More commercial research and development work could be carried out by the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) Millennium Institute following a meeting yesterday evening involving entrepreneurs, academics, and scientists. The high-powered group were taking part in a workshop organised by the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) and led by its vice-president Professor Robert Donovan.

This has been the latest in a series of workshops taking place throughout the country, aimed at identifying and encouraging the adoption of best practice in commercialisation within the Scottish science base. At the Inverness event, held in conjunction with Fusion - an alliance which brings together entrepreneurs, technical experts and potential investors to share knowledge, information and expertise - the group identified the potential for the development of a research and commercialisation strategy at the UHI Millennium Institute.

Commenting on the advantages of such a move, Professor Donovan said: "The RSE is committed to promoting commercialisation throughout Scotland and to expanding its science base. Building on a legacy of pioneering and inventiveness, we must ensure that the best ideas of today are nurtured and developed for the social, cultural and economic wellbeing of Scotland. I wish the University of the Highlands and Islands every success in developing a forward-thinking research and commercialisation strategy."

Dr Iain Glen, research director with the Highland Psychiatric Research Foundation and speaking on behalf of the UHI Millennium Institute, welcomed the initiatives being taken by RSE across Scotland to stimulate commercial spin-offs from academic activity. He said: "The UHI strongly supports this and while there are already examples of commercialisation in the Highlands and Islands science research base, there are also problems, which government must recognise, in the funding of new research to reach the concept stage and so stimulate commercial activity."

Members of Fusion, which is supported by Inverness and Nairn Enterprise (INE), Inverness and District Chamber of Commerce and New Park Management, also welcomed the initiative. The group, which was set up last year, is already creating partnerships for technology across the Highlands and Islands, involving a wide range of firms, from the engineering sector to medical technology and energy production. This places Fusion in an excellent position to help drive forward a research and commercialisation strategy for the UHI Millennium Institute.

Ruaraidh McNeil, head of business development at INE said: "The development of the UHI Millennium Institute offers the Highlands a huge opportunity to increase the level of commercial research and development. All thriving economies require a strong research base from which to draw commercial ideas and to access higher level skills. INE would like to develop the links already established with UHI and the private sector to maximise the benefits and opportunities this presents the business community."

Head of knowledge economy at HIE, Calum Davidson said: "To produce successful innovative products, firms in the Highlands and Islands need access to research talent, commercial expertise and an Enterprise Network that promotes innovation in all fields, whether it is healthcare, marine science, or information technology.

"We will be unable to meet our full potential in these vital sectors without a commercial research focus in UHI, and the development of specialised research institutes that build on the natural strengths of the Highlands and Islands and its people."