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The Data-Driven Innovation (DDI) Programme, a strategic partnership led by the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University and uniting six local authorities within the £1.3 billion Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, has won the Collaborative Initiative of the Year award at the prestigious Institute of Economic Development (iED) Annual Awards 2025.
The awards, which were hosted at The Lowry Hotel in Manchester on 25th November following the iED Annual Conference, Good Growth: Driving the UK economy with investment in our regions and communities, celebrate achievers in the public and private sector through a series of individual, team and organisational categories.
This year saw a record-breaking number of entries, with almost 60 submissions received for seven award categories, and shortlisted nominations were assessed by an expert judging panel in September.
The Collaborative Initiative of the Year award, which this year is sponsored by Recurve Solutions, recognises outstanding cross-sector economic development collaboration between two or more partners drawn from local authorities, private sector, third sector, business and academia.
The submission outlined how the £700 million Data-Driven Innovation Programme unites the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University with six regional councils and industry to transform South East Scotland into the data capital of Europe. Delivering new infrastructure, thousands of skilled graduates, and high-growth ventures, the DDI programme is driving both inclusive growth and global competitiveness.
iED Director and former Chair Bev Hurley CBE, who hosted the awards honouring achievements across the public and private sectors, said: “Our judges said the Data-Driven Innovation Programme exemplifies the power of strategic collaboration to drive inclusive economic growth. With over £200 million in investment, support for over 600 companies, and a robust skills pipeline, the initiative demonstrates both measurable impact and long-term sustainability. They reported the seamless integration of public, academic, and industry partners sets a new benchmark for regional innovation.
“Our judges also praised the programme’s scale, infrastructure, innovation capacity, skills development, and global relevance, noting that these combined strengths position it as a catalyst for widespread economic and social benefit. In addition, they described the DDI Programme as a flagship model of collaborative economic development, delivering innovation, skills, and infrastructure at scale, and said that it is a benchmark for data-led transformation.”
Reflecting on the award, Professor Kim Graham, Provost of the University of Edinburgh and Senior Responsible Officer for the Data Driven Innovation Programme, commented: “This award is fantastic recognition of the impact of the DDI programme. The partnership between the universities of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt is a shining example of how place-based investment in innovation and skills can have a transformative effect on economic growth, jobs and productivity, benefiting people in the region and beyond.”
iED Executive Director Nigel Wilcock added: “When we first created these awards during the Institute’s 40th anniversary celebrations, our ambition was clear: to recognise excellence – individuals, teams and organisations making a real difference in economic development across the UK. Every year since, the quality, innovation and commitment displayed has been extraordinary, and this year is no exception.
“Shortlisting the finalists was no easy task for our judges. My congratulations go to all those who were shortlisted, to each of our winners, and my sincere thanks to everyone who submitted entries. Their work showcases the diversity, creativity and impact of economic development in action – precisely what these awards exist to celebrate. It was wonderful to welcome so many familiar faces, along with new colleagues, to share in this special evening.”
-ENDS-
Contact: Phil Smith, Institute of Economic Development PR consultant, on 01778 218180 / 07866 436159 / phil@philsmithcommunications.co.uk.
NOTES TO EDITORS
The Institute of Economic Development (iED) is the UK’s leading independent professional body representing economic development and regeneration practitioners. Established over 40 years ago, the iED’s key objective is to represent the interests of economic development practitioners and ensure their views are widely expressed and noted. The iED is committed to demonstrating the value of economic development work for local and regional communities; the pursuit of best practice in economic development and the attainment of the highest standards of professional conduct and competence.
