Glasgow City Innovation District Venture Studio has partnered with Glasgow Riverside Innovation District and Community Enterprise Scotland (CEIS) to develop a dedicated inclusive innovation programme.
The programme is part of GCID’s Venture Studio Innovate Pillar, which focuses on driving social innovation. Supported by Glasgow City Council and UK Shared Prosperity Funding, the initiative focuses on inclusion and widening participation in the innovation economy, with a particular emphasis on integrating third-sector organisations and social enterprises that engage and support emerging and underrepresented groups.
CEIS and The Challenges Group are working alongside two pilot organisations Agile City and Glasgow the Caring City to develop an Inclusive Innovation Playbook. This will provide a comprehensive document serving as a strategic guide for inclusive innovation. The Playbook will document key processes, best practices, and critical lessons learned throughout the pilot programme. Its primary objectives include providing a structured approach to programme development and strategies for embedding third-sector organisations into the innovation landscape and offers a replicable model for inclusive economic participation.
The Playbook aims to benefit third-sector organisations, social enterprises, and individuals from communities in Glasgow who experience barriers to innovation. Specific beneficiary groups include community organisations seeking innovative development approaches, social enterprises aiming to expand their impact, and groups supporting underrepresented communities. The Playbook will feature a means of creating targeted support, mentorship, and training and empower individuals/organisations to access previously unavailable innovation opportunities, develop new skills, and create sustainable economic pathways.
Glasgow City Innovation District, Director, Alisdair Gunn, said: "We’re thrilled to collaborate with CEIS on this second initiative under our GCID Venture Studio Innovate Pillar. This partnership will be an invaluable resource in creating stronger pathways for underrepresented groups to engage in the innovation economy and unlock new business opportunities."
James Finnie, Senior Adviser, CEIS said: "Partnering with two of Glasgow’s Innovation Districts on this programme is a great opportunity. We’re already making significant progress on the Playbook and hope it will become a valuable tool for organisations moving forward. Our long-term vision is to establish a multi-year support programme that can be implemented across Glasgow’s communities."