About this SIG

The development of MaaS is regularly discussed in terms of technical challenges or the relentless quest to find commercially viable business models for its delivery. However, while this is understandable, these conversations all too often neglect the ultimate measurement of success – user adoption.

In order to realise the many benefits of MaaS and drive the positive change we all believe it could bring, we must ensure that the user and other stakeholders are brought with us on the journey, ready to engage with solutions as they appear in our cities and rural areas. This requires a thorough understanding of the various stakeholders – what drives decision making and what are the expectations of a successful mobility solution?

This group will explore areas such as:

• Bottom up approaches to MaaS delivery
• User centred design and marketing and promotional tools towards success
• Alignment with broader societal goals

About this SIG

As the number of MaaS projects continues to grow around the world, and as we begin to embark on our own MaaS programme through the MaaS Investment Fund in Scotland, an important question comes into focus – what does success look like and how do we measure it?

Answering that question will be the key when building the business case for future MaaS upscale in Scotland. Not only must we fully understand the impact of early projects, but we must also support the consolidation of data that will strengthen the case for future MaaS investment.

This group will examine how we measure and capitalise on the success of early stage projects and will discuss areas including:

• Models, processes and frameworks for evaluating impact
• Systematic approach – comparing like with like
• Policy alignment and maximising public value
• Evidence consolidation and building a case for MaaS

About this SIG

The direction of MaaS development and deployment will continue to be heavily influenced by regional and national policy instruments. If we are to realise the many benefits of MaaS then these instruments must encourage modal shift through supporting more accessible, integrated, affordable and environmentally friendly services. They must also be adapted in such a way as to continue to encourage private sector collaboration and investment.

Data will be a key enabler for future MaaS solutions. From fares to scheduling, traffic management to vehicle positioning, data will support more informed travel choices and allow more efficient use of our transport assets.

This group will explore the role of good governance in the delivery of MaaS and will discuss areas including:

• Policy alignment and maximising public value
• Developing the public-private partnership
• Delivery models
• Regulation and licensing
• Innovation and procurement

This group will also explore how data can best be used to support a more efficient and attractive transport network.

• How do we best use data to support MaaS services?
• How do we unlock the true value of data?
• Who owns the data and who can access it?
• What changes to legislation or regulation may be required to support data use?
• How do we keep data secure?

This joint group will explore the issues detailed above and others with input from a diverse range of stakeholders from within the transport, communications, governance and data communities.

About this SIG

Technology Scotland in partnership with the Higgs Centre for Innovation, is currently exploring ways to further highlight the role of photonics in the space sector, with particular emphasis on supporting members to realise potential opportunities, removing some of the stigmas surrounding barriers to the space sector, signposting towards relevant funding and nurturing a community to help build an ecosystem for the space sector within Scotland.

Objectives of this SIG

Technology Scotland’s Photonics for Space Special Interest Group will have an overarching goal to support its members to understand the opportunities that exist for photonics companies within the space sector. We recognise that this sector can be perceived as having barriers to entry; however there are potentially good opportunities for our members. Non-participation can often be attributed to a basic lack of knowledge relating to specific markets, test requirements, manufacturing considerations, or regulatory frameworks.

Technology Scotland’s Photonics for Space Special Interest Group aims to allay these apprehensions by improving visibility of the potential opportunities and sharing the experience of those already operating in the local supply chain, creating forums for knowledge exchange and collaboration and signposting to appropriate support.

About this SIG

As the representative association for the enabling technologies sector in Scotland, Technology Scotland, through the Photonics Scotland network, is keen to support the quantum technology sector in Scotland, recognising their critical importance to the integration of local, leading edge technologies into products that will provide solutions to local and international challenges.

With this in mind, and based on feedback from industrial and academic partners, Technology Scotland, in partnership with Fraunhofer UK, is launching a Special Interest Group (SIG) for companies operating in the quantum technology sector in Scotland, with particular emphasis on building an ecosystem for the community and ensuring Scotland’s interest and needs are represented within the wider UK.

Objectives of this SIG

The group will have four initial primary objectives with others to be defined as the group develops:

• Be a unified voice for the sector, helping to ensure future Government policies within the sector are shaped in the way the sector requires.

• Develop Scotland’s vision for quantum technology, ensuring that Scotland’s capabilities in the field continue to be recognised on UK, European and global scales.

• Facilitate knowledge exchange through the creation of forums to support shared experience and collaboration. This will include formal events/meetings alongside case study development and targeted signposting.

• Address the skills gap within the sector, by working with relevant organisations to encourage upskilling and reskilling of staff and inspire the uptake of STEM subjects at schools, to develop a diverse and talented workforce for the future.

Product Design Scotland

About this SIG

The product development journey – from ideation to manufacture and sales – is long and complex. The process is often iterative with a focus on product performance, driven by a desire to create the best product possible within the limitations of technology, engineering and budget. Compliance – the necessity to comply with relevant laws, policies, and regulations within a particular market area – is often an afterthought, considered only in the later stages of development. This can often result in compliance issues being identified only very late in the design process, leading to time consuming and expensive changes to a product or service mature in its development.

Compliance by design is a process that incorporates regulatory compliance frameworks and product safety/security requirements at all stages of product development – from product concept to launch and throughout the entire product lifecycle.

Aims

Product Design Scotland has launched its Compliance by Design Special Interest Group to provide a forum for discussion and knowledge exchange in all aspects of compliance relating to the design/development process. The group aims to support technology developers by highlighting best practice, learning from the experience of others, and connecting to a network of organisations negotiating similar challenges.