Credits L-R: Opportunity North East, Scottish Enterprise, Alan Bryant, Oberlander Architects, Robertson
Innovative, World-Leading, Connected
Scotland’s health and life sciences sector is highly innovative, with a number of world-leading research and academic institutions supporting Scotland’s NHS and the wider public sector to innovate to address national, regional and global societal health challenges.
From global pharma services companies to medical technology start-ups, we’ve got the networks, support and skills you need to succeed.
The breadth of expertise within Scotland’s health and life sciences sector is united through pioneering health and life sciences innovation research in many of Scotland’s universities, a strong base of health innovation companies covering a wide variety of specialisms, and test facilities in the National Health and National Care Services.
One of the biggest life sciences clusters in Europe
One of the biggest life sciences clusters in Europe, Scotland is home to around 770 life science organisations employing over 42,500 people. Impressively, Scotland’s life sciences industry has already surpassed its 2025 target of £8 billion turnover – the latest data shows a turnover of almost £10.5 billion.
The scale of collaborative innovation in the health and life sciences sector has a significant national impact, serving to benefit our economy, the health and care needs of Scotland’s citizens, and improving outcomes through facilitating widespread adoption.
In addition to substantial expertise and growth potential in health innovation, Scotland’s abundant natural assets present innovation opportunities within the Industrial Biotechnology, Animal Health, Agri-Tech and Aquaculture sectors. These sectors are already contributing to a nationwide approach to achieving Scotland’s net zero ambitions and addressing the global climate crisis.
Within the breadth of specialisms represented in Scotland’s health and life sciences sector, a number of highly innovative vertical sector-specific opportunities within health innovation have been identified as having significant growth potential:
- Digital Health
- Future Medicines Manufacturing
- Precision Medicine
Ones to Watch
It’s an exciting time for Scotland’s health and life sciences sector. Dundee’s Life Sciences Innovation Hub, offering high spec laboratory and office accommodation is set to open in Spring 2025 and will be the beating heart of Dundee’s emerging Life Science Innovation District.
In Autumn 2025 the Glasgow Riverside Innovation District (GRID) is set to welcome the new Health Innovation Hub (HiH), a new purpose-built life science facility to be operated by Kadans Science Partner, focused on advancing and delivering precision medicine technologies through the R&D stage ahead of commercialisation.
Meanwhile, in Edinburgh, the recently-completed Usher Building which is due to formally open in 2025, is located in the heart of Edinburgh’s Health Innovation District, Edinburgh BioQuarter, The Building will enable academics, partners and the public to work and collaborate in new and innovative ways towards a shared purpose of developing data-enabled solutions to benefit health and wellbeing.
A recent exciting addition to Scotland’s life sciences ecosystem include Aberdeen’s £40m ONE BioHub which opened in August 2023. The Aberdeen city region is home to world-class enterprises tackling modern epidemics, from neurodegenerative diseases and infectious diseases to cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
And in Inverness, Inverness Campus is at an exciting stage in its development whereby a public consultation is taking place on the second and final phase of the Campus’ development with a view to supporting the life sciences, tech, and renewables sectors while making the most of the tax incentives derived from Inverness Campus being part of the Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport. Meanwhile, purpose built office space and dry laboratory accommodation is available for lease to small and medium-sized life sciences organisations in the £9.5m Life Sciences Innovation Centre.
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LHEES, area-wide plans for improving building energy efficiency and decarbonising heat, are crucial for Scotland’s energy transition. These strategies provide a framework for improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions in buildings by 2045. Cities are implementing LHEES to identify and prioritise areas for energy improvements, ensuring a coordinated approach to decarbonisation.
Efforts to decarbonise urban areas are gaining momentum. Initiatives like the Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme (LCITP) support projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Cities are developing net zero neighbourhoods, focusing on energy efficiency, sustainable transport, and green spaces. These neighbourhoods aim to create healthier, more sustainable urban environments.
Scotland’s commitment to renewable energy is evident in its infrastructure. The country is a leader in wind energy, with numerous onshore and offshore wind farms. Cities are increasingly integrating renewable energy sources into their grids, supporting Scotland’s ambitious climate targets.
Transport infrastructure in Scotland’s cities is robust and continually improving. Scotland’s road network spans approximately 35,400 miles (56,959 km), with major road networks like the M8 connecting Glasgow and Edinburgh facilitating efficient travel and commerce. Rail connectivity is equally vital, with cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow serving as central hubs in the UK’s national rail network. The Caledonian Sleeper service, the overnight sleeper train service also provides a convenient connection between London and many of Scotland’s cities.
The rise of digital services has increased demand for data centres. Scotland’s cool climate and renewable energy resources make it an attractive location for green data centres. These facilities use energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy sources to minimise their environmental impact. Cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow are exploring opportunities to develop such centres, supporting the digital economy while aligning with sustainability goals.
Scotland is making significant strides in digital connectivity. The rollout of 5G and full-fibre broadband is transforming cities into digital hubs. CityFibre’s Gigabit City Investment Programme is a key initiative, aiming to provide full-fibre infrastructure to cities up and down Scotland and the wider UK. This programme supports the Scottish Government’s goal of ensuring superfast broadband access for all premises by 2027. Stirling became the UK’s first completed Gigabit City in 2020.