Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar says he will bring Scottish universities and businesses closer together in order to boost innovation and unlock growth.

Ahead of a visit to the University of Glasgow, Mr Sarwar has claimed that Scotland’s potential for innovation and research is going untapped and he will pledge to “join the dots” between education and the economy. 

He is keen to build on the Prime Minister’s artificial intelligence initiative to increase the number of AI-relevant graduates and opportunities for AI-related jobs in Scotland.

He has revealed data, based on OECD definitions, showing the proportion of businesses in Scotland innovating – those introducing or developing a new product, service or process – has plummeted in recent years. 

The rate of Scottish businesses innovating has fallen from 50% in 2012-14 to 32%t in 2020-2022, meaning Scotland now lags behind every single region in England when comparing the proportion of businesses innovating.

“Scotland’s world-class universities and pioneering businesses mean we could be an innovation powerhouse, but years of SNP failure is squandering that potential,” said Mr Sarwar.