Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is an opportunity for our nation’s healthcare innovators to be inspired to build back stronger for a better, more sustainable post-pandemic world while rebooting the Scottish economy, says InnoScot Health.

Taking place from 14-20 November, GEW will see organisers Global Entrepreneurship Network encouraging participants to celebrate 15 years of helping millions of people who launch start-ups that bring ideas to life and drive economic growth.

Executive Chair of InnoScot Health, Graham Watson said: “Global Entrepreneurship Week is a huge, far-reaching campaign aimed at empowering entrepreneurs and innovators in every country and community around the world – especially those who face structural barriers or need help in getting their ideas off the ground.

“From a health and social care point of view in Scotland, COVID has been a significant turning point – a watershed moment that allowed faster healthcare innovation and adoption. It showed that, when developed correctly, great ideas could quickly become reality. It also further shone a spotlight on the incredible value and importance of hard-working NHS Scotland staff who are being encouraged to see themselves as innovators and the enablers of vital change. GEW is a great signpost to the resources that innovators like these need to kickstart their ambitions.”

The campaign began in 2008 with an emphasis on inspiring young people to make their mark and has quickly grown to become a comprehensive effort that engages entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, researchers, support organisations and others collaborating to advance economic growth and innovation in more than 180 countries around the world.

Each November, some 10 million people take part in tens of thousands of activities, competitions and events that inspire them to act and provide them with the knowledge, experience, and connections they need to succeed.

Mr Watson added: “Global Entrepreneurship Week is a chance to really underline the need to build back stronger through a more sustainable and equitable post-pandemic world driven by individuals who start off with just one idea, then reach out for support to meaningfully develop it. Innovation does not happen in isolation – it happens as a result of successful partnerships, often identifying the right collaborators with the necessary expertise.

“We are one such collaborative minded organisation. InnoScot Health believes that innovative ideas have the power to significantly improve health and social care, while supporting an ambitious, entrepreneurial, forward-thinking Scotland.

“InnoScot Health has been working in partnership with NHS Scotland for over 20 years. By harnessing the talent, entrepreneurism, and commitment of staff across the NHS, we support improvements in patient care while stimulating economic wealth.”