This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Bright sparks get innovation awards from Alasdair Morrison
12/11/1999
Innovation is the way forward if Scotland is to develop world-beating business ideas and capitalise on them, said Deputy Minister for the Highlands and Islands and Gaelic, Alasdair Morrison today.
Presenting the prestigious '1999 John Logie Baird Awards for Innovation' for Scottish inventions with the most commercial potential, Mr Morrison said:
"In his time, John Logie Baird had the kind of passion for innovation which the creative individuals gathered here today have shown. It is encouraging that the qualities of creativity and ingenuity of one of the great 'Scots' is still being shown as Scotland continues to produce world-class inventors and ideas.
"In today's business world, change is rapid. Scottish companies need to adapt quickly to the fast-changing environment in order to compete. It is vital for Scotland to develop world-beating ideas and capitalise on them if we are to create a vibrant and successful economy. Innovation is one way to do this.
"The Scottish Executive recognises that innovation is the life blood of the knowledge economy. We are committed to doing all we possibly can to improve the climate for business in Scotland, to allow new ideas and enterprise to flourish.
"In our Programme for Government we pledged to:
- Introduce a new business mentoring scheme by April 2000.
- Encourage the transformation of ideas from our labs into successful businesses and support the establishment of a Scottish Institute of Enterprise by 2001.
- Help create 100,000 new Scottish businesses by 2009.
- Initiate a Scottish Labour Market unit by the end of 1999 to highlight the skills that Scotland needs.
"I am delighted to be able to present these prestigious awards. I am sure that the individuals we are honouring here tonight will continue to innovate and develop their ideas and produce opportunities for employment and future economic success for Scotland."
BACKGROUND
1. The annual John Logie Baird Awards are organised by Scottish Innovation with sponsorship from the Scottish Executive and Scottish Enterprise. The awards are given to the best proposals to commercially exploit a new innovation or idea and thus create new Scottish jobs.
2. Awards are presented in five categories: Established Companies; Inventors and Small Firms; Academic and Medical spin-outs; Young Innovators, and the overall Scottish Innovator of the Year. Prizes for each category are: £2000, £1200 and £800. The Young Innovator wins a state-of-the-art computer system, while the Scottish Innovator of the Year is awarded £3000.
3. For more information on the John Logie Baird Awards, contact Scottish Innovation on 0141 332 3535.
News Release: SE1256/1999
12 Nov 1999