Scotland at Expo 2020 Dubai: evaluation report
An evaluation report detailing the work undertaken in developing and delivering Scotland's programme of activity and engagement at the EXPO 2020 Dubai between October 2021 and March 2022, highlighting outcomes achieved and recommendations to support participation at future World Expo events.
Section 2: Background to Scotland at Expo
EXPO 2020 Dubai was originally scheduled to take place for six months between 1 October 2020 and 31 March 2020, however due to the global Covid pandemic the event was re-scheduled and took place from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022. Scotland's participation was a sponsorship agreement between Scottish Government Directorate for International Trade (DITI) and the UK Government's Department for International Trade (DIT) to deliver five daytime Activations and three evening receptions within the UK Pavilion at various dates across the six months of the event.
Scotland's Activation Programme
Scotland's Activation programme was co-created with Scottish Development International (SDI) and set out clear overarching aims and objectives that would promote Scotland globally while supporting delivery of trade and investment opportunities.
The final iteration of the activation programme focused on three key themes – Space, Digital Health and Wellness and Race to Net Zero with the addition of three evening receptions - St Andrews, Scottish Food and Drink (Gulfood) and a Race to Net Zero reception.
Covid impacts caused frequent changes to programme dates and method of delivery, which saw more of a focus on a hybrid approach of virtual and live sessions to ensure maximum reach and participation. The final programme and dates were as follows:
Space Activation
Hybrid event highlighting Scotland's unique Space story, showcasing pioneering research, innovation and end to end capability in small satellite value chain
20 Oct 2021
St Andrews /Scotland's National Day reception
In person networking event in partnership with Visit Scotland using Scotland's "Year of Stories 2022" as a hook to promote business focus.
30 Nov 2021
Digital Health and Wellness
Virtual event showcasing how the Scottish Digital Health Ecosystem is transforming healthcare with their expertise in turning health data into clinical insights
31 Jan 2022
Scottish Food and Drink reception
In person evening event promoting and showcasing Scotland's globally recognised Food and Drink sector aligned to Gulf Food in market event
15 Feb 2022
Race to Net Zero – Day 1 –Hydrogen
Hybrid event highlighting Scotland's journey to net zero through our ambitions as a Hydrogen nation
23 March 2022
Race to Net Zero evening reception
In person business networking event aligned to the focus of the 2 net zero activation events
23 March 2022
Race to Net Zero - Day 2- Food Security and Environmental Monitoring
Hybrid event highlighting Scotland's climate technology innovation in food security, waste, water management and agriculture in conjunction with environmental monitoring as key components in our climate emergency response
25 March 2022
Contact
Email: robert.logan@gov.scot
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