March 2009 SCOTLAND'S CHEMICALS SECTOR 15
Chemical Sciences:
Going global
Vital to look
to overseas
markets
The sector should show ambition and
seek success beyond Scotland's borders
T
he future of the Scottish
chemical sciences sector
lies in thinking commer-
cially and acting globally.
Scottish enterprise (Se) and
Scottish Development International
(SDI) are helping turn research into
business opportunities that can be
exploited world-wide.
In January, for example, they
showcased five excellent SMes at
Informex in San Francisco � a huge
annual trade fair which is a magnet
for potential customers from every
continent. Caroline Strain, head of
the Chemical Sciences team at Se,
believes that overseas success is ess-
ential to prosperity at home.
"We have so much knowledge and
expertise but to make the most of it
we have to think globally.
"Scotland itself is a relatively small
market, but what our companies do
is marketable throughout the world."
SDI � a joint venture between
Se, the Scottish Government and
highlands and Islands enterprise �
provides advice and support to help
this happen.
This includes giving access to a
network of field officers and global-
scots based abroad who can find
inroads with potential customers.
The aim is to provide companies
with the skills they need to win con-
tracts in countries which may have
different business environments.
"Some businesses have not worked
internationally before, so we can
help them with how to do deals in
different cultures," explains Strain.
"Ultimately it's all about the sell,
and in places like the US it's a pretty
hard sell."
At home Se supports businesses,
including SMes, directly through its
account managers.
It can also give access to expert
business advice so bosses can step
back from the day-to-day and con-
sider how to realise the full potential
of their company.
At a strategic level Se has been
fundamental to establishing Chemi-
cal Sciences Scotland, which has
brought the industry together to
speak with a united voice.
This has helped it engage with
government at the highest levels and
make its case as a crucial component
of the country's economy both cur-
rently and into the future.
It is now recognised as an impor-
tant player in the Scottish Govern-
ment's ambition to develop a low
carbon economy and a country that
is fairer, greener and more equitable.
Chemical sciences companies can
also contribute greatly to meeting
economic development targets.
Se provides valuable support
to the five CSS topic groups in
achieving their objectives. So, when
the Innovation Group wanted to
build closer relationships between
academics and business Se set up
networking breakfasts.
An industry directory has also
been created which lets people know
who is out there.
It also works with universities to
make the most of Scotland's excel-
lence in research.
"Our academics are very innova-
tive and what they do is important
to ensuring the industry remains
innovative," says Strain.
"We are interested in research with
a purpose and are always looking for
ideas that can be commercialised.
"We can help ensure that research
with commercial potential actually
gets to market."
Strain believes Se needs to work in
partnership with industry, universi-
ties and schools, and the recently
formed Skills Development Scotland
to ensure that chemistry continues to
be an attractive career option.
"We have to attract the best talent
if the chemicals sector is to continue
to thrive.
"At the same time we need to
develop the Scottish economy by
building up chemicals companies to
operate globally," says Strain.
"The industry is our second largest
export earner and essential to the
future of the Scottish economy."
This is a sentiment that Jack Perry,
chief executive of Scottish enter-
prise, echoes.
"The chemical sciences sector is a
significant contributor to the Scottish
economy, with an R&D hub in which
the academic and commercial sec-
tors work hand in hand to develop
world leading products bringing life
changing benefits," says Perry.
"I am delighted that Se has been
instrumental in bringing this impor-
tant sector together to engage more
widely and challenge how Chemical
Sciences Scotland can continue to
make an even greater impact on the
Scottish economy." n
Visit the SDI website at www.sdi.co.uk
or call Carol Beattie on 01786 452123.
David McFadyen,
Head of Innovation and
Investment Grants within
Enterprise, Energy & Tourism
directorate,
Scottish Government
Caroline Strain of
Scottish Enterprise's
Chemical Sciences
team
"Scotland's future is as a
knowledge-based economy
� exporting its products and
processes round the world in
order to provide prosperity
and opportunity at home."

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