Scotland’s knowledge economy, particularly in life sciences and advanced manufacturing, is thriving thanks to its strong educational institutions, innovative companies, and supportive infrastructure.
By focusing on these sectors, Scotland is driving economic growth, creating jobs, and attracting investment into the ecosystem, contributing to the nation’s reputation as a leader in these fields.
To explore this topic, the Scottish Cities Alliance is returning to the UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) 2025, as part of Scotland’s largest ever delegation, with an engaging and informative panel event.
Taking place on Wednesday, 21st May from 1.30-2.30pm, the conversation will be facilitated by Philip Macdonald, Managing Partner at Oberlander Architects. The panel will feature:
- John Mackenzie, Director at Pioneer Group
- Sandy Smith, Development Director at Buccleuch Property
- Elaine Morrison, Director of Productivity at the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service, Scottish Enterprise.
- Ramin Ebrahimnejad – Business Development Manager, James Hutton Institute, Advanced Plant Growth Centre
Join us for an insightful discussion as our panellists delve into the dynamic developments within Scotland’s life sciences and advanced manufacturing sectors, and explore how these industries are being shaped by cutting-edge projects and strategic collaborations.
The role of Scotland’s life sciences sector
Scotland’s life sciences sector hosts over 700 organisations that span the spectrum from research and development to manufacturing and commercialisation. The country’s world-leading universities and research institutions are central to this success, fostering a vibrant ecosystem that supports groundbreaking discoveries and their translation into market-ready products.
Represented on the panel, one notable player in this space is Pioneer Group. Known for its commitment to nurturing life sciences start-ups and scale-ups, Pioneer Group provides vital support through state-of-the-art facilities, access to funding, and expert guidance. Their efforts are crucial in helping early-stage companies navigate the complex landscape of life sciences innovation, ensuring that pioneering research can make a tangible impact on global health and wellbeing.
Also represented on the panel is The James Hutton Institute, leading the way in agritech, delivering innovative research focused on tackling sustainability challenges. The Insititute is making a significant contribution to Scotland’s farming sector following a £62m investment through the Tay Cities Region Deal (TCRD) by the UK and Scottish Governments.
The new Inverurie-based Crop Innovation Centre facility is projected to contribute to over 900 collaborative industry projects, supporting an additional 2,600 jobs in the UK – of which 1,760 will be in Scotland and 470 in Tayside. Plans estimate that the CIC will contribute over £900m Gross Value Added to the UK economy, over half of which will be in Scotland.
Advanced Manufacturing in Scotland
Scotland’s advanced manufacturing sector is a key driver of the country’s economic growth, providing the technological backbone that supports and enhances the capabilities of the life sciences industry. Advanced manufacturing techniques, such as automation, robotics, and precision engineering, are essential in the production of high-quality life sciences products, from medical devices to biopharmaceuticals.
Buccleuch Properties, through its involvement in the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS), is playing a pivotal role in this domain. AMIDS is an ambitious project that aims to create a world-class hub for advanced manufacturing, fostering collaboration between industry, academia, and government. This initiative is set to attract significant investment, create high-value jobs, and cement Scotland’s reputation as a leader in advanced manufacturing.
Architecture and design are integral to creating environments that foster innovation and collaboration. Oberlander Architects, under the leadership of Philip Macdonald, are at the forefront of designing spaces that inspire and enable cutting-edge research and manufacturing. Their work on various life sciences and advanced manufacturing projects highlights the importance of thoughtful design in supporting technological advancements and operational efficiency.
Scotland’s life sciences and advanced manufacturing sectors are thriving, thanks to the concerted efforts of key stakeholders and the strategic development of specialised facilities and innovation hubs.
This event at the Scotland Pavilion will provide a unique opportunity to gain deeper insights into these dynamic industries and the exciting developments that are shaping their future.
For more information on investment opportunities in Scotland, visit The Scottish Cities Alliance
