Top engineering expert Dame Ann Dowling delivered the keynote address at the SCDI Annual Lecture 2016 to a capacity audience in Aberdeen last night.
Dame Ann, a Professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Cambridge, took the theme of innovation at the business group’s 12th annual lecture.
Dame Ann said: “Innovation is a crucial contributor to growth and productivity, and I believe that strengthening and scaling up business-university research collaboration can offer real benefits for our ability to innovate and compete on the global stage.”
SCDI’s north-east Chair, Colin Parker, said: “We’re delighted Dame Ann agreed to deliver the 12th SCDI Annual Lecture.
“Her focus on the business benefits of university industry research chimes strongly with many of the findings and recommendations in our policy blueprint “From Fragile to Agile” launched in December last year.
“We strongly feel there is a need for a three-pronged review, led by government, industry and education, into public support for innovation if Scotland is to reach its target of expanding by 5,000 the number of businesses we have which are actively innovating.”
Prior to delivering the event at Ardoe House, Dame Ann, who is also a non-executive director of oil giant BP, met with local secondary school pupils at Dyce Academy, who showcased their developing Stem-related (science, technology, engineering & maths) skills
The Professor’s research focuses on efficient, low emission combustion for aero and industrial gas turbines and low noise vehicles, especially aircraft and cars.