Working across Scotland’s innovation hub network
Do I need to contact all three Innovation Hubs separately?
No. HISES works closely with the West of Scotland Innovation Hub and the North of Scotland Innovation Hub to provide a coordinated national approach. If your project would benefit from expertise, services or populations across multiple regions, we can help connect you with the appropriate partners.
Which Innovation Hub should I contact?
As a general rule, contact the Innovation Hub covering the NHS region where your project is expected to begin if this feels like a good fit geographically. If a project has national relevance or requires access to multiple NHS Boards, the Hubs will work together to ensure you are connected to the right expertise and test-bed environments.
Can I access multiple NHS Boards through HISES?
Yes. Through Scotland’s network of NHS Regional Innovation Hubs, opportunities may exist to engage with healthcare services, clinical experts and innovation partners across all 14 territorial NHS Boards, depending on project requirements and available capacity.
What are the benefits of a multi-region project?
Collaborating across multiple regions can help generate stronger real-world evidence by testing innovations in different healthcare settings, populations and pathways. This can support evaluation, implementation planning and future scaling opportunities.
How do the three Regional Innovation Hubs work together?
The Hubs share expertise, align innovation pathways, collaborate on projects and support innovators through a coordinated NHS entry process. This helps reduce duplication, improve navigation of the innovation ecosystem and create clearer routes from concept to adoption.
Can HISES help me find the right NHS partners?
Yes. One of our key roles is connecting innovators, clinicians, academics and organisations with the most appropriate NHS services, clinical experts and regional partners to support project development, evaluation and implementation.
I already work with another innovation organisation. Should I still contact HISES?
Yes. HISES works collaboratively with organisations across Scotland’s innovation ecosystem. As an NHS-embedded Innovation Hub, we can help navigate governance, clinical engagement, evaluation and real-world testing requirements, while working alongside existing partners where appropriate.
I am not based in Scotland. Can I still work with HISES?
Yes. We welcome engagement from companies, researchers and organisations based across the UK and internationally. If your innovation addresses a recognised health or care challenge, we can discuss opportunities for collaboration, evaluation and evidence generation within NHS Scotland.
How do I start a conversation with the Innovation Hubs?
The easiest way is to contact HISES through our enquiry form or speak with our team. You may be asked to provide information about your innovation, the challenge you are addressing, your evidence base, funding position and the type of NHS collaboration you are seeking.
