Strategic Commitment 1
A connected, collaborative community
As a national organisation, InnoScot Health is well connected across NHS health boards. Embedded within local NHS Research, Development and Innovation teams, InnoScot Health combines national oversight with targeted health board engagement and a strong digital presence. This not only provides local insight and intelligence, but also cultivates strong, trusted relationships.
Complementary to this, is the established ability of InnoScot Health to work at a national level to build strong, mutually beneficial connections with national and regional innovation centres, academia, development agencies and funders. Supporting new and innovative approaches to healthcare wherever they originate, combined with an ability to link relevant expertise across the sector will help ensure the vision of a connected, collaborative Scotland is realised.
To achieve this commitment, InnoScot Health set out that by 2026 success would be 'an experienced, informed, empowered entrepreneurial healthcare environment in Scotland.' InnoScot Health has worked to better understand our audience, connect across the sector, inspire and support healthcare innovators, and partner with NHS, academia and industry to maximise skills, expertise and the collective ambition to advance healthcare innovation.
Understand
In 2022, InnoScot Health commissioned an independent survey to gain vital insights into staff attitudes towards innovation, as well as a stronger understanding of how best to encourage innovation at a vital time of NHS recovery.
The survey revealed that 90% of healthcare staff believe innovation is important to improve NHS Scotland services; 76% of healthcare staff have ideas to improve how healthcare is delivered; and 64% of healthcare staff consider themselves to be a healthcare innovator.
The survey was administered via online questionnaire and the data collected between 3 October and 4 November 2022 with a total of 602 eligible responses received from across all NHS Boards in Scotland.
The importance which staff place on the role of innovation is hugely encouraging. The NHS workforce message is clear — we can and want to innovate at this pivotal time for healthcare.
Graham Watson, Executive Chair, InnoScot Health
Connect
InnoScot Health launched a new website acting as the digital front door for innovative healthcare professionals to access guidance and support.
With online idea submission, virtual consultation bookings, news, insights and resources, it provides 24/7 access to InnoScot Health combined with a multi-channel approach to strengthen engagement across the sector.
This has formed the core of the expansion to our digital offering, allowing convenient access to InnoScot Health wherever healthcare staff may be situated.
Inspire and Support
Recognising great ideas can come from anyone and anywhere, InnoScot Health welcomes ideas through a simple online submission form.
Every idea submitted is evaluated on commercial viability and potential to improve patient care and generate a revenue return for NHS Scotland.
From March 2021 — September 2024, the organisation received and evaluated 332 disclosures, 190 from NHS Scotland Health Boards and 142 from external innovators.
The innovative ideas received span a range of medical disciplines, with the most predominant being Management, E-health, and Mental Health.
Our Contribution to National and Global Priorities
This commitment aligns with Scotland's National Outcomes in the Health, Economy, International and Communities categories.
It aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in the Good Health and Wellbeing; Decent Work and Economic Growth; Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; Reduced Inequalities; Sustainable Cities and Communities; and Partnerships for the Goals categories.
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