Scotland has a strong culture of innovation, academic excellence and a conducive environment for SMEs growth. Indian firms like Zomato and New Galaxy have already made their presence. “We want small, innovative, nimble companies to benefit”, says Paul Lewis, Managing Director of the SDI.
In addition to having the top 6 Universities in the world, the Scottish Government has established 8 Innovation Centres with an investment of over 100 million pounds. These are in Big Data, Sensors, Digital Health, Oil & Gas, Industrial Biotech, Aquaculture, Aerospace and Space companies. Indian SMEs and industry can leverage these strengths, he told.
Lewis said Scotland is an attractive destination in the technology space, life sciences, energy, global financial services and education for India. It also provides a cost effective base with access to the UK and European markets.
In India recently with a team of SDI officials and industry recently, he said in the area of oil & gas, Scotland has deep expertise in sub-sea areas for exploration of resources. The technology developed for tapping reserves in the deep waters in the North sea can be brought to India.
For tapping oil & gas reserved in the deep waters there is a need for remote operated and automated vehicles. Technology companies like the Wood Group, Global Energy Group, Clydeunion Pump etc in the sector are keen for partnerships. Preliminary discussions with Indian companies in the sector have been initiated, he added.
In the area of renewable energy, where India has big plans, Scotland can pitch in for wind, wave and tidal energy. A memorandum of understanding has been forged with the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy for assessment of wind resources, off shore wind farms etc. Back home a 6 MW test turbine has been demonstrated outside Edinburgh.
Source: Business Line