Innovation
and, according to the latest figures, a rapidly growing life sciences sector with exports reaching £4.3 billion in 2024, making a major contribution to the Scottish economy. However, there are also clear challenges... Only very recently, Stewart Miller, CEO of the National Robotarium at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, launched a policy discussion paper entitled ‘Making Scotland a World Leader in Robotics’, warning that urgent action is required to stop Scotland falling further behind international competitors. He noted that the healthcare sector “presents equally concerning gaps” and that “Scotland struggles to translate its clinical expertise and innovation capability into systematic adoption, potentially missing out on £21.7 million in annual efficiency savings for NHS Scotland alone”. “We’re at a critical juncture,” the CEO
concluded. “Countries like China, America, and Singapore are racing ahead in robotics adoption and innovation, while the UK ranks just 24th globally for robots per manufacturing worker. But Scotland has exceptional foundations that, with the right approach, could make us a global robotics powerhouse. “Picture stroke patients regaining
movement through robotic rehabilitation, with these breakthrough treatments developed and manufactured right here in Scotland. This isn’t science fiction - it’s happening now. “The future is being shaped by those who
embrace robotics. Scotland has every reason to be among them. Let’s not just watch the robotics revolution – let’s lead it.” Indeed, there are clear reasons to be
optimistic, despite the challenges. The patented technology of CardioPrecision – a spinout of InnoScot Health, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, and the Golden Jubilee National Hospital – allows clinician led and robotic cardiothoracic surgery to be performed through a short incision in the skin crease of the neck, and this could potentially be applied to a wide range of cardiothoracic procedures. CardioPrecision is now widening its scope
from Scottish success – with three out of four cardiac centres in Scotland now using its innovative technology – to making its mark on the international map with further robotic surgery breakthroughs. The company, a global leader in its
specialty, has taken major steps in the US, currently the largest medical device market by value in the world, marking a significant scale up following recent investment from InnoScot Health and others.
November 2025 I
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Our Proximity to Clients. Always within reach.
InnoScot Health believes that ideas originating within our NHS are transforming lives, creating employment, attracting investment, and showcasing Scotland as a truly entrepreneurial nation, with CardioPrecision representing a leading example. Historically, NHS Scotland has produced a
proud legacy of offering up innovative ideas that have made a significant, positive impact on healthcare, both domestically and globally. These have ranged from ultrasound and
advancements in robotic surgery and kidney transplantation, to more recent initiatives focused on sustainability such as reusable operating theatre caps and NHS Scotland becoming the first national health service in the UK to stop using desflurane – an anaesthetic gas with a high global warming potential 2,500 times greater than carbon dioxide – and
replacing it with a much greener alternative. These aren’t all modern breakthroughs either – innovation is in the country’s DNA. It may surprise some to learn that the first clinical use of ultrasound for diagnostic purposes happened in Glasgow in 1956, pioneered by Ian Donald and Tom Brown. Edinburgh University also established the first Nursing Training Unit in the UK in the late 1950s, while the first PhD in Nursing Studies was awarded in 1959. Scotland also took a world lead in the
discovery of quinine for malaria, the introduction of chloroform for anaesthesia, and the development of the hypodermic syringe. These only became established, pioneering
projects thanks to resolute, determined individuals who wholeheartedly believed in their ideas. They also remain an example to all those
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