On Monday 17th September, the Scotland House members hub hosted a gathering of representatives of major Japanese companies with a UK presence, including Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Nomura Research Institute, Itochu Corporation and Daiwa Capital Markets. The companies were here for an insight into Scotland’s technology sectors and the benefits associated with an R&D ecosystem that is now attracting more investment projects than any other region in the UK.

Mark Hallan, Scottish Enterprise’s Senior Director - EMEA, kicked off the conversation with a personal introduction that touched on the strong relationships and history of mutual investments that have brought Scotland and Japan together. The mantle was picked up by Chris Camilleri, Scottish Development International (SDI)’s technology lead in London, who presented the scale and depth of the Scottish technology investment opportunity and the range of incentives and support that Japanese companies would be able to access. To emphasise the R&D links between the two countries, Chotaro Horiuchi, a Trade & Investment specialist based in SDI’s Tokyo office, then provided a deeper look into some of more significant R&D collaborations and investments that Japanese companies have made in Scotland.

The feedback and conversations over refreshments at the end of the evening were positive and encouraging, no doubt the beginning of beneficial and constructive relationships.