Innovation Zone plans discussed by Island Working Group
Islands minister Derek Mackay has heard about plans to establish a local Island Innovation Zone for Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides.
As part of the 11th meeting of the Island Areas Ministerial Working Group, island council leaders presented proposals to establish a Local Island Innovation Zone with new and enhanced powers to encourage new opportunities for development and investment in the islands, through providing incentives that help to offset the additional costs of operating from the islands.
The meeting was also provided with an update on a study commissioned at the July meeting of the group on the economic opportunities of renewable electricity for island communities.
The meeting, chaired yesterday by Derek Mackay, included leaders and chief executives of the three Scottish island councils, as well as the minister for local government and community empowerment Marco Biagi.
Mr Mackay said: “The Scottish Government’s Economic Strategy has placed innovation at the heart of its plan for long-term, sustainable economic growth. As part of the Empowering Scotland’s Island Communities prospectus, we gave a clear commitment to consider any proposals brought forward by the island councils to establish Island Innovation Zones which provide a clear focus on specific opportunities available to our island communities, and this remains the case today.
“Overall, I welcome the work done to date by the councils to identify specific sources of potential competitive advantage and jobs growth as well as the aim of a potential Innovation Zone.
“In determining the strategic imperatives of any zone, a thorough assessment of genuine strengths and real potential is crucial. I have, therefore, asked that the councils engage with Highlands and Islands Enterprise in order to set out in further detail the potential of any such zone.
“Discussions at yesterday’s meeting also highlighted the importance of the current islands consultation which I launched at the end of September. This seeks views on a range of issues including the possibility of the devolution of additional powers, stronger representation and the creation of a National Islands Plan.
“The consultation will close on December 23 and therefore I would encourage everyone with an interest in our islands to have a look at the consultation, as it is an ideal opportunity to influence what a future Island Bill might look like.”