New innovation framework launched to drive Scotland’s bold vision
The Innovation Collaboration Framework, published by Innovate UK, in partnership with Scottish Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, aims to help Scotland realise its bold vision to become one of the most innovative small nations in the world.

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 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.