In September 2023, the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal released its annual report, highlighting the deal’s impact over the last five years. The deal has helped 15,000 people secure employment, and improved the skills and knowledge of over 103,000 of the region’s citizens.
Edinburgh Futures Institute is one of six innovation hubs comprising the University of Edinburgh’s Data-Driven Innovation programme that is part of The Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal.
A recent round-up of case studies showcase the Deal’s impact in a video series highlighting the people and organisations behind the projects:
- Dunard Centre – Dunard Centre is the sole project in the ‘Culture’ theme. In this video we hear from those making the centre a reality, as well as Beth Malcolm, a performer who shares why this new space is so exciting to her as one of Scotland’s up and coming performers.
- Ukrainian Construction Academy – The Integrated Employer Engagement Project, in partnership with Balfour Beatty and the Edinburgh Futures Institute, designed and delivered a construction academy for members of the Ukrainian Community who had been forced to resettle within the region due to the conflict in Ukraine. The programme supported Ukrainians to obtain UK industry qualifications, which led to them securing sustainable employment and additional education opportunities.
- Fife Innovation Zone – The Fife Innovation Zone is part of the City Region Deal’s innovation theme. It delivers a sustained investment programme in modern business premises. In this video, we explore methods used to save energy, and contribute to the wider economic growth in Fife, and hear from a tenant operating out of the innovation zone.
- Built Environment: Smarter Transformation training programme – The Housing, Construction and Infrastructure (HCI) Skills Gateway is changing construction across Edinburgh and South East Scotland. With almost 40% of UK greenhouse gas emissions emitted by the built environment, it is vital to inspire new careers and upskill experts to achieve sustainable low carbon housing and construction. The Smarter Transformation training programme enthuses young people about construction, and bridges the gap between education and new construction technologies.
- Internet of Things – The Data Education in Schools programme is for children and young people across the region to learn about data, to benefit their personal lives and open up new possibilities for interesting and well-paid careers. One example can be seen in Addiewell Primary School, where pupils learned about the impact Co2 levels have on their own learning and focus, as well as how it effects a reptilian friend in the Five Sisters Zoo.
- Women in Data – The PDA Data Science programme is delivered by Edinburgh College through the Data Education in Colleges project. The programme is aimed at reducing the gender imbalance within IT and Tech roles by supporting women to enhance their skills in digital and data innovation. We hear from several students enrolled on the course who are taking the opportunity to further their learning, enhance their lives and advance their careers.
Further information:
Read more about the delivery milestones: Five Years of Progress for the City Region Deal
Read the full DDI report: DDI Annual Review 2022
Find out more about the Data Driven Innovation initiative and the University of Edinburgh innovation hubs: https://ddi.ac.uk/
