Six universities join forces to commercialise research for Scotland’s future

The move will make it easier for Scotland’s universities to commercialise research, which has the potential to improve people’s lives, strengthen key economic sectors in Scotland and reform public services. Supported by the Scottish Government and Scottish Funding Council, the move will better support the sector in achieving real-world impact. 

The Shared Academic Knowledge Exchange Services (ShaKEs) initiative brings together a consortium of universities including Robert Gordon University, Queen Margaret University, Abertay University, University of the Highlands and Islands, The Glasgow School of Art, and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland – alongside Edinburgh College. Together, these institutions will share specialist expertise and professional services to unlock new pathways for research impact, skills development, and economic growth.

Grant Davidson, Head of Research Strategy at RGU, said:“Robert Gordon University’s innovation leadership is rooted in our deep commitment to working closely with public, private, and third sector organisations sectors to translate research into real-world impact.

“This shared service model sets a benchmark for the kind of collaboration that will shape the development and delivery of growth and commercialisation across Scotland.

“We look forward to contributing to the success of this initiative and to helping shape the future of an innovation-led economy in Aberdeen and beyond.”

The new shared ShaKEs service model is led by Queen Margaret University and will develop, test, and evaluate a sustainable shared model for commercialisation and Knowledge Exchange (KE) by:

• Connecting skills with innovation to strengthen Scotland’s innovation ecosystem.
• Creating sustainable pathways to commercialisation through shared professional services.
• Embedding Community Wealth Building principles, ensuring social and environmental outcomes alongside economic benefits.
• Ensuring innovation reaches communities across Scotland.

If the pilot is successful, the service could be rolled out more widely across Scotland’s university and college sector, helping to boost economic growth, strengthen innovation, and ensure that research delivers tangible benefits for society and the economy.

Minister for Higher and Further Education Ben Macpherson MSP, said: “It is excellent to see this new initiative commencing, which is a very welcome development and should help strengthen the commercialisation and innovation processes involved, by sharing best practice, expertise and professional services. I commend all of those involved in this partnership and look forward to seeing the positive difference working together will make.

“The extraordinary performance of research and innovation in Scotland is one of the great strengths of our university sector. Research undertaken here in Scotland is genuinely world-leading - especially when it comes to collaboration - addressing key global challenges and making positive and meaningful social, economic, and environmental impact, both locally and internationally.”