Firms in the financial 服务 sector in Scotland have been invited to sign up for a new business and innovation support 计划.
Future Finance aims to enhance innovation and productivity in the sector and help organisations adapt to challenges, ranging from AI and data to changes in regulation and widening access to 服务.
£1.800万倡议, funded by Innovate UK and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), is initially being rolled out as a pilot in Scotland. Businesses are being urged to register their interest via a dedicated website.
Four universities – including Glasgow Caledonian University, 格拉斯哥大学, 布里斯托尔, and the West of England – are leading the project in collaboration with SETsquared, FinTech West and 行业 partners.
Businesses who sign up will be able to access free advice in areas such as IP, 投资, financial regulation and product development, alongside an initial offering of training 计划s in change management, 创新的准备, 知识产权与领导力.
The 计划 aims to enable the financial 服务 sector to adopt new technologies, 策略, 和流程, to increase productivity and profitability, attract and retain new talent and clients, and become more sustainable and inclusive.
Industry partners include NatWest, Deloitte, Burges Salmon, and Hargreaves Lansdown.
Dr 帕特里克环, reader in financial 服务 at Glasgow Caledonian University, said: “It is an opportunity to bring together the expertise of academia, 行业, fintech and communities to identify barriers to innovation and deliver products, 服务, skills and training that unlocks greater innovation amongst SMEs.
这样做的时候, it also aims to tackle challenges around responsible access and uptake of financial 服务 by underserved individuals and communities.
“I would encourage all organisations who wish to find out more about the project to get in touch.”
尼古拉·安德森, chief executive at FinTech Scotland, said: “We encourage both established financial service organisations and fintechs to make the most of the opportunity.
“The 计划 provides a platform for incumbents to learn about the latest technology advances and collaborate with fintechs from Scotland and the rest of the UK, accelerate innovation and drive better customer outcomes.
“Collaborations between our two Glasgow-based university partners and their English counterparts will enable participating organisations to build networks outside of their regional base.”
马蒂•里德, interim executive director at SETsquared, added: “We urge financial 服务 businesses to get involved.
“It’s always hard to find the time to engage in additional activities, but this 计划 could transform the way you work, and there’s funding available to get involved at the very first stage.
“We’re excited about the potential to roll this out across the UK, as the impact extends not only to the companies it will support but also to improving and opening up access to financial 服务 to the end user.”