Scottish innovation is driving global change in healthcare,
climate action, business success, and economic growth, according
to Deputy First Minister .
But speaking at Scotland's first-ever National Innovation Summit
today (Thursday 25th September), Ms Forbes will
call for researchers to push boundaries, entrepreneurs to take
risks, and educators to inspire, to ensure that innovation
becomes a national endeavour.
The Summit at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre is
being hosted by ministers as part of Scotland's first National
Innovation Week, to drive increased collaboration across private
and public sectors and build Scotland's global reputation as an
innovation nation.
The Deputy First Minister is expected to say:
“Innovation is not just about what we invent. It is about how we
apply it. How we scale it. How we embed it into the fabric of our
economy and society.
“Whether it's improving patient outcomes in the NHS with the use
of AI, decarbonising our transport systems, or driving
sustainable economic growth through Scottish Edge and our
Ecosystem Fund - innovation is the thread that connects progress.
“But progress doesn't happen by accident. It requires intention,
investment and, above all, collaboration.
“That is why Scotland's National Innovation Week and Innovation
Summit matter. Because it brings together the people who make
innovation happen - and challenges us to do more, together.
“This is not just a celebration of Scotland's innovation legacy,
it is a declaration of intent. An intent to lead, to collaborate,
and to transform. Innovation must not be confined to labs or
boardrooms. It must be our national endeavour.”
Background
Hosting an Innovation Summit as part of a National Innovation
Week is a Scottish Government commitment 2025/26.
Details: National Innovation Week
The Deputy First Minister and Business Minister will speak at the Summit.
The Business Minister is expected to announce a new digital
learning programme, to be led by Skills Development Scotland,
during his speech.
The Scottish Government worked with ScotlandIS, the membership
organisation for Scotland's digital technology industry, and
representatives from the Scottish Funding Council, enterprise
agencies and Scotland's innovation centres to deliver Scotland's
National Innovation Summit.
