Clean Tech Scotland

Yesterday a ceremony was held to mark completion of construction of the Cleantech Innovation Centre in Orovilla, California.

This is an excellent initiative not only to demonstrate commitment to cleantech research and businesses but also to bring these together. Much like the various innovation parks that we have in Scotland (e.g. Stirling University SUIP etc) a key intangible benefit of basing your business here is being surrounded by others who have common business challenges. Commonly, business growth and the pains that come with it.

By creating an innovation centre that has focus on a particular industry (albeit a broad one) it will be possible to further increase the benefits of working amongst others, perhaps even competitors, in the industry.

Now that Jack Perry has moved on (only hours ago actually!) it would be worthwhile speaking with Lena Wilson, the incoming CEO of Scottish Enterprise, to see what support can be offered on a potential initiative like this.

Scotland is extremely well placed to be a leader in the cleantech space. Aside from the abundance of wind and sea the Government and Scottish Enterprise have an active focus on innovation and (re)positioning Scotland on the map as a leader in this space. In order to be a pioneer in the industry it will be important to lead the way, sometimes taking some risk, and demonstrate the willingness to try something not already proven elsewhere and the ability to deliver on it.