Innovate UK has published a new Innovation Collaboration Framework in partnership with Scottish Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

The landmark commitment is designed to help Scotland achieve its "bold vision" of becoming one of the most innovative small nations in the world. It will unite the agencies to deliver shared goals, supporting ambitious Scottish businesses to invest in research, drive economic growth, create "good jobs", and tackle major societal and environmental challenges.

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The new framework complements the Scottish Government’s National Innovation Strategy by focusing on key themes and sectoral priorities to boost economic growth and global competitiveness. These priority sectors include Energy, Health & Life Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing, and Digital Technologies.

Innovate UK's work with the Economic Development Agencies will concentrate on three priority areas:

• Supporting the customer journey – providing a more coherent and effective support offering to innovators, from idea to commercial reality.

• Targeting support services – connecting local businesses with regional and national strengths and opportunities.

• Improved place-based innovation support – collaborating with partners to build up regional strengths and drive competitive advantages across Scotland.

This collaborative effort builds on Innovate UK's existing work, which has already formalised strategic partnerships through 10 Local Action Plans across the UK, with others currently being developed.