Awards programme launched to help develop business skills for students

An awards programme aiming to help students learn fundamental business skills has been launched.

The Scottish Innovative Student Award (SISA) scheme will be delivered in modules that support regular university degree programmes.

The programme includes three levels of development: future thinkers, innovation catalysts and innovation champions.

It aims to allow students to develop and apply their innovative skills and business knowledge.

Created by the Scottish Institute for Enterprise (SIE), the programme hopes to build bridges between academia and the business industry.

Robert Gordon University (RGU), in Aberdeen, is one of the first universities to be involved, with a number of courses set to feature SISA in January next year.

Professor Rita Marcella, one of five RGU academics accredited, said: “Employers are increasingly looking for flexible workers who can operate over multidisciplinary groups, with a rich mix of skills which will help those businesses thrive in a constantly changing global environment.

“Being able to teach students the right business skills alongside their traditional academic studies, will therefore be crucial in sustaining growth in Scotland.”

The Scottish Government’s minister for trade, investment and innovation Ivan McKee said: “We are committed to maximising the potential of Scotland’s people and becoming a world-leading entrepreneurial and innovative nation.”

SIE has a history of working with universities – delivering workshops and competitions such as the Young Innovators Challenge and Fresh Ideas.

Fiona Godsman, SIE chief executive, said: “We add value to undergraduate degree course by encouraging forward thinking and, crucially, by creating awareness of the challenges and opportunities facing key industries in Scotland.

“Our collaboration with Robert Gordon University is the first of many and we look forward to supporting them as the first group of students undertake the modules.

“Going forward, we expect the SISA programme will play an important role in what SIE does as an organisation, and we will continue building relationships with higher education institutes to support the design of courses which teach students the fundamental skills required to thrive in today’s workplace.”