SRUC and HIE partnership focuses on innovation

A new collaboration focusing on land and sea-based innovation is aiming to boost the Highlands and Islands economy.

The five-year agreement between Scotland’s

Rural College (SRUC) and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) will also play a major role in contributing to regional economic growth.

The signing of the agreement, by Professor Wayne Powell, principal and chief executive of SRUC, and HIE chief executive Stuart Black, follows the official opening of SRUC’s Rural and Veterinary Innovation Centre (RAVIC), by HRH the Princess Royal.

RAVIC will support the creation of innovative, sustainable new technologies, products, services, and businesses with global economic impact.

A key feature of the agreement is establishment of collaborative activities between SRUC and HIE, including roadshow events taking place throughout the Highlands and Islands and showcasing

RAVIC engagement opportunities that support transformational innovation in human and animal health, aquaculture, and agriculture through industry and academia collaboration.

Prof Powell said: “Together, SRUC and HIE have a successful, shared history of promoting rural economic growth through applied research and innovation. This includes developing a programme of veterinary education to address rural recruitment and retention challenges, linked to the new SRUC School of Veterinary Medicine.

“HIE’s and SRUC’s strategic ambitions, while different, are strongly aligned. Collectively, our knowledge, networks, and resources can drive positive, transformational change and economic growth for the communities, businesses, and people who live, study, and work regionally and throughout Scotland.”

Stuart Black said: “This Collaboration Agreement sets out an ambition to work together on activities that can unlock the region’s potential in land and sea based rural economic development, focusing on opportunities which have a sustainable and positive impact on both communities and the natural environment.”