ShareLab Scotland aimed to find and support viable projects that demonstrate how collaborative digital platforms can be used to create positive social impact in innovative, scalable ways. As part of the fund, Nesta supported the Scottish Government in putting into practice the recommendations of the Scottish Expert Advisory Panel on the Collaborative Economy, as published in their report in January 2018.

ShareLab Scotland built on Nesta's previous work on researching and funding startup ideas that draw on the collaborative economy to create social benefits for all.

We also have a long tradition of supporting collaborative activities to inspire innovation. For example the Innovation in Giving Fund and the Centre for Social Action Innovation Fund (in partnership with the Cabinet Office) have supported organisations that bring together groups in collaborative ways to address social challenges and help their communities thrive.

Funded by the Scottish Government and delivered by Nesta, grants of £15,000 - £33,000 were given to organisations delivering benefit to communities within Scotland.

The Scottish Expert Advisory Panel on the Collaborative Economy was set up in April 2017 to provide advice, expertise and to make recommendations on the collaborative economy. The panel delivered its findings early in 2018.

The need for the Scottish Government to seize the opportunity to shape – or else be shaped by – digital, collaborative platforms was a key message delivered by the panel. This means creating the right environment for innovation; to develop and support new platforms that meet currently unmet needs within Scotland, with the aim of delivering more than just economic value but actively shaping the collaborative economy in new sectors and industries to the benefit of the people of Scotland. The ShareLab Scotland fund supported this delivery.

ShareLab Scotland funded five projects to build collaborative digital platforms and work with community groups to address social issues through innovative means. The projects focused on transport, energy and community resources.

The projects ran from November 2018 – December 2019. You can read more about the funded projects below.