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Published 15/10/2025 by Kathleen Stewart 3 min read
Kathleen Stewart, HIE’s area team leader for Innse Gall, recently returned from Innovation Week in Prague, where she joined fellow regional leaders and businesses exploring the transformative potential of artificial intelligence.
In this blog, she shares her reflections on the event, the key takeaways for Highlands and Islands businesses and why AI could be a game-changer for the region’s future.
We recently led a delegation of ambitious businesses from across the Highlands and Islands to Innovation Week in Prague. The city hosted Europe’s largest innovation and AI-focused event 9-10 October, bringing entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers together for two days of practical workshops, networking, and forward-looking debates.
With Artificial Intelligence (AI) as this year’s central theme, the event provided a timely and inspiring platform to explore how AI can drive innovation and deliver meaningful benefits to communities across our region.
Why AI, why now?
AI is no longer a future concept. It’s already transforming how we live, work, and connect. From intelligent energy systems and predictive healthcare to digital tourism and creative industries, it’s opening up exciting new possibilities for rural and island economies. For businesses in the Highlands and Islands, embracing these technologies is essential to remaining competitive, resilient, and future-ready.
Insights from Prague
Innovation Week delivered a vibrant mix of international keynote speakers, interactive panels, hands-on workshops and buzzing networking sessions.
I was especially drawn to themes around climate resilience and energy efficiency as well as the thought-provoking conversations on transparency and governance in the evolving world of AI in creative and unexpected ways - from agriculture to education. The sessions sparked valuable conversations and fresh thinking around how AI can be applied in rural and island contexts.
A real highlight for me was recognising just how far ahead the Highlands and Islands are - already ahead of the game in innovation. Several workshops and discussions showcased themes and approaches that are already being pioneered.
It was great to bring such a diverse and inspiring group of businesses leaders from across the region. We all came away with fantastic insights from the sessions, which sparked exciting new thinking and opportunities for working together.
Why it matters
Participation in events like Innovation Week 2025 in Prague is about more than technology - it’s about ensuring the Highlands and Islands are part of the global innovation landscape. AI isn’t just for urban centres or tech giants. It has the potential to transform how we deliver services, grow businesses, and support communities.
The delegation included representatives from energy, creative industries and tourism sectors - Atlantic 58, Sandwick Bay Candles, Greenspace Live, Immerse Hebrides, Green Marine UK, Glen Mhor Hotel and G2 Outdoor.
Have you considered how AI could support your business, social enterprise or community enterprise to innovate and grow? Whether you're just starting out or ready to scale, have a look at the Innovation Support that is available.
The future of AI is being shaped now—and the Highlands and Islands are ready to play a meaningful role in that journey.
Area Team Lead for HIE's Innse Gall Area Team
Kathleen Stewart is area team leader for HIE Innse Gall area team. She has worked at HIE since 2016 in a variety of roles within the area team including head of enterprise support. Born and brought up in Lewis, she is a graduate from the University of Glasgow (MA Hons in Economics) and started her career in a variety of business development and commercial roles in the private sector.
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