Delivering the vision - Strengthen the Innovation Ecosystem
Scotland should strengthen its zero emission mobility innovation ecosystem by: harnessing and building on the internationally recognised reputations of its universities and research centres; investing in facilities to test and demonstrate innovation; and establish a network of post graduate researchers helping businesses push the boundaries of technology development and commercialisation.
Case Study - Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc
Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc (MSIP) is an ambitious joint venture between Michelin, Dundee City Council, and Scottish Enterprise, created to generate economic growth in Scotland and support a fair and just transition to a net zero economy.
MSIP is transforming the 32-hectare Michelin Tyre Factory to become a home for innovators, manufacturers, and skills leaders to develop and advance sustainable mobility and decarbonisation technologies. With close links to world leading institutions, including the University of St Andrews, the University of Dundee and Abertay University, it creates an environment for collaboration between industry and academia.
The Innovation Parc includes industrial space, an innovation campus, the MSIP Skills Academy as well as business and innovation support, and competitive, green and sustainable energy.
Key to the success in setting up MSIP has been partnerships between industry, academia, government and the local community to transform Dundee into a key location for innovation that will progress emerging technology for a greener future.
Priorities
Gaps in the zero emission mobility innovation ecosystem should be identified by reviewing existing facilities, networks and access to funding and those gaps should be addressed.
A zero emission mobility innovation engagement group could be established to respond to innovation challenges, promote the development of innovation projects across Scotland and to link with other innovation actors such as those in logistics, finance and town planning.
An innovation fund should be considered to provide support for innovators to scale up their manufacturing capability in Scotland and bring the development and testing of new technologies to Scotland, with a particular focus on batteries, fuel cells and zero emission heavy duty vehicles.
Industry could work more closely with education centres to ensure skills development for innovation is in place across the range of areas required including engineering and design skills as well as management, operations, safety and quality.
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