Feasibility Study for the development of a Water and Wastewater Innovation ‘Park’

The purpose of this report is to investigate the feasibility of creating a water and wastewater innovation ’park’ or wider facility in Scotland.
The water sector is central to many of the fundamental components of a developed society yet, for various reasons, innovation has not progressed as quickly as many of those involved in the sector, particularly small and medium sized organisations (SMEs), would have liked.
We have mapped the current water and wastewater innovation landscape, both in Scotland and internationally. This shows that there is great deal of existing and planned activity that needs to be taken into account when developing this opportunity. We have also consulted with a large number of stakeholders from the SME, research, policy and other sectors. This work clearly identified that there is considerable enthusiasm for a Scottish facility and that this could be beneficial across all sectors.
Furthermore, there is a strong economic case for filling this gap. Based on our stakeholder engagement and evidence from existing facilities around the world, we estimate that a facility could readily generate in the region of £5 million to £10 million per year. In addition, an innovation facility could help deliver a range of wider benefits to the Scottish economy, including jobs, competitiveness, an enhanced skills base and environmental improvements, including carbon reduction.