Innovation debate on people living in rural areas

16 March 2010

Staged on the Hebridean Isle of Lewis an event will see two school teams lock horns on the question 'Are people living in rural areas innovative?' in the Strathclyde University Innovation Debate. The event is part of the Economics and Social Research Council's (ESRC) Festival of Social Science (12-22 March). Aimed primarily at young adults although open to all , the debate is linked to the Strathclyde Business School's ESRC-funded research project 'Innovation in Peripheral Areas', which is exploring the kinds of innovation seen in remote areas both locally and internationally, as well as the economic, social and policy conditions that support or hinder it.

Dr MacBryde says: "The Innovation Debate project has been designed to pull questions of local innovation into the school curriculum – for example in the areas of science, geography and business. This will help young adults with difficult decisions around whether they need to move from the area to realise their interests and aspirations, or whether they are better off staying. We're also keen to show all of our partners in this project how the Business School can help them with innovation."

The debate is also part of the first ever Hebridean SciTech Festival. This event is organised by the University of Strathclyde Business School and will involve the Institute's staff and pupils, local businesses and the Highland and Islands Enterprise (the Scottish Government’s economic and community development agency).