Economy and Enterprise Committee

The RSE Economy and Enterprise Committee (formerly the Business Innovation Forum) was convened in 2010 with the aim of identifying and stimulating processes to increase collaboration between business and academia in Scotland. The membership compromises a broad range of experience from Scotland’s business and academic communities. The Committee remit was revised and updated in 2019 and is included below.

Purpose

The Economy and Enterprise Committee will focus on, the means of enhancing the economy (defined to include wider economic and social well-being) through consideration of issues such as skills, fair work, business development, enterprise and innovation. It will:

  • Inform and respond to key policy developments and initiatives relating to the economy (including fiscal policy) through, for example, consultation responses, policy advice and facilitating discussion and debate.
  • Be forward-thinking and proactive in identifying and addressing longer-term issues and policy challenges relating to the economy / economic well-being.
  • Liaise with the Education Committee and other RSE Committees in areas of mutual interest.
  • Advise the Executive and Council on the future direction and development of the RSE’s Enterprise Fellowships programme and any future programmes in this area.
  • Advise the Executive and Council on effective engagement with the business community and be proactive with regard to that engagement.

Activities

Since being established in 1997, the RSE Enterprise Fellowship scheme has supported more than 200 researchers to develop and launch new businesses, with companies formed across a wide range of fields – from tidal energy generation and safety systems for the oil and gas industry, to insect repellents and communication solutions for sufferers from Alzheimer’s disease.

Enterprise Fellowship Awards are specifically designed to support academic researchers in becoming outstanding entrepreneurs. Enterprise Fellows get access to the most up-to-date training in entrepreneurial skills, delivered to the highest standard of international excellence by individuals who have a proven track record of commercial success. Awardees are further supported to establish and grow their businesses via one year’s salary and business development funding to cover costs associated with attending conferences and trade shows.

If you would like any further information about Enterprise Fellowships, please contact the Enterprise Fellowship team

All reports published by the Economy and Enterprise Committee are listed with our advice papers.

Committee Information

Membership

Professor Andrew Porter, FRSE (Chair)
Dr Rebekah Widdowfield (RSE CEO)
Dr Olga Kozlova FRSE
Professor Donald MacRae OBE, FRSE
Dr Jano Van Hemert FRSE
Mr Paul Mason
Dr Allan Colquhoun
Dr Poonam Malik FRSE
Dr Claudia Duffy, YAS Member
Dr Rabinder Buttar, FRSE
Mr Sandy Finlayson, FRSE
Mr Owen Kelly OBE
Professor Russell Griggs OBE
Mr Nick Kuenssberg FRSE
Mr Melfort Campbell FRSE
Ms Mairi Spowage (Observer)
Mr Paul Stuart (Secretariat)

Contact

Should you wish to request any further information about the Economy and Enterprise Committee, please contact Paul Stuart or phone 0131 240 5020.