Siobhán Jordan: Scottish industry and academia must work together for the future

SCOTLAND'S reputation for innovation and technology could prove to be the country's strongest defence against the downturn, and the world of academia is well placed to drive positive changes through collaborative working across all sectors of industry.

Increasing importance is being placed on innovation, and Scotland is leading the way, according to a Universities Scotland report, detailing a 12 per cent increase in the value of research contracts taking place between Scottish universities and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It's vital that academia continues to capitalise on the value of these opportunities and has the commercial awareness needed to deliver successful partnerships with the business sector.

Despite the economic climate, there has never been a better time to advance products and services for company directors considering investment in research and development. Supporting new and sustainable links between businesses and higher education – and the subsequent economic growth – is one of the Scottish Government's key strategic priorities. Scotland possesses world-class research and knowledge across many disciplines; therefore it is crucial that business and academic sectors work together to aid economic recovery.