About Nesta

Nesta is an innovation foundation. For us, innovation means turning bold ideas into reality and changing lives for the better. We use our expertise, skills and funding in areas where there are big challenges facing society.

We showcased a wide range of our work in Scotland, with examples of what can be achieved when innovative ideas are encouraged and well supported. This included how technology can transform public services, how to take advantage of Scotland's strength in the creative industries and how to maximise the potential of communities.

Keynote speakers included Geoff Mulgan, Chief Executive, Nesta, John Swinney MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth and Rob Woodward, Chief Executive of STV and Nesta Board Memb

Programme

10:00 - 10:15 Introduction: Geoff Mulgan, Nesta Chief Executive
10:15 - 10:30 Running an Innovative Scottish Business: Rob Woodward, STV Chief Executive and Nesta Trustee
10:30 - 10:45 Scottish Innovation Priorities: John Swinney MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth
10:45 - 11:30 Nesta programmes and projects:

  • Destination Local - Alistair Tibbitt, Greener Leith
  • Make It Local - Ian Watt, Aberdeen City Council
  • Age Unlimited Scotland - Ena Brown, The Hub Community Cafe
  • Starter for 6 - Martin Izo and Philip Ross, Safehinge
  • Digital R&D Fund for Arts and Culture, Scotland - Corinne Orton and Marjolein den Bakker, Glasgow Film Theatre
  • Britain's New Radical - Angela Morgan, Includem
  • Young Scot - Gregor Urquhart

11:30 - 11:45 Break
11:45 - 12:15 Cabaret style discussion: Obstacles to innovation and ways forward

  • What are the most important fields in which Scotland needs to innovate in the next 10 years?
  • Which organisations and individuals do you most admire for their success in innovation?
  • What are the best opportunities for connecting different fields and sectors to drive innovation forward?

12:15 - 12:30 Conclusions: Geoff Mulgan, Nesta Chief Executive

Check out our photos from the event.

Speakers

John Swinney MSP

Rob Woodward