Usher Institute highlights HealthTech's role at Chamber of Commerce Conference

Professor Julie Jacko, Usher’s Interim Director and the Dean of Innovation and Engagement for the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, participated in an invited panel discussion at the conference titled, Edinburgh’s Economic Opportunities to Drive Growth alongside other leading experts and industry representatives. The panel aimed to explore how different sectors, including HealthTech, could contribute to the city's future prosperity and how collaboration across industries and with government could maximise growth opportunities.

In her contribution, Julie referenced the Edinburgh Bioquarter as a platform for innovation and economic growth, emphasising the significance of the HealthTech sector in driving Edinburgh’s economic success. She highlighted the potential for job creation and investment in the sector and stressed the importance of fostering cross-sector partnerships between academia, industry and policymakers. Julie also urged government representatives to establish supportive frameworks and policies that would enhance the sector's growth and innovation capacity.

The Usher Institute houses one of six innovation hubs established as part of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, driving improvements in health and social care, with data-driven innovation as the centrepiece.

The panel discussion underscored the need for coordinated efforts to fully realise the potential of HealthTech and other key sectors in shaping Edinburgh’s economic future.