Long-term funding has been announced in Scotland, to ensure that innovation contributes to growth within the nation’s economy.
Delivered through the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), £8 million of investment has been allocated to the Scottish Innovation Centres, working alongside education providers and research institutes to increase innovation across the public, private and third sectors.
Humza Yousaf, Scotland’s First Minister, said:
“Innovation and collaboration are at the heart of our work to grow the economy and that is why I am delighted to announce funding of up to £8 million per year for the SFC’s new investment plan for the Innovation Centres.
“This is a long-term commitment that will deliver greater stability and allow them to sustain and deepen their impact.
“The centres allow businesses and organisations to innovate by working with the best from academia to develop new products and processes. This will drive positive societal impact and economic prosperity across the country.”
One such example of an innovation centre can be seen at the Better Environment – Smarter Transformation (BE-ST) centre in Hamilton, where the retrofitting of buildings in Scotland is being revolutionised at a newly-opened national Retrofit Centre. This can be done through the use of new technology and materials, as well as the Passivhaus process of energy efficiency. The construction industry will be further supported into embracing new and innovative methods of working, implementing drones, robots, and exoskeletons.
Between 2013 and 2023, an initial commitment of £155 million was made by SFC for seven innovation centres, as well as £8 million per year for the four infrastructure innovation centres. These are:
- Built Environment – Smarter Transformation
- The Data Lab
- Digital Health and Care Innovation Centre
- Industrial Biotechnology
Image credit: iStock
