Scotland has long been renowned for innovation excellence. Scottish inventions helped drive the Industrial Revolution and shape the world we live in today. Innovation in Scotland remains as strong as ever, with researchers and companies cementing our position as a major global player in business development and industrial innovation.Some of the world’s biggest companies have bases in Scotland and carry out cutting-edge research, developing new business practices for use across the globe. Innovation, Scotland and industryScotland’s economy is marked by high levels of innovation and creativity across several industries, including:
Aerospace Chemicals Contact centres Education Electronics Energy Financial services Food and drink Life sciences Shared service centres Textiles TourismResearch and development in industry is supported by excellent links to government and academia.
In recent years, Scotland has been home to the development of wind, wave and renewable fuel cell power and research into energy conservation. Other important research being carried out in Scotland focuses on a number of fields including oncology, nutrition, nanotechnology and software development.Innovation in business – government supportThere are several government schemes designed to support innovation in industry and encourage the development of new products and business practices. We can provide you with information about how to access tax credits and grants including:
R&D Plus Research & Development Assistance Regional Selective Awards SCORE GrantsThe
Proof of Concept Fund has helped over 100 innovative projects develop their commercial potential, assisting business and the Scottish economy in the process. New businesses and existing companies in the electronics sector will benefit from links to the
Alba Centre, a Government-sponsored project developed to encourage innovation.Enterprise Fellowships offer support for an individual with an academic or industrial research background. They help researchers, post-graduate or recently graduated students spin-out their business ideas. The Fellowship offers a year’s salary, business training to help you take your idea forward, a business development fund to help you get things moving and access to networks of mentors, business experts and professional advisers.
Find out more about Enterprise Fellowships on the Scottish Enterprise websiteContact us for more information about
innovation and research in Scotland, and how your company can benefit from the world-leading developments pioneered here.