A supportive political administration, first-class university facilities and an enviable reputation for innovation have created significant research opportunities in Scotland. Links between Government, industry and academia make Scotland is the ideal location for research and development projects.
Scottish inventors and researchers have been responsible for some hugely important developments over the centuries, and the spirit of innovation remains as strong as ever.
Research excellence in Scotland
The well-developed entrepreneurial spirit that runs through the country means Scotland has been home to some of the world's best-known inventions and discoveries. In recent years, Dolly the sheep was famously cloned in Scotland, and breakthroughs in oncology, neurology and other medical fields are also taking place here.
Medicine is not the only area where significant developments occur, and research into the electronics, financial services and creative industries is thriving in Scotland.
- A survey in ‘The Scientist’ magazine saw Glasgow and Dundee voted among the top five locations in the world for life sciences research.
- Scotland is home to 13 per cent of active UK spin-out companies with HEI ownership.
- Despite being home to just 0.1 per cent of the world’s population, Scotland produces 1 per cent of the world’s published research.
- Almost half of Scottish university research departments have been recognised for international excellence
Support for research and innovation in Scotland
Research and innovation in all of Scotland's key industries is encouraged and supported by the government. Businesses can apply for grants and significant tax breaks to fund research into new products and processes. Awards include:
Assistance for commercialisation helps move products from the laboratory to the marketplace and creates further opportunities for research investment in Scotland.
The Scottish Government provides more than financial support, with initiatives such as the Alba Centre offering advice and business space to innovative electronics companies.
We support research and development across all sectors. As well as helping you to apply for grants and awards, we can also broker partnerships with universities and other research institutions.
Contact us to find out more about living in Scotland, innovation and research in Scotland and how we can help your company make the most of research opportunities.