Scotland
In partnership with Scotland's development agencies, we are connecting national to local across Scotland's innovation ecosystem.
The Scotland Innovation Landscape
As the UK’s innovation system, we work across the country. We also know that each part of the country is unique with its own strengths and challenges. We are committed to working closely with partners and regional initiatives to ensure you get what you need to innovate and succeed.
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.
We are working with the economic development agencies Scottish Enterprise, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, and South of Scotland Enterprise, as well as Scottish Government and regional authorities. We operate across Scotland to ensure our services are joined up and meet the needs of innovators in Scotland.
REGIONAL ACTION PLAN
Glasgow City Region Action Plan
The first tripartite Action Plan in collaboration with Innovate UK and Scottish Enterprise, capitalises on momentum from the Innovation Accelerator Programme to position Glasgow City Region at the forefront of innovation. Key goals include growing innovation clusters, exploiting cross-sectoral opportunities, and building a sustainable, inclusive economy. Watch Glasgow’s Action Plan highlights video and download the Action Plan.
Download Action Plan
Innovation Accelerator programme
Glasgow City Region is one of the three city regions, investing a share of £100m to grow jobs, skills, and the economy through the flagship Innovation Accelerator programme. Innovate UK, on behalf of UK Research & Innovation, has worked in partnership with Glasgow City Region to co-create the programme and identify 11 ambitious local projects over 2 years. These projects are delivered collectively against an agreed set of objectives.
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Launchpads programme
Innovate UK Launchpad is a programme aimed at supporting emerging clusters of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK. Launched in 2020, it provides funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help SMEs grow and scale their businesses. Innovate UK is partnering with Scottish Enterprise on the Bio-based Manufacturing Launchpad in Scotland. This Launchpad is supported by the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC).
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Related programmes
Net Zero Living
Innovate UK’s £60 million, three-year Net Zero Living programme aims to help regional authorities and businesses accelerate the transition to net zero, across the UK and internationally.
Innovate Local
Working alongside partners, businesses and stakeholders, Innovate UK hosts this series of events to help innovative businesses maximise their success.
Related Case Studies
Trade in Space: Smart coffee trading fast tracked thanks to Innovate UK and Colombia Prosperity Programme Mission
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Transmission and InterBolt: Overhead conductor line sag measurement
Related News
07/11/2023
Innovate UK, Scottish Enterprise and Glasgow City region form new partnerships for Scottish innovation
In a landmark collaboration announced at the Can-Do Innovation Summit, Innovate UK and Scottish Enterprise unveiled a new commitment to support Scottish businesses by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), whilst launching the Regional Action Plan with Glasgow City Region.
Read more
07/12/2023
From Quantum technologies to Metaverse experiences
At the recent CAN DO Innovation Summit curated by Glasgow City of Science and Innovation (GCOSI), Innovate UK were invited to host a panel – Glasgow, a city transformed by innovation – with some of the leaders of the Innovation Accelerator funded projects in Glasgow.
Read more
CONTACT US
Get support with your innovation
Engage with us wherever you are, for region-specific innovation, collaboration, and investment opportunities.