Scottish Government at COP26: What was achieved?

Case study: Scottish Enterprise activity at COP26

Context

COP26 was a significant opportunity for Scottish Enterprise to showcase Scotland as a global leader in sustainable and inclusive economic development and to help refocus Scotland's economy on a net zero future. Scottish Enterprise used the event as a catalyst to inspire businesses to go further and faster towards a net zero transition. It also provided a platform on which to attract new capital investment, showcase Scotland as a world class business location to locate green projects, and promote Scottish net zero solutions to the world.

What happened?

Scottish Enterprise worked across the public and private sector in Scotland, and beyond, to develop a programme of activity prior to, during and after the conference. Over the 12 days, Scottish Enterprise mobilised its capabilities and reach, working with partners to increase business engagement across Scotland to support their vision for a successful COP.

Scottish Enterprise delivered 24 events at Scotland’s Climate Ambition Zone, located at the Lighthouse, attracting 1066 in-person and 1631 virtual delegates. Through a virtual online platform 97 companies were hosted, showcasing their innovative net zero business models, products and/or services. From the delegate feedback survey:

• 75% of delegate companies increased their awareness of Growth Market Opportunities in the Transition to Net Zero in Scotland
• 49%, are now considering signing up to the United Nations Race to Zero Campaign^[1]
• 36% increased awareness of investment opportunities in Scotland and 34% identified new market opportunities for their businesses

The range of high-profile events, including but not limited to:

• A ‘Race to Zero’ Capital Investment Programme (9-10 March 2021)
• A Hydrogen Council dinner showcasing Scotland’s hydrogen ambitions
• A Green Investment Showcase.

In addition, Scottish Enterprise hosted a wide range of company meetings and roundtables, with existing and potential international investors, to successfully showcase Scotland as an investment destination. In total, 40 meetings took place, and 65 investment leads were generated.

What was the impact?

Scotland’s credentials as a world-class business location for green projects were showcased to international and domestic audiences. A number of significant announcements made by Scottish Enterprise, and partners, included

• DSM’s plans for global manufacture of its ground-breaking feed additive Bovaer in Dalry.
• £15.3m investment by Mitsubishi Electric Air Conditioning Systems Europe Ltd, to develop its Livingston as a hub for the manufacture of next generation heat pumps.

Additional impacts are expected from the trade and investment leads generated and the opportunities showcased by businesses as part of the programme of activity, accessed by a global audience.

What are the next steps?

COP26 was a fantastic opportunity to showcase Scotland’s leadership in the transition to a net zero future.

Many new connections and relationships were established in Glasgow creating new opportunities for capital investment and green jobs. Scottish Enterprise remains engaged with all prospective investors to support their ambitions to potentially invest in Scotland.

Scottish Enterprise will continue to build on the relationship with the UN Climate Champion team to leverage further Scottish business engagement in the transition to net zero and Race to Zero campaign.

In collaboration with the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise will build on the legacy of COP26 as they continue to demonstrate and promote the opportunities for Scotland in the transition to net zero in the run up to COP27.

Scottish Enterprise will look to capitalise on the COP presidency rotation ‘trio’ to develop further economic opportunities with the incoming presidencies, particularly the United Arab Emirates where COP28 will be held in 2023.

Scottish Enterprise will seek to maintain positive international profile generated through Scottish Enterprises’ marketing and promotional campaigns to the global audience.