The Scottish economy sits on a knife-edge as the furlough scheme comes to an end, further lockdowns still seem possible and Brexit issues persist.
Innovation could be a key driver of progress as the coronavirus crisis re-shapes the commercial landscape.
There have been many examples of government, local authorities, civic society and charities ‘getting the job done’ during the height of lockdown: now it is the private sector’s turn.
Collaborative working is mentioned in the Scottish Government’s economic recovery implementation plan, which states: “Being at the forefront of a global transition will stimulate investment and innovation and enable Scottish businesses to better compete internationally.
“This is also a huge opportunity to grow Scottish businesses, supply chains and good, sustainable jobs.”
Scotland must be viewed as open for business, with support in both Westminster and Holyrood to provide a hotbed of digital, financial and technical talent.
To do this, the private sector may need to come together to consider the collective fruits of working as one. Can common areas of focus be identified, along with ways to share resources and talent?
Are there ways to attract investment if common cause and collective backing can be demonstrated?
Chris Harte, chief executive of law firm Morton Fraser, recently spoke with professor Wayne Powell, principal and chief executive at Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), about how innovation in business can help the nation trade through the current challenges.
COP26 and the green economy
Harte asks Powell what opportunities exist in in the next few years for Scotland off the back of November's landmark climate conference in Glasgow.
Bringing the ‘Golden Triangle’ to life
The pair discuss how to bring collaboration between sectors to life, and how SRUC navigates this.
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