Innovation must remain ‘Scotland’s greatest export’, says business secretary

Innovation must remain “Scotland’s greatest export”, business secretary Richard Lochhead has said as the first National Innovation Week begins.

More than 80 events are set to take place across the country over the next five days, with more than 200 delegates expected to attend an Innovation Summit in Edinburgh on Thursday.

Lochhead urged businesses and organisations to use the week-long event as a platform to continue the legacy of Scottish innovators and inventors, who he said have been “at the forefront of technological change throughout history”.

Activity across the week will focus on four “areas of strength” identified in Scotland’s National Innovation Strategy.

These are advanced manufacturing, energy transition, health and life sciences, and data and digital technologies.

To mark the start of the week, the business secretary is also expected to announce a multimillion-pound package for advanced manufacturing.

Lochhead said: “From the steam engine to the television, from penicillin to the MRI scanner, Scottish innovators and inventors have been at the forefront of technological change throughout history.

“But we must not rest on this legacy. And we are not resting on this legacy.

“Across the country, Scottish businesses and academia and are at the vanguard of many of the world’s greatest products and solutions.

“I want Innovation Week to be an opportunity not just to celebrate these incredible achievements, but to make sure that the compelling story that we have to tell is amplified.

“We must ensure innovation remains Scotland’s greatest export.

“I also want to build greater collaboration – across business, across academia, across the private and public sectors – to ensure the bedrock of our economy flourishes.

“My goal is clear: to position Scotland as one of the most innovative small nations in the world.”

National Innovation Week runs from September 22-26, with events taking place across the country and virtually.