Innovation in Action: Learning the Lessons for Scotland's Economy

EDAS cordially invites you to join us for an afternoon examining practical examples of current innovation activity in Scotland and further afield, and what lessons these hold for all stakeholders in economic development.

In an interactive session, attendees will hear from Charlie Woods (Director, Scottish Universities Insight Institute & EDAS), Ian Ritchie CBE (Non Executive Director, Krotos Ltd), Scottish Government (speaker TBA), a public service innovation case study (via the Improvement Service) and others on the diverse forms innovation is taking in Scotland, the benefits this brings, and what support mechanisms can help innovation flourish.

Innovation is one of four priorities in the Scottish Government's 2015 - 2018 Economic Strategy, and is considered vital for the development of a competitive, sustainable, resilient and prosperous economy. With much greater awareness now being raised around the benefits of innovation and the different forms it takes, this event seeks to move thinking on to what practical examples of innovation are currently underway in Scotland and what all actors in economic development can learn from these in their own work. Please see below for full event details and information.

Book now, and bring a friend. All those who reserve a place may bring a colleague or associate, in order to introduce them to EDAS' work and activities, and to help raise awareness of the important issues to be discussed. Full event details are below.

Innovation in Action: Learning the Lessons for Scotland's Economy

Details

Monday 21st March
14:00 - 16:30
Scottish Universities Insight Institute (SUII), University of Strathclyde, Collins Building
22 Richmond Street, Glasgow, G1 1XQ
Refreshments provided

Attendance & booking:

£25 (members) £50 (non members). To book, please contact Elaine Bone ([email protected]).

Event description

Attendees will hear from Charlie Woods (Director, SUII), Ian Ritchie CBE (Non Executive Director, Krotos Ltd), Scottish Government (speaker TBA), a public service innovation case study (via the Improvement Service) and others on the diverse forms innovation is taking in Scotland, the benefits these bring, and what support mechanisms can help innovation flourish. Time will be given for discussion and audience Q&A.

Innovation is one of four priorities in the Scottish Government's 2015 - 2018 Economic Strategy, and is considered vital for the development of a competitive, sustainable, resilient and prosperous economy. Over the past year innovation has also been a key area of focus for EDAS' Route Map of Common Ambition policy framework, in addition to internationalisation and skills. This activity has included bringing together innovation leaders in partnership with Nesta at our Innovation and Prosperity for Scotland conference, held at Dynamic Earth in June 2015.

Much greater awareness has now been raised around the different forms innovation takes and the benefits this has for the economy and society. This event seeks to move thinking on to what practical examples of innovation are currently underway in Scotland. This encompasses their development, impact and difficulties experienced; and what all economic development stakeholders can learn from these examples in supporting, promoting and undertaking innovation.

The session will also put these case studies into the broader policy and support context. An overview of current policy goals and initiatives will be given by a Scottish Government representative, reflecting on the session's findings. The work of EDAS' Innovation Policy Group will also be presented. This has included researching Scotland's innovation landscape, examining the innovation systems of other small countries, and developing the idea of a diagnostic "Sat Nav" for innovation-curious organisations. As such the afternoon will offer valuable lessons and information for any individual or organisation engaged with innovation support and activity in Scotland.

We very much hope to see you on the 21st.

Speakers:

Charlie Woods (Director, SUII and Chair, EDAS Innovation Group) - Overview of EDAS' work on support for innovation in Scotland, including the proposal for a diagnostic 'Sat Nav' of innovation.

Ian Ritchie CBE (Non Executive Director, Krotos Ltd) - Private sector innovation case study.

Via the Improvement Service - Public service innovation case study.

Ewan Robertson (EDAS) - Innovation support system case studies (R. of Ireland and Finland).

Scottish Government spokesperson TBA - Scottish innovation policy and support mechanisms.