Opportunity
Scottish Enterprise is the national economic development agency, under the responsibility of the Scottish Government. Their Rural Team was looking for a partner who could help design and teach a set of modules to enhance leadership capacity in rural businesses. This subsequently evolved into demand for a programme that would help firms better understand how to develop an innovative approach to international expansion.
Approach
The Scottish Enterprise Rural Team worked closely with our Centre for Strategic Leadership over a three-year period. Together, we provided graduates of the Scottish Enterprise Rural Leadership Programme with an opportunity to build on their leadership learning through academic knowledge and international connections.
Impact
This successful partnership saw over 40 rural leaders participate in the Strategic Leadership Executive Education Programme – a three-day programme which focused on Strategic Change Leadership, Entrepreneurial and Innovative Thinking, and Developing Strategic Leadership.
This evolved into an International Learning Journey to Memphis, USA. The programme, designed by the Professor John Amis from the Business School in conjunction with Professor Brian Janz at the University of Memphis, involved an intensive week of design thinking and increasing knowledge through business visits and cultural learning.
We have no doubt that through these programmes, rural leaders have benefited significantly with a more focused, knowledgeable and confident approach to growing their businesses. This has been evident in the number of changes made by many who have participated, particularly around adapting or changing their business models and increasing investment as a direct result of the learning gained.Julia Latto, Project Manager for Rural Operations, Scottish Enterprise