Business Focus: Highlands have the potential to be a leading innovator and exporter of climate change solutions
by Grant Campbell, SCDI's regional manager in the Highlands and Islands
Since the last SCDI column, there has been a ripple of celebration throughout the Highlands and Islands business organisations, as the feel-good factor did the rounds at SCDI’s Highlands and Islands Excellence Awards.
Business and industry came together ‘virtually’ to take their seats, to commend the people and organisations who have kept the local economy going over the last year and there was a lot to be jubilant about.
The evening saw a total of 10 awards being given out, one of which was to Dunnet Bay Distillers which is run by husband and wife team Martin and Claire Murray, who took the SCDI’s chair award for outstanding achievement.
Speaking of the awards Martin said: “We are a small, innovative team that are proud of what we do and where we do it. In seven quick years we’ve made incredible progress and we are excited about our future projects and products.”
SCDI is an advocate for future visions, Scotland has the potential of being a leading innovator and exporter of technological solutions to climate change. Our regions could be the best places to harness new and emerging digital technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence and data analytics to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
As we look ahead to COP26, after speaking to over 100 founders, innovators, investors and other stakeholders, we identified key challenges and the recommendations of how they should be addressed. The launch of Innovation Critical – Scotland’s Net Zero Mission and Climate Tech Opportunity explores how Scotland can deliver a transition to net zero by 2045 which will create regional green jobs, boost local and international exports, innovation and productivity.
In November, SCDI will deliver the 2021 Forum. It comes at a particularity crucial time and will continue vital conversations on climate change but will also look ahead to how SCDI can work with business and opportunities for positive transformation.
For forum partnership opportunities, email grant.campbell@scdi.org.uk
