An open call for applicants with "a passion for transformational change across Scotland's construction industry" has been issued by the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC).

CSIC are seeking six "dynamic individuals" to join the Governance board from November 2019. The full board members will be recognised leaders in their field with a passion for innovation and a commitment to providing strategic guidance and direction to CSIC.

Earlier this year it was announced that CSIC is to receive almost £11 million of core funding to support the sector to innovate, modernise and grow. The investment from the Scottish Funding Council, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise will allow CSIC to build on the foundations of a highly successful first five years (Phase 1) and support its Phase 2 mission to mainstream innovation in construction, leading to improved productivity and growth within the sector.

Launched in 2014 with initial funding of £7.5m from the Scottish Funding Council, CSIC has exceeded its Phase 1 targets, supporting 284 innovation projects from over 936 enquiries, with a total value of £17.4m which industry predicts will lead to 382 new products, processes, services or business models going to market, create over 2,500 new jobs and lead to an additional £810m of revenue over the next five years. It has also built a digital community of over 3,000 engaged industry innovators, 63 innovation champions, funded 71 MSc students and expanded to include a network of 14 university partners.


It is expected that over the next five years, the funding will support the construction sector to deliver £998m of additional gross turnover, create 1,847 new jobs and retain 4,721 existing jobs.

CSIC has big ambitions for the future, focusing on the cultural barriers across the industry and will aim to address issues like new innovative procurement models, diversity and inclusion, internationalisation, collaboration, productivity and investment in R&D and innovation.

As a member of the Board you will be expected to play a central role in guiding CSIC's strategic direction and supporting and promoting the crucial role innovation plays within the industry.

John Forster, CSIC board chair said: "The construction industry is on the verge of a digital and manufacturing revolution. Phase 1 saw CSIC establish itself and focus on building an innovation culture, and we’ve succeeded in creating a solid foundation around that.At the heart of any change programme sits committed people and by working together, the future for the construction sector is very bright indeed.

"Central to CSIC's mission is the belief that people drive innovation, so attracting a diverse, talented and ambitious group of board members from a broad range of backgrounds is key to building a dynamic, opportunity focused, digitally savvy construction industry fit for the 21st century.

"If you want to be part of an innovation revolution in construction, please do get involved in CSIC's Governance Board."

CSIC is one of eight industry led and demand driven Innovation Centres in Scotland and provides the construction sector and its clients with a 'single entry point' to a range of innovation support solutions including academic expertise, R&D funding, cutting-edge technology and access to a range of wider public sector innovation products and services.

Closing date for applications: 17.00hrs on Friday 19 July 2019.

(MH/CM)