Research and Innovation Strategy
From 2021 our improvements will be prioritised according to our Strategic Plan.
The objective of our Research and Innovation Strategy is to generate new knowledge and capability that can be applied to address 5 primary challenges:
Our Innovation Challenges
Innovation is essential to deliver Scottish Water’s strategic objectives and to support the transformation of our business.
Our long-term plan for innovating is divided into 5 primary challenges and 19 outcomes:

Innovation Challenge - Transforming Our Emissions
Eliminating greenhouse gas emissions from our activities
Innovation Challenge Outcomes
- Operational processes have zero emissions
- All construction is low carbon
- All vehicles use sustainable power
- Processes are chemical and energy efficient

Innovation Challenge - Embracing the circular economy
Maximising value and achieving zero non-value waste
Innovation Challenge Outcomes
- Generate all our energy
- Produce valued co-products
- Maximise value and achieve zero non-value waste
- Maximise carbon sequestration
Innovation Challenge - Delivering a consistently excellent water supply
Transforming the water service for all of Scotland
Innovation Challenge Outcomes
- Supplies are resilient to future pressures
- Zero water waste
- Customers always enjoy their water
- Transformed treatment capability to meet future challenges
Innovation Challenge - Transforming wastewater services
Achieving the sustainable collection, treatment and recycling of wastewater
Innovation Challenge Outcomes
- Supplies are resilient to future pressures
- Transformed surface water management
- Zero customer flooding and pollution
- Transformed treatment capability and reliability
Innovation Challenge - Transforming how we work
Delivering the best service from source to sea
Innovation Challenge Outcomes
- Right service provision for the area
- Smart processes and systems
- Maximise the value of our assets
Opportunities for collaboration
To meet these challenges we need to work with industry, academia and international organisations. We will:
- Generate new knowledge by commissioning high quality applied studies with research partners
- Enhance the impact of research from the Scottish Academic sector through the Hydro Nation Chair position at University of Stirling
- Host pilot trials at our Development Centres
- Develop open innovation challenges to stimulate research and innovation
If you think you can help us in our journey, please use the contact visit our Submitting a Proposal page.