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Award for partnership led by the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University
The Data-Driven Innovation Programme, a strategic partnership led by the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University, has won the Collaborative Initiative of the Year award at the Institute of Economic Development (iED) Annual Awards 2025.
The awards celebrate achievers in the public and private sector, across individual, team and organisational categories.
This year saw a record-breaking number of entries, with almost 60 submissions received for seven award categories. Shortlisted nominations were assessed by a judging panel in September.
The Collaborative Initiative of the Year award recognises outstanding cross-sector, economic-development collaboration between two or more partners drawn from local authorities, the private sector, the third sector, business and academia.
The submission outlined how the programme unites the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University with six regional councils and industry, to transform southeast Scotland into the data capital of Europe.
iED director and former chair, Bev Hurley CBE, who hosted the awards said: “Our judges said the programme exemplifies the power of strategic collaboration to drive inclusive economic growth.
“With over £200m in investment, support for over 600 companies and a robust skills pipeline, the initiative demonstrates both measurable impact and long-term sustainability. They reported that the seamless integration of public, academic and industry partners sets a new benchmark for regional innovation.
“Our judges also praised the programme’s scale, infrastructure, innovation capacity, skills development and global relevance, noting that these combined strengths position it as a catalyst for widespread economic and social benefit.
“In addition, they described the programme as a flagship model of collaborative economic development, delivering innovation, skills and infrastructure at scale, and said that it is a benchmark for data-led transformation.”
Reflecting on the award, Professor Kim Graham, Provost of the University of Edinburgh and senior responsible officer for the programme, commented: “This award is fantastic recognition of the impact of the programme.
“The partnership between the universities of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt is a shining example of how place-based investment in innovation and skills can have a transformative effect on economic growth, jobs and productivity, benefiting people in the region and beyond.”
Photography: Institute of Economic Development, of left-right, Bev Hurley, members of the programme team and Sam Markey, of Recurve Solutions, which sponsored the award
