£14 million for Innovation Centres

Scottish education Secretary Michael Russell has announced £14 million capital investment in Scotland’s Innovation Centres. The investment will further improve the links between education and industry, building on £110 million already committed to the sector. Developed in partnership with the Scottish Funding Council, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Innovation Centres are collaborations between universities, businesses and others to enhance innovation in and across Scotland’s key economic sectors.

The Education Secretary said: “The Innovation Centre collaborations already in place will help develop the skills that Scottish business needs to succeed in the global marketplace in a range of sectors. By using Scotland’s exceptional research base, we are able to respond nimbly to opportunities for potential growth.

“This is an exciting time for the centres, which are developing practical solutions to challenges faced by industry. Today’s announcement of £14 million for capital investment will build on the £110 million already committed. I am also meeting with the new chairs of the Centres to hear about their latest developments and the fresh opportunities being explored. The potential of these partnerships is incredible – bringing together the research excellence within our universities and the entrepreneurship within our business sector to deliver real social and economic benefits.”

Mr Russell recently visited staff at the Stratified Medicine Scotland Innovation Centre in Inchinnan, which develops state-of-the-art support for pharmaceutical research and disease management.

Dr Mark Beggs, Chief Operating Officer of the Stratified Medicine Scotland Innovation Centre, said: “This additional investment is extremely welcome and will further help in the development of our approach to the treatment of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, inflammation, multiple sclerosis and neurology.”