Scotland’s economy sees 'significant benefits' from hundreds of business-academic partnerships

Scotland’s economy and society have seen “significant benefits” thanks to business-academic partnerships supported by matching service Interface, a new study suggests.

Dr Siobhán Jordan, director of Interface. Picture: Greg Macvean

Local, national and international businesses have gained from tapping into universities and colleges through the service, which has team members located across the country.

The contribution to the Scottish economy from research and development projects between businesses and academics enabled by Interface was almost £89 million gross value added (GVA), while supporting 1,595 jobs, with expectations to reach more than £222m GVA, and some 3,200 jobs.

Carried out by economic consultancy Biggar Economics, the report drew on evidence from a range of sources including the 329 collaborative projects which Interface brokered from August 2019 to July 2020, along with in-depth interviews with businesses that have benefited from the free service.

The findings also captured the wider wellbeing and environmental benefits to society as the collaborative projects tackled major challenges such as health improvement, low carbon, community support, delivering education, helping young people, supporting international development and alleviating poverty.

The Contribution of Interface to Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Growth study said: “The need to do things differently, to innovate, is crucial for Scotland’s recovery from Covid-19 and to meet its net zero carbon targets.

“The evidence presented demonstrates that Interface is a value for money service that delivers right across the economy, creating GVA and jobs while also driving sustainable and inclusive growth and well-being.”

Siobhán Jordan, director of Interface, said: “This report shows the significant gains right across Scotland, from the smallest community to the largest city, when innovation and ideas flourish through businesses and academic partnerships.

“We are in a unique position to make a real difference to all aspects of society through the connections we catalyse enabling world leading research to be purposeful.

“Our regional team members are a bridge to local business and community networks as well as to universities, colleges and research institutes.

“We are touching all parts of society – from contributing to low carbon targets to making a difference to everyday lives. Crucially we are contributing to more fragile rural economies and across sectors hardest hit by the pandemic such as tourism, food and drink and hospitality.”

Interface pointed to a successful history of business-academic partnerships with business demand for the service increasing consistently since it was established in 2005. The service has delivered more than 2,500 business-academic collaborations.

Karen Watt, chief executive of the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), said: “Universities and colleges play a vital and effective role in supporting forward-looking businesses across Scotland to create new products and services through innovation.

“As we look towards economic recovery after the pandemic, this report is another reminder of Scotland’s resilience. It also highlights the part SFC-funded Interface plays as a catalyst for collaborations between businesses and academics.”

The report is based on information provided to Biggar Economics by Interface, including impact data from more than 400 businesses, in-depth interviews with businesses and stakeholders, as well as data from previous surveys and consultations carried out since 2013.

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