The future is human: the role of the graduate in Aberdeen

Recent benchmarking analysis commissioned by Opportunity North East (ONE) and Scottish Enterprise reveals a striking narrative of growth within North East Scotland's tech cluster, with one of the largest clusters of energy tech businesses in Europe. They provide tech products and services beyond the oil and gas market, responding to opportunities in emerging high-growth sectors such as clean tech, climate tech and renewables.

With over 300 companies, employing nearly 4,400 individuals, and generating a yearly turnover exceeding £520 million, the city is forecast to see an additional 3,000 jobs in the ‘Professional, Scientific and Tech’ sector over the next five years – the biggest growth sector in the city – Aberdeen stands as a beacon of innovation.

Graduates are an important aspect of Aberdeen's burgeoning tech and science sector, and as these students transition into the workforce upon graduation, they bring with them fresh perspectives and advanced knowledge, further enhancing Aberdeen’s tech and science sector’s success and vitality, injecting it with fresh perspectives, cutting-edge knowledge, and a fervour for innovation.

5,000 graduates are entering employment in Aberdeen each year, with the growth in the tech sector profoundly influencing the career paths of its graduates, with 16% of graduates now going into the professional, scientific and tech industries.

The city’s emphasis on renewable energy initiatives has also sparked a notable surge in opportunities for students passionate about science and technology, and as Aberdeen starts the transition towards a knowledge-based economy, graduates play a pivotal role in propelling the city beyond its traditional industries.

Innovation thrives within Aberdeen’s dynamic tech and science landscape, fuelled by the creativity and ingenuity of its graduates. From spearheading groundbreaking software solutions to pioneering research in renewable energy and biotechnology, graduates are driving innovation across diverse industries. Their contributions, spanning from healthcare to the environment, are reshaping society and bolstering the economy.

Innovation hubs are crucial in retaining graduates within Aberdeen by offering the essential support, resources, and opportunities needed to pursue entrepreneurial ventures. These hubs cultivate a culture of ingenuity and entrepreneurship, thereby fuelling the growth and dynamism of Aberdeen’s science sector.

Aberdeen’s innovation hubs, like the Aurora Innovation Hub and Nexus Tech innovation campus, are designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Graduates flourish in these dynamic environments, where they can exchange ideas, collaborate on projects, and bring innovative concepts to life. Start-up hubs and innovation centres, such as the Catalyst Tech Centre and EmergeTech Innovation Hub, provide graduates with the resources, support, and networks needed to transform their ideas into impactful ventures.

As Aberdeen continues to attract top-tier talent, hubs such as ABVenture Zone and RGU Startup Station are pivotal in nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit among graduates and keeping them in Aberdeen. These hubs provide specialised support tailored to the needs of budding entrepreneurs and start-ups, offering a comprehensive range of services such as incubation spaces, mentorship programs, and access to funding avenues.

Aberdeen’s evolution as a science and tech hub

The journey of the science sector’s growth in Aberdeen is a testament to the region’s commitment to innovation and collaboration. Spearheaded by organisations like ONE – creating and growing innovation-driven enterprises in life sciences – the private sector has played a pivotal role in diversifying the local economy by accelerating entrepreneurial growth and fostering scientific advancement.

At the heart of this transformation is the University of Aberdeen, which has been instrumental in driving scientific progress across various disciplines, both locally and globally. Collaborations with institutions like the University (RGU) further solidify Aberdeen’s reputation as an innovation and research hub, showcasing the city’s dedication to scientific excellence.

Additionally, Aberdeen’s universities serve as critical drivers of the city’s scientific advancement, boasting an enrolment of approximately 12,600 students in undergraduate and postgraduate science and technology programs. This substantial influx of talent not only enriches the sector but also fosters a dynamic environment conducive to collaboration and innovation.

The landscape of scientific research in Aberdeen is enriched by influential institutions like the Rowett Institute, specialising in nutrition and food research, and the James Hutton Institute, contributing significantly to environmental and agricultural sciences. These institutions, alongside the Aberdeen Science Centre, nurture a culture of scientific inquiry within the community.

Central to this innovation ecosystem are innovative workspaces. By providing dedicated spaces equipped with essential resources and infrastructure, these innovation hubs offer an environment conducive to innovation and collaboration. Start-ups have the opportunity to work alongside like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, and benefit from shared knowledge and experiences. This collaborative atmosphere fosters creativity and encourages graduates to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions within Aberdeen’s thriving ecosystem.

Additionally, access to funding avenues through these innovation hubs enables start-ups to secure the financial resources needed to fuel their growth and development. Whether through grants, seed funding, or investment opportunities, these avenues provide crucial support for start-ups in their early stages, helping them overcome financial barriers and accelerate their progress.

The development of infrastructure like the ONE BioHub further cements Aberdeen’s position as a hub for scientific discovery and innovation. With world-class facilities and a collaborative culture, the BioHub attracts talent and investment, driving economic growth and solidifying the city’s reputation as a centre of excellence in biotechnology, life sciences, and medical research.

Several tech start-ups have emerged from Aberdeen, demonstrating the city’s growing reputation as a hub for tech innovation. For example, Codify is a software development company specialising in bespoke web and mobile applications. Founded in Aberdeen in 2000, Codify has since expanded its operations and serves clients globally, showcasing the scalability and success achievable for tech start-ups in the city.

Aberdeen’s universities play a crucial role in driving tech sector growth through research and innovation. The University of Aberdeen’s Kosterlitz Centre for Industrial Engagement (KCIE), for instance, facilitates partnerships between academia and industry to support technology transfer and commercialisation of research findings. Such collaborations contribute to the development of innovative tech solutions with real-world applications.

Looking ahead, Aberdeen is forecast to see total office-based employment growth of 8% over the next ten years, with 12% in the professional, scientific and tech industries. Aberdeen’s trajectory in scientific growth holds immense promise. With a thriving ecosystem of research institutions, entrepreneurial ventures, and educational initiatives, the city is poised to make significant strides in scientific discovery and technological innovation. As Aberdeen’s scientific sector continues to flourish, it not only enhances the city’s global reputation but also enriches the lives of its residents and contributes to the advancement of society as a whole.

Aberdeen’s supportive regulatory environment and access to funding further fuel the growth of its science sector, attracting talent and investment from around the world. This ecosystem of collaboration, innovation, and support ensures that Aberdeen remains at the forefront of scientific discovery and technological advancement, poised for continued success and leadership in the global scientific landscape.

The growing science sector in Aberdeen also signals a transformation in property requirements, with a notable surge anticipated in the demand for laboratory- and science-related office spaces. As research and development activities intensify, there will be a pronounced need for state-of-the-art laboratory facilities equipped to meet the evolving demands of scientific exploration. These facilities must offer specialised infrastructure to support various scientific endeavours, ranging from biotechnology to environmental research.

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