Digital Dairy Chain highlighted in National Innovation Strategy
The Digital Dairy Chain is highlighted in the National Innovation Strategy as a prime example of an Innovation Cluster
The Principal and Chief Executive of Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) has welcomed the organisation’s prominent inclusion in Scotland’s newly published National Innovation Strategy.
Professor Wayne Powell said the SRUC-led Digital Dairy Chain and its Dairy Nexus, which are highlighted as prime examples of an Innovation Cluster, was testament to SRUC’s forward-thinking approach to connecting research to the economy to support business, jobs and the green economy.
Scotland’s National Innovation Strategy says the Digital Dairy Chain, which received £21 million from UK Research & Innovation’s Strength in Places Fund, and the Dairy Nexus project, which draws on Scottish and UK Government funding secured as part of the unique Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, have helped to cement South-West Scotland as the country’s ‘go to’ region for future investment in high-tech, sustainable and regenerative food production systems.
Prof Powell said: “Scotland’s ten-year National Innovation Strategy outlines how Scotland can be one of the most innovative small nations in the world, making it a fairer, more equal, wealthier and greener country. The inclusion of the Digital Dairy Chain in the National Innovation Strategy is testament to SRUC’s forward-thinking approach to connecting research to the economy to support business, jobs and the green economy.”
Stuart Martin, Programme Director of the Digital Dairy Chain said: “The Scottish Government’s vision will be made into reality within the agricultural sector through collaboration-driven projects such as the Digital Dairy Chain and Dairy Nexus.
“The Digital Dairy Chain focuses on aligning industry needs, including developing digital connectivity, stimulating research and new product development, supporting business growth and attracting talent and skills, across the region. All vital ingredients to boost the value of the dairy industry nationally and simultaneously showcasing the rural powerhouse these regions can be.”
Scottish businesses will be able to access expertise and facilities through Dairy Nexus, a new state-of-the-art co-innovation hub based at SRUC’s Barony Campus in Dumfries.
The Digital Dairy Chain project will work in tandem with research activity and will focus on innovation in on-farm and downstream milk processing technologies. The aim is to maximise the value of milk and reduce energy consumption and waste in processing and storage.
Posted by SRUC on 13/06/2023
