New partnership to unlock potential of South’s natural economy
Jane Morrison-Ross and Professor Powell marking the start of the SRUC-SOSE partnership
SRUC and South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) have agreed a ground-breaking partnership which will aim to maximise opportunities presented by the region’s significant and diverse natural resources.
The arrangement will see both organisations working together to unlock the potential of the South’s natural economy, which includes strengthening the region’s contribution to solutions that tackle climate change and biodiversity loss.
The partnership agreement includes plans to create an entrepreneurial campus to encourage enterprising thinking and rural entrepreneurs.
A natural capital accelerator programme will also be launched to provide an opportunity to test nature-based business ideas and ultimately attract additional responsible investment.
Both SOSE and SRUC will also explore a jointly funded post based in the South as well as co-location opportunities, as well as bringing together natural capital expertise from within and outwith the region.
The new partnership was announced at the launch of the South of Scotland Net Zero Inward Investment Guide, which identifies the South’s natural capital as one of the region’s three key strengths.
With the South containing a fifth of Scotland’s land mass and having a unique geographical location, the guide highlights that the region is already leading the way in carbon capture and sequestration.
Jane Morrison-Ross, Chief Executive of SOSE, said: “This new partnership confirms the commitment of both SOSE and SRUC to move at pace to unlock the region’s potential in delivering nature-based solutions to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss.
“We want to take our place as world leaders in providing solutions that are impactful, evidence-based and forward looking.
“We believe this partnership can unleash ingenuity, creativity and determination, helping ideas become reality and attracting additional investment for the benefit of our people, economy and environment.”
Professor Wayne Powell, Principal and Chief Executive of SRUC, added: “We are delighted to be working with SOSE to maximise opportunities presented by the region’s significant and diverse natural resources.
“Through our world-class research and teaching, SRUC is focussed on tackling immense challenges such as food and nutrition security and climate change.
“In the South of Scotland, this includes projects such as the SRUC-led Digital Dairy Chain, Dairy Nexus and N2 Unit, purchased with support from SOSE, which uses revolutionary technology to practically eliminate methane and ammonia emissions from slurry production.”
Posted by SRUC on 04/09/2023
