Start-up rates in Scotland have stalled compared with other parts of the UK, while scaling businesses remain a challenge, according to a report from a new initiative designed to boost entrepreneurship.
The ‘State of the Nation’ report is the first from the Scottish Entrepreneurship and Innovation Observatory (EIO) a collaboration between the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship, Strategy and Innovation and the Fraser of Allander Institute.
It finds that solo entrepreneurship is on the rise, but larger firms – which drive jobs and growth – have seen little expansion.
The Observatory aims to become a hub for ideas and collaboration. It has also produced a paper revealing that most of the £765 million invested in early-stage Scottish companies is concentrated in Edinburgh.
Three sectors – Information and Communication, Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities, and Manufacturing – attracted more than 85% of total investment.
Professor Mairi Spowage, director of the Fraser of Allander Institute, said:“ Our analysis shows that entrepreneurship in Scotland is shaped by complex factors.
“The challenge – and opportunity – is to ensure that this investment reaches more parts of Scotland and helps create inclusive growth across all communities.”
Professor Niall MacKenzie, head of the Hunter Centre, said: “The Observatory is about starting a conversation on how Scotland can strengthen its entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“By providing robust analysis, we can understand what works, what doesn’t, and how to turn research and ideas into real-world impact.”
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