Strathclyde University to create 700 new technology jobs

A new £89 million technology centre to be established at a Scottish university will create 700 jobs, it was announced today.

The Technology and Innovation Centre (TIC) at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow will provide the city with 700 new research jobs, support 850 existing ones, and help promote economic growth in key areas.

The centre will work in conjunction with Scottish Enterprise's new International Technology and Renewable Energy Zone (ITREZ), and aims to put Scotland at the forefront of innovation in energy, pharmaceuticals and engineering, First Minister Alex Salmond said today.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Salmond said the "transformational project" will strengthen the university's reputation for research excellence and Scotland's position as a world leader in the energy sector.

The project has already secured partnerships with businesses Scottish and Southern Energy, ScottishPower and the Weir Group, and is in talks with Mitsubishi, SELEX Galileo and Thales.

Construction work will start towards the end of this year, with the building expected to be fully operational by 2013.

Mr Salmond said: "Through this collaboration, the aim is to double the scale of research programme investment in Scotland in areas key to economic growth by up to 150 million in five years.

"Scotland is recognised internationally for its immense contribution to shaping the modern world through innovation and research and the Scottish Government works with universities, research institutes and industry to ensure the country continues to be a competitive hotbed of ideas.

"And now, as an integral part of Scottish Enterprise's new International Technology and Renewable Energy Zone which aims to establish Glasgow as a premier location for inward investment into world-leading technology and renewables research and development, we have the potential to deliver huge economic and social benefits, not only in Scotland but internationally.

University of Strathclyde principal, Professor Jim McDonald said: "As a leading technological university, we are committed to sharing knowledge to address challenges that affect every area of society, including energy, health, manufacturing and economics."

Scottish Enterprise chief executive Lena Wilson said the centre would the the cornerstone of ITREZ.

"Glasgow has already claimed a place on the renewables map attracting energy heavyweights and pioneers in the offshore wind sector and we believe that by establishing this zone we will help reinforce Scotland's position as a location of choice for the rapidly expanding renewables industry," she added.