the region.