Wind and water?

The Economy committee’s Inquiry into Scotland’s Economic Future Post-2014 is busy this week with two sessions on energy.  First, a special session in Aberdeen looking at the future of oil and gas takes place on Monday afternoon.  Then on Wednesday the usual session in the parliament where future energy sources are the topic with a particular emphasis on wind and wave power.

 

The written submissions for the first meeting concentrate on the ownership and tax issues of independence for Scottish waters as well as the operational impacts for the industry.  Prof. Warne of CMS Cameron McKenna LLP, is giving oral evidence and states that though the issues are capable of resolution, they will bring uncertainty which could impact on investment while negations take place and new administration is up and running.

Prof. Alex Kemp of the University of Aberdeen will present a paper which outlines the likely income and costs from oil production until 2050. Though his assessment of Scottish waters shows that Scotland would get 90% of oil revenues, the long-term predications show a dramatic fall in oil and gas production. 

So just as well the committee will address new energy sources on Wednesday with four panel members:

Dr. Toke of the University of Aberdeen is optimistic for the future of energy, asserting that the 100% renewable energy target is attainable in Scotland without significant impact on energy prices. 

Dr Nicola McEwen, University of Edinburgh is though concerned that the proposed partnership on green energy across the UK could stifle development.

Martin McAdam, of Aquamarine Power, who have developed the Oyster state that:

“A number of independent studies have underlined the significant long-term growth potential offered to Scotland by a thriving ocean energy sector. Aquamarine Power has itself spent more than £5 million directly in the Orkney economy and works with more than 40 local firms.”

Eric Machiels, Chief Executive, Infinis, who have wind farms and landfill gas sites in Scotland also believes there can be significant growth in such energy but is concerned at any perceived threat of a potential interruption to financial support.

It seems the future is bright but much depends on not only the decisions of the Scottish people but of both UK and Scottish governments.

A lack of science?

The recent survey by @ingeniousbrit showed a mixed response from small businesses on independence. There was a small majority (48%) who thought a Yes vote would harm their business but a significant minority (37%) thought it would be a positive step.  They surveyed 1000 businesses but there was little detail about their size or nature. Despite this lack of scientific method, the survey was picked up by the BBC and other media.

 

The Economy committee’s Inquiry into Scotland’s Economic Future Post-2014 restarts this week by taking evidence from business representative bodies.  However, judging by their written submissions, the scientific and technology companies will not be uppermost in the evidence session. Of the three written submissions only the CBI even mention science or spin-outs and then only in the context of university research funding.  It seems in responding to the inquiry these organisations have failed to look at the future for the economy in Scotland and particularly the new growth areas in technology and science.

In the second panel is the Reid Foundation whose paper at least looks to develop a vision for a future economy. It states

“Given Scotland's levels of education, history of innovation, natural resources and geostrategic position we should be a high-skill, high-pay, high-productivity, high-investment, high-innovation economy.”

They go on to list areas including innovation where Scotland can develop this vision. Interestingly, one thing they suggest is that education and training should be more about engineering, maths, computing and design.  But not science, then go on to champion scientific research and development in another point:

“We should seek 'smart specialisation' wherever we can developing specialisations where Scotland's high-skill workforce and research and development make us competitive in export markets.”

Their evidence may be contradictory in places but at least it addresses the actual issue of the type of economy Scotland should develop rather than the esoteric and unanswerable questions that have so far dominated the debate.

Last week it was the turn of the Education Committee to start taking evidence on the future of Scotland with representatives from Universities.   They did address the issue of research and innovation but again failed to develop a future view, simply hoping the status quo would prevail after the referendum.

At the Scottish Labour party conference in Perth, the mood was upbeat with claims of the biggest conference turnout.  However, there was little for @Posvespin to tweet although research and innovation got a passing mention in the leader’s speech. Next it is the turn of the SNP with a rally for the referendum in Aberdeen from 11 April.

Dr Tony Axon is Director of Positive Spin and can get your views on Science and technology and other policies to the decision makers and politicians.