Friday 15th November 2024

Technology Scotland, in partnership with Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise, the University of Glasgow and the University of Strathclyde, is delighted to announce the creation of Scotland’s Critical Technologies Supercluster.

The announcement was made by the Scottish Government’s Business Minister, Richard Lochhead, at the Technology Scotland Annual Dinner held last night, Thursday 14th November.

The supercluster has been created to formally bring together Scotland’s internationally recognised strengths in photonics, quantum, semiconductors, connectivity and sensing. This aggregation of expertise, unparalleled anywhere else in the UK, will play a key role in developing our industries of the future and will be a significant contributor to our future economic growth.

The supercluster currently supports nearly 11,000 highly skilled workers and generates revenues in excess of £4bn. As part of the launch, the Minister highlighted an action plan that will support growth above £10bn by 2035, creating an additional 7,000 jobs. This plan focusses on key themes such as skills, investment, scale up support and internationalisation.

Ally McInroy, CEO, Technology Scotland, said,

As well as being vital for our security, defence and economic independence, critical technologies will shape our ambitions in areas such as net zero, smart transport, energy and our broader advanced industries.

Scotland’s collective strength across these technologies is extensive, positioning us well for the decade ahead. The supercluster has been created in recognition, not just of the technical overlaps between these technology areas, but also the shared supply chains, market areas and skills pipeline.

Positioned correctly, the supercluster will also be a magnet for future investment and a platform to boost Scotland’s profile on the world stage. Technology Scottland are excited to take a central role in developing activity underneath the announced action plan, and we look forward to working with industry, academia and other partners to realise the superclusters’ potential.

Business Minister Richard Lochhead said:

“It is fitting that a country so steeped in scientific history and innovation is leading in the fields of quantum, photonics, semiconductor, connectivity and sensing technologies. The Critical Technologies Supercluster has phenomenal potential – both in its role as a strategic driver for economic growth, and in redefining the way we live and work.

“As our Innovation Strategy and Programme for Government set out, the Scottish Government is committed to help position Scotland as one of the most innovative small countries in the world. We stand ready to help the Supercluster leverage our strategic advantages, lead the way in research and development and realise the tremendous ambition of our Critical Technologies supercluster.”