Scottish businesses can get the latest advice on how to use technological innovation to stimulate growth in the recession, and identify new funding possibilities at a two day conference taking place in the Highlands.

Innovate Scotland is being run by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) in partnership with the Technology Strategy Board (TSB) in Aviemore on October 28 and 29.

It offers businesses the opportunity to hear from a number of high profile speakers from the business world giving advice on sustainable energy generation and supply, the digital economy and healthcare of the future. There will also be a series of workshops, and the opportunity for businesses to set up face to face meetings.

The event will cover all aspects of the effective use of new technology in the business world and will have a particular focus on how to exploit a low carbon economy.

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It is the first time the TSB has brought their annual Innovate conference to Scotland, and it offers a unique opportunity for businesses to take part in an important platform for shaping the policies that the TSB pursues in the coming months.

As well as HIE, it will be supported by a number of organisations including Scottish Enterprise, The Scottish Funding Council, Business Gateway and Knowledge Transfer Networks.

They will each be contributing to the series of speeches and workshops designed to highlight the benefits of networking, how to turn research and development ideas into reality, and available research opportunities.

"Today innovation is about so much more than just new products," explained Alex Paterson, Director of Regional Competitiveness at HIE.

"It is about reinventing business processes and building entirely new markets that meet emerging customer needs. The internet and globalization only widen the pool of new ideas and models for businesses, especially those operating in regions such as the Highlands and Islands.

"This is an exciting opportunity for our businesses to learn more about the opportunities that are there for them. They will be able to hear about the specific funding packages that are in place and how to access them."

Those who book early can take advantage of an early bird rate of £50 per delegate - the full cost is £75.

(GK/KMcA)