Report launch – Employer engagement with colleges and how colleges support business with the adoption and diffusion of innovation
A report delving into the critical role Scotland’s colleges can play in driving innovation within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has been launched at an event held at Edinburgh College today (Thursday 17 October).
The College Innovation Network (CIN) has published its report titled ‘Employer engagement with colleges and the adoption and diffusion of innovation’. The ground-breaking report recognises the potential impact that colleges can have on the innovation ecosystem, and explores the current depth of college engagement with SMEs in Scotland and how colleges can support further innovation adoption within businesses.
Established in 2023, the CIN brings together representatives from across Scotland’s colleges and aims to promote and support the fostering of innovation in the sector.
The network’s new report, funded by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation, presents findings based on a variety of stakeholder engagement activities and two comprehensive questionnaires, capturing the perspectives of both businesses and colleges.
The research reveals that while Scottish colleges engage with employers across a range of services, support for innovation is still in its early stages – primarily due to capacity issues within colleges; a need for clearer understanding from businesses surrounding the innovation landscape; and need for change to policy and funding streams to enable colleges to support businesses to innovate.
Despite this, the study also highlights a clear demand from SMEs for practical support and academic expertise from colleges and a strong willingness to collaborate in order to grow their business.
As Scotland continues to develop its innovation landscape, the insights from this report are intended to serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, businesses, and educators alike. The College Innovation Network looks forward to working closely with partners to strengthen the links between colleges and SMEs, driving forward an innovation agenda that benefits the wider national economy.
