New centre for innovation in construction

A £7.5 MILLION centre is to be created to improve links between universities and the construction industry.

It is hoped it will lead to further collaboration between industry and academics and greater opportunities for graduates.

The Construction Scotland Innovation Centre will be funded by the Scottish Funding Council and is being supported by 11 universities.

More than 30,000 businesses will be able to make use of the centre once it opens, Construction Scotland said, and it will focus on low-carbon and energy-related projects.

The universities involved include Dundee, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Napier, Glasgow Caledonian and Strathclyde.

Edinburgh Napier University will carry out the administration of the centre.

Ed Monaghan, chairman of Construction Scotland, said: “Exemplar projects such as the delivery of the Commonwealth Games Athletes’ Village, the M74 completion and the Forth Replacement Crossing demonstrate that collaboration, knowledge exchange and innovation is achievable, but not the norm.

“The role of the innovation centre is to transform that mindset and ensure i n n ova t i o n becomes business as usual, creating a sector that is sustainable and one that generates greater economic impact for Scotland.”

Construction Scotland said the industry employs 170,000 across the country, and believes the innovation centre will support further growth.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Construction Scotland was established some 18 months ago to become the voice of the construction industry here in Scotland.

“It is particularly pleasing to see their efforts in bringing together the wide variety of professions and trades it represents, as well as academia and the public sector,” she added.

“The role of the centre is to ensure innovation becomes business

as usual.”

Ed Monaghan