THE Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) is appealing for six ‘dynamic’ individuals to join its governance board and help drive transformational change across the construction industry.
The organisation said the full board members will be ‘recognised leaders in their field with a passion for innovation and a commitment to providing strategic guidance and direction’ to CSIC.
Earlier this year it was announced that CSIC is to receive almost £11 million of core funding to help the sector innovate, modernise and grow. The investment from the Scottish Funding Council, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise will allow CSIC to build on what has been achieved over the past five years (Phase 1) and support its Phase 2 mission to mainstream innovation in construction.
Launched in 2014 with initial funding of £7.5 million, CSIC said it has exceeded its Phase 1 targets, supporting 284 innovation projects from over 936 enquiries, with a total value of £17.4 million which industry predicts will lead to 382 new products, processes, services or business models going to market, create over 2,500 new jobs and lead to an additional £810 million of revenue over the next five years.
CSIC added that it is expected that over the next five years, the funding will support the construction sector to deliver £998 million of additional gross turnover, create 1,847 new jobs and retain 4,721 existing jobs.
Issues that the organisation will look to address include new innovative procurement models, diversity and inclusion, internationalisation, collaboration, productivity and investment in R&D and innovation.
John Forster, CSIC board chair said, “The construction industry is on the verge of a digital and manufacturing revolution. Phase 1 saw CSIC establish itself and focus on building an innovation culture, and we’ve succeeded in creating a solid foundation around that. At the heart of any change programme sits committed people and by working together, the future for the construction sector is very bright indeed.
“Central to CSIC’s mission is the belief that people drive innovation, so attracting a diverse, talented and ambitious group of board members from a broad range of backgrounds is key to building a dynamic, opportunity focused, digitally savvy construction industry fit for the 21st century. If you want to be part of an innovation revolution in construction, please do get involved in CSIC’s Governance Board.”
CSIC is one of eight industry led and demand driven Innovation Centres in Scotland and provides the construction sector and its clients with a ‘single entry point’ to a range of innovation support solutions including academic expertise, R&D funding, cutting-edge technology and access to a range of wider public sector innovation products and services.
To apply to be a member of the Governance Board, visit www.cs-ic.org
