Happy Light Year

As this is the first blog of 2015, I wish you all a happy new year and also hope you enjoy this year of light.  The international year of light, +IYL2015  officially opened in Paris at the UNESCO headquarters. There are events across the globe and, given the propensity of optoelectronic and light based technology in Scotland, I am glad there are events here with the launch on 23 February, details at http://light2015.scot/ at the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

UNESCO illuminated for the opening of the +IYL2015 

The year is an opportunity to showcase the excellent research and development carried out on lasers, optoelectronics, optics and light technology in Scotland which should help to increase awareness of this sector and funding to develop products.

Innovation and Economic strategy

The first week in Parliament was quiet as most parliamentary committees did not meet, however there was a a plenary debate on Boosting the Economy.  In opening the debate, John Swinney, The Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Constitution and Economy, stated that:

"One of the central features of the Government’s economic strategy will be encouragement for the development of innovation in our economy. Last year’s research excellence framework found that each of Scotland’s 18 higher education institutions undertakes research of “world-leading” quality. That will be central to developing the focus on innovation that will emerge from the Government’s economic strategy"

He also stated that he is updating the Government's economic strategy which includes boosting investment and innovation.  This will be published in the coming months so there is still time to influence the detail of the strategy.

Creative Industry Enquiry 

The Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee is undertaking a review of the Economic Impact of the Creative Industries.  It has received over 50 written submissions and the committee is holding 4 evidence sessions. Last week representatives of the video games industry gave evidence underling the importance of the games industry to Scotland and also stating that small developers are now able to develop games for the tablet and mobile market without the investment required for console games.

This week representatives of the TV and film industries will give evidence.

Constitutional powers

On Thursday the  Devolution (Further Powers) Committee will take evidence from Scottish business organisations on the Smith Agreement.

• David Watt, Executive Director, Institute of Directors 
• Ross Martin, Chief Executive, Scottish Council for Development and Industry;
• Alan Watt, Chief Executive, Civil Engineering Contractors Association;
• Stuart Patrick, Chief Executive, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce

In their written submission, the SCDI calls for the Scottish Parliament to be given the ability to offer further tax incentives for business research and development than that already available across the UK.