Dr Brendan McGuckin, Director of Knowledge Transfer & Commercialisation Services, has been invited to sit on the Scottish Government’s
National Economic Forum.
The Forum brings together senior figures in business, trade unions, government, the wider public sector, and the third sector, as an important aspect of the Scottish Government's strategy to achieve transformational change and higher sustainable economic growth throughout Scotland. The forum was addressed by Mr Alex Salmond MSP, First Minister of Scotland, and other Cabinet Ministers.
Dr McGuckin and Professor Jim McDonald, Principal of the University of Strathclyde were the only university representatives at the fourth National Economic Forum since coming to power with each facilitating specific sessions.
Held on 16 December, the fourth Forum specifically discussed business commercialisation and innovation and how best the economy can benefit from increased levels of innovation within an indigenous company base. The forum also considered how Scottish companies can better connect with and benefit from improved access to university capability and know-how.
A special forum interest was in the opportunities for Scotland in the Renewable Energy sector. These span all aspects of wave, tidal and wind generation and also in power distribution and the opportunities for “impact through excellence” via business to business and business to academia partnerships and collaborations.