Playbook's best practice for inclusive innovation

A ‘playbook’ is being developed to help social enterprises and third sector organisations have impact in Glasgow’s innovation districts and the wider city. 

The strategy tool will set out clear pathways for local groups and organisations to empower residents, drive positive change and access business opportunities for communities. 

The work is being carried out by support organisations Community Enterprise Scotland (CEIS) and Challenges Group in partnership with Glasgow City Innovation District (GCID) and Glasgow Riverside Innovation District (GRID). 

Inequality

The playbook is the second project launched in the innovation districts as part of an inclusive innovation initiative tackling inequality and widening participation in the city’s economy.  

A six-week business startup accelerator programme aimed at women and people from ethnic minority groups is already under way. 

Supported by Glasgow City Council and UK Shared Prosperity Funding, the initiative focuses on inclusion and widening participation in the innovation economy, with a particular emphasis on integrating third sector organisations and social enterprises who engage and support emerging and under-represented groups. 

CEIS and Challenges Group are working alongside two pilot organisations Agile City and Glasgow the Caring City to develop the Inclusive Innovation Playbook.  

The comprehensive document will serve as a strategic guide for inclusive innovation, charting key processes, best practices, and critical lessons learned throughout the pilot programme.  

The playbook will set out how organisations can target support, mentorship, and training and empower people to access previously unavailable innovation opportunities, develop new skills, and create sustainable economic pathways.

Uzma Khan

Uzma Khan, Vice Principal for Economic Development and Innovation and Deputy Chief Operating Officer at the University of Glasgow, said: “We are delighted to be working with CEIS and Challenges Group, alongside GCID, on this important project focused on the city’s two Innovation Districts but also working across the wider city.  

“The playbook will set out how organisations can target support, mentorship, and training and empower people to access previously unavailable innovation opportunities, develop new skills, and create sustainable economic pathways.” 

Glasgow City Innovation District, Director, Alisdair Gunn, said: "We’re thrilled to collaborate with CEIS on this second initiative under our GCID Venture Studio Innovate Pillar. This partnership will be an invaluable resource in creating stronger pathways for underrepresented groups to engage in the innovation economy and unlock new business opportunities." 

James Finnie, Business Consultant, CEIS said: "Partnering with two of Glasgow’s Innovation Districts on this programme is a great opportunity. We’re already making significant progress on the playbook and hope it will become a valuable tool for organisations moving forward. Our long-term vision is to establish a multi-year support programme that can be implemented across Glasgow’s communities."