Strategic Fit and Contribution
Scottish EDGE continues to make a strong and measurable contribution to relevant economic development, innovation and enterprise policy priorities, summarised below:
SCOTLAND’S ECONOMIC STRATEGY:
Investing in high risk start-ups and enterprises
Supporting innovative entrepreneurs that have the potential to bring novel and disruptive technologies to the market, and leveraging additional business R&D
Two out of five winners are now exporting and operating within international markets
EDGE has evolved and developed new competition categories, and the judging panels consist of individuals from diverse backgrounds (including 40% women) to ensure an open and inclusive service;
SCOTLAND CAN DO:
Supports the capabilities of enterprises and entrepreneurs through offering a holistic financial and business development support package
The competition element helps encourage and incentivise innovative and ambitious entrepreneurs
EDGE has created an alumni community that has helped to develop strong networks to the wider entrepreneurial landscape
The judging panels and approach to feedback has helped to create a sort of virtuous cycle that helps to generate future demand and a pipeline of future activity
SE STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK
BUILDING SCOTLAND’S FUTURE:
Supporting business start-ups and scaling companies which directly leads to the creation of new jobs and economic output within the Scottish economy – EDGE often acts as a feeder for SE Account Management
Stimulating and leveraging investment in business – R&D (BERD), and capital;
Supporting and encouraging businesses to access new international markets (41% operate within international markets).
“Scottish EDGE is one of the best journeys I’ve been on. I feel I’ve grown as a person, now I can take on the challenge to speak about my business to anyone. ”