How will the SNP develop innovation in Scotland?

At the heart of our economic agenda of an SNP government is a focus on transforming our productivity as a country. Innovation is key to achieving this ambition.

The Scottish Government has published the Innovation Action Plan for Scotland, which is aimed at boosting Scotland’s innovation performance to match the levels of the best performing countries in the OECD.

We will also direct Scotland’s Enterprise Agencies to focus on building a ‘scale-up’ programme for start-up companies – and streamline and simplify support and advice for businesses.

To further improve access to finance, the Scottish Government will begin work to establish a Scottish National Investment Bank, supporting businesses with the long-term investment they need to grow.

We will also launch a new Innovation Prize, with an annual award for the collaborative project that produces the optimum commercialisation from investment activity.