Make your life easier with a MyHIE account. It’ll save you time, help you find and organise content based on your needs and interests.
Published 22/08/2025 by Stuart Black 3 min read
By Stuart Black, Chief Executive of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE)
This year marks a milestone for Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) as we celebrate 60 years since the founding of the Highlands and Islands Development Board (HIDB), HIE’s predecessor, in 1965. It gives us a moment to reflect on six decades of transformation, innovation and resilience across our region.
From pioneering businesses to community-led solutions, innovation has always been a vital driver of economic growth, enabling competitiveness and shaping the region’s future. That’s why it remains central to our mission and something we continue to support.
Sixty years on from the founding of the HIDB, the region has emerged as a major contributor to the Scottish economy.
Working with partner organisations, businesses and communities across the region, the HIDB and HIE have invested in businesses, industry sectors, skills and infrastructure.
The approach has enabled the region to capitalise on opportunities in energy, food and drink, tourism, life sciences, business services, space and creative industries, among others.
The Highlands and Islands is now recognised as a region of ambitious entrepreneurship, innovation and exports as well as leading the way in community ownership of land and assets. To give an example, the salmon farming sector, which was started in Scotland with funding from the HIDB, is now the UK’s largest food export. Today the region is racing ahead in investment in our ports and harbours to support offshore wind deployment well into the 21st century which will be vital for national energy security.
Celebrating innovation in businesses
It’s this spirit of innovation and enterprise that we’re proud to champion through our sponsorship of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise Award for Excellence in Innovation at the Prosper Business Excellence Awards (11 September in Inverness). This award celebrates the very essence of what HIE stands for – forward thinking businesses that are creating great products and services and doing so in a way that supports the 4 Ps of our strategy - people, places, planet and prosperity.
Innovation in the Highlands and Islands is driven by creativity, for example rural health technology, digital tourism and sustainable distilling. Whether it’s a small shift in operations or a bold move into new markets, innovation takes many forms and continues to shape how businesses grow and adapt.
The HIE Award for Excellence in Innovation recognises businesses that live and breathe innovation. We’re looking for entries that show how ideas improve processes, enhance well-being and reduce environmental impact. It’s also about creating high quality jobs, supporting communities and building a thriving, sustainable region for future generations.
As Chief Executive, I’m continually inspired by the innovation I see across the Highlands and Islands. It’s not just about technology or product development; it’s about a proactive mindset and “can do” approach – asking what can be improved and having the resolve to make it happen.
Looking ahead
As we mark 60 years of impact, our focus remains firmly on the future. Our newly published research identifies up to £100bn of transformational opportunities over the next decade or so with the potential to deliver real benefits across our region, Scotland and the UK. The opportunities identified promise to energise our communities, businesses and partnerships. We’re proud to sponsor the HIE Award for Excellence in Innovation at the upcoming Prosper Business Excellence Awards. Here’s to the next chapter and the innovators who will shape it.
Chief Executive
Stuart was appointed as HIE's Chief Executive in January 2022 having held the role of Interim Lead Area Manager previously.
Originally from Inverness, he is a graduate of the universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, where he gained a doctorate in town and regional planning.
Stuart began his career with the University of Aberdeen, before joining HIE for the first time in 1996, as head of economics. Between then and 2008, he held several posts covering different parts of the organisation’s remit. These included local enterprise company chief executive, director of strengthening communities, and director of global connections.
From 2008 to 2020, he was a member of the senior team at the Highland Council, initially as director of planning and development, and later as executive chief officer for transformation and economy.
Make your life easier with a MyHIE account. Save posts to read later and get updates on the topics you are interested in straight to your MyHIE dashboard.
Create a MyHIE account
Blog by Stuart Black, Chief Executive, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE)
There’s so much happening in Tiree to strengthen the community and local economy.
Stuart's recent visit to Orkney showcased the island’s dynamic blend of innovation and ambition.
The region is about to see an extraordinary new wave of economic opportunity
Alistair Dodds, Chair of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), shared his thoughts from the HIE Board’s recent visit to Skye and Lochalsh (28-29 April).
Stuart Black, HIE’s Chief Executive reflects on his recent visit to the Royal Highland Show and highlights the importance of the new collaboration with SRUC.
Scale of renewables investment shows a region on the rise
Collaboration is Key for Future Opportunities” says Highland Business Dinner Principal Sponsor HIE
Stuart Black blogs about attending the FilmG Awards 2024 in Glasgow with Joanna Peteranna, area manager of the Outer Hebrides HIE team.
The West Highlands is a growing force in Scotland's economy
Alistair Dodds, Chair of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, reflects on the HIE Board’s recent visit to Orkney.
Eann Sinclair, HIE's Caithness and Sutherland area manager, talks about the Focus North launch.
