Glasgow secures £30m UK Government boost for innovation and tech
The city is one of three regions – alongside Belfast-Derry and Cardiff – being backed by the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund, a £500m pot designed to help local areas shape research priorities in collaboration with businesses, universities and local authorities.
Officials say funding could support a wide range of sectors, from AI and engineering to green energy and life sciences.
It could also build on Glasgow's existing strengths such as medical technology and satellite manufacture.
Science minister Lord Vallance said the funding helps 'unlock new, locally led innovation that can improve lives across the country.'
He said: 'The Glasgow City Region has a proud history of transformative innovation and by working with local leaders who know their city best, this fund can help capitalise on the skills and drive that have earned that global reputation as a hub of science and technology.
'That could mean bolstering Glasgow's space cluster to unlock new opportunities beyond our planet or building on its history of cutting-edge medical technology, but ultimately this can back a wide range of research which can improve everyday lives and help deliver our Plan for Change for the UK.'
The funding was first announced ahead of last month's UK Government spending review and is part of a broader £86bn commitment to research and development through to 2030.
Scotland Office minister Kirsty McNeill said: 'This £30m investment in Glasgow City Region is great news. We are backing Glasgow's world-class expertise in areas like medical technology and advanced manufacturing while supporting local jobs and skills.
'The UK Government is committed to unleashing Scotland's innovation potential and driving economic growth right across our country. Ensuring Scotland at the forefront of the technologies that will shape our future.'
Susan Aitken, Chair of the Glasgow City Region Cabinet and Leader of Glasgow City Council said: 'This investment is very welcome and testament to Glasgow City Region's continuing track record of delivery.
'The Glasgow Economic Leadership Board, co-chaired by myself and Prof Sir Jim McDonald, made an exceptionally strong case for Glasgow being the recipient of this support.
'We have the capacity, the experience and the thriving innovation ecosystems capable of translating investment into the type of growth supported by both the UK and Scottish Government.
'Given Glasgow's reputation as a centre of ingenuity and a City Region committed to equity, this investment can help take forward our ambitions for truly inclusive growth and innovation.'
Glasgow had already been part of an Innovation Accelerator pilot scheme, which aimed to supercharge regional economies through targeted funding and industry partnerships.
That pilot is credited with helping bring in more than £140m in private investment and creating hundreds of jobs across Greater Manchester, the West Midlands and Glasgow.
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