Shared Services Collaboration Fund

The Innovation³ Exchange is a pilot partnership between Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) and the University of Glasgow (UofG).

With support from the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), this initiative will act as a catalyst for change, enabling both institutions to launch the foundation phase of an ambitious 5-year vision.

The long-term ambition is to establish a sustainable, shared function that significantly enhances GCU’s capacity for entrepreneurship, innovation, and commercialisation (Innovation³).  

By harnessing distinct strengths, cultures, and networks, GCU and UofG aim to cultivate a more diverse and dynamic ecosystem; one that facilitates the exchange of ideas, unlocks untapped potential, and deepens societal impact.

Central to this vision is the development of a robust and sustainable pipeline of social and commercial enterprises, underpinned by mutual learning and a shared commitment to innovation. SFC’s funding will enable the development of a proof-of-concept model for formalising strategic collaboration between GCU and UofG on Innovation³. 

This project aims to build scalable, sustainable capabilities across Scottish universities to implement transparent and responsible Trusted Research and Secure Innovation practices.

In response to threats from hostile state actors and evolving legislation (National Security and Investment Act 2021, UK Strategic Lists for Export Control, Foreign Influence Registration Scheme), universities must actively manage risks to protect UK research and innovation. However, institutions face challenges doing so consistently and efficiently within limited resources.

Leveraging collaboration across Scotland’s universities*, the project will develop a customisable digital toolkit comprising scalable processes, case studies, decision-support and audit materials. Using agile, sprint-based project management, it will:

• Define minimum requirements for due diligence, monitoring, and reporting across diverse research contexts.  

• Create adaptable tools for identifying and managing high-risk research areas.  

• Build a case study bank to support decision-making and researcher awareness.  

This shared infrastructure will also strengthen institutions’ ability to assess and mitigate risks in areas like Transnational Education and philanthropic partnerships.

By codifying operational experience and aligning with National Protective Security Agency (NPSA) and Research Collaboration Advisory Team (RCAT) guidance, the project will professionalise support for research security and demonstrate the viability of a Scotland-wide due diligence framework.

While decisions remain institution-specific and based on risk appetite, this initiative will enhance collective risk management and reinforce Scotland’s reputation for well-governed research and innovation, providing a “single door” for key stakeholders. 

*Abertay University, Edinburgh Napier University, Glasgow Caledonian University, Queen Margaret University, Robert Gordon University, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), University of Aberdeen, University of Dundee, University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow, University of St Andrews, University of Stirling, University of Strathclyde, University of the West of Scotland

The aim of the project is to develop, test and evaluate a sustainable shared model for commercialisation and knowledge exchange across Scotland’s small, modern and specialist institutions.

The consortium includes Queen Margaret University, Glasgow School of Art, Royal Conservatoire Scotland, Abertay University, University of Highlands and Islands, Robert Gordens University, plus Edinburgh College.  It builds on long-standing collaboration and distinct academic strengths in government priority sectors; Food & Drink, Creative Industries, Gaming, Health, Social Care & Wellbeing, Tourism, Built Environment and Service Sector innovation. These represent areas historically underrepresented in research and development where agility can unlock new innovation pathways.

The project will create sustainable pathways to commercialisation through a shared professional services infrastructure that supports translation of research into skills, place-based impact and economic benefit.

A focus on pooled expertise in contracts, legal, and Intellectual Property will be tailored to the sectors, portfolios and culture of the institutions involved, underpinned by efficiency and cost-sharing.  

• Professor Lesley Yellowlees (Chair), Chair of RKEC and SFC Board Member  

• Professor Tom Brown, Vice-Principal (Research and Innovation) and School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews  

• Helen Cross, Director of Research and Innovation, SFC   

• Dr Chris Gibson, Head of University Sector Insights, Research England  

• Dr Maria McPhillips, Challenge Programmes Director (Research Services), University of Glasgow  

• Professor Brian Walker, Professor of Medicine & Strategic Advisor (Executive Office), Newcastle University  

• Dr Tony Weir, Assistant Director – Research and Knowledge Exchange Services, University of Strathclyde