Regional Economic Development Futures for Scotland

Regional Economic Development Futures for Scotland

This event is organised by the RSA Scottish Section (Micaela Mazzei and Colin Mason).

Persistent regional inequalities across Scotland make it vital to revisit how entrepreneurship, innovation, and Community Wealth Building (CWB) contribute to regional economic development. The alignment of CWB principles with innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems can enable the translation of economic activity into sustained, place‑based development. This integrated approach is particularly relevant for Scotland, where the regional development landscape is at a moment of significant economic, social, and spatial transition.

A symposium offers a timely space for RSA members to explore why entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystems thrive in some regions while others continue to face challenges linked to demographic change, institutional weakness, or post‑industrial restructuring.

By bridging conversations on CWB, entrepreneurship, innovation and its commercialisation this symposium aims to stimulate more integrated thinking about how diverse forms of entrepreneurship can collectively strengthen Scotland’s regional economies. Such dialogue will help RSA members shape more grounded, regionally sensitive approaches to development that reflect Scotland’s varied local realities and support more equitable and resilient futures.

This one-day, in-person symposium will bring together scholars, policymakers and practitioners to explore the future of regional economic development in Scotland, with a particular focus on entrepreneurship, innovation and place-based economic strategies.

Speakers will include Professor Norin Arshed, Neil McInroy, Dr David Waite and Professor Des McNulty and representatives from the Scottish Government among many others.

The symposium provides a platform for dialogue on entrepreneurship, innovation, inclusive growth and place-based development, with a focus on identifying priorities for Scotland’s regional economic future.

You can register via Eventbrite here:  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1995070780410?aff=oddtdtcreator

If you have any dietary requirements, accessibility requirements, or any other requirements that would help you participate fully in the event, please let us know in advance by emailing yunuscentre@gcu.ac.uk.