Scottish Enterprise among supporters of new innovation exhibition

‘Idea #59: We are all Innovators’ will launch next year as an interactive educational exhibit designed to nurture critical 21st century skills. At the heart of the idea, it recognises the ability and need of people in Scotland to innovate, to adapt and to invent.

Eighteen organisations to date have confirmed financial and in-kind support, many of which are providing capital costs towards the project. These include:

• Scottish Government
• Scottish Enterprise
• Scottish Funding Council
• Zero Waste Scotland
• Royal Navy
• Aridhia
• M Squared
• RS Components
• Skyscanner
• University of Glasgow
• CENSIS (Centre for Excellence for Sensor and Imaging Technologies)
• Construction Scotland Innovation Centre
• Digital Health & Care Institute
• Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre
• Stratified Medicine Scotland – Innovation Centre
• The Data Lab

Linda Hanna, MD for Scottish Economic Development at Scottish Enterprise, said: “Innovation is crucial to our continued economic success and Scotland already has a strong track record in this area. We’re pleased to support this new interactive exhibition from Glasgow Science Centre, which will demonstrate what our innovative companies are doing right now in fields such as artificial intelligence and low-carbon energy, as well as inspiring future generations to realise their full potential.”

The science centre’s chief executive says GSC is eager to develop a culture of innovation that inspires young people to “harness their full potential and play a key role in creating the innovations that will transform our society”. 

Dr Stephen Breslin, Glasgow Science Centre’s chief executive, said: “’Idea #59: We are all Innovators’ is aiming to inspiring everyone – from children to adults – to consider the future and their place in it as our society is transformed by technology and innovation.

“For our nation to continue to innovate, to adapt and to invent we must inspire the next generation of problem-solvers and creative thinkers and a visit to Idea #59 will empower people to learn more about the circular economy and how our world is changing.

“With a focus on 21st century skills, visitors will come away with a greater confidence in being able to grasp the opportunities of the future and navigate its challenges.

“For example, sensors, robotics and digital systems including Big Data, AI, Precision Medicine and the Internet of Things are changing the way we produce and consume high value products and services as the merging of human intelligence and the digital world gathers pace to transform the global economy.

“Similarly, advances in biotechnology have created substitutes for petroleum whereby ‘bioplastics’ are being made with the same physical and chemical properties as regular plastic, but with far fewer carbon emissions during production.”

Ivan McKee, Minister for Trade, Investment and Innovation, said: “Scotland has a rich heritage of innovation – from ATMs to ultrasound, our inventions have helped shape the modern world. Innovating is part of our DNA, and with the world now changing faster than ever, it’s even more important for Scotland to continue to stay at the cutting edge.

“I’m delighted to hear that ‘Idea#59: We are all innovators’ will open next year, and I’m confident the exhibition will help to inspire our future generations of innovators. 

“Innovation works for companies by improving business practices, products, processes and profits; it works for our people by improving and enriching lives; and it works for Scotland by driving growth and productivity.

“I look forward to visiting the exhibition when it opens next year.”

ENDS