A recent economic impact report on the James Hutton Institute by BiGGAR Economics states that in 2023-24, for every £1 of funding the Hutton received from the Scottish Government, it delivered more than £15 in economic value for the UK economy.
About £9 of that economic value was retained in Scotland, confirming the status of the Hutton as a key component of Scotland’s research and economic infrastructure.
The James Hutton Institute carries out world-leading scientific research in crops, soil and the environment.
The BiGGAR Economics report said £61.8 million of Gross Value Added (GVA) was retained close to the Hutton’s two main campuses: £40 million in Dundee city region and £22 million in Aberdeen city region.
The report said the Hutton also supported 2,575 jobs in the year, of which 1,525 jobs were in Scotland and 740 jobs in the Aberdeen and Dundee city regions — 410 jobs in Dundee City Region and 330 jobs in Aberdeen City Region.
The report evaluated Hutton science in specific sectors and shows that in 2024, Hutton’s research was worth £221.3 million to the UK food and drink sector, supporting around 1,185 jobs in the industry.
The Hutton Institute announced in July that it has successfully bred Scotland’s first blueberry at its Invergowrie site. The Highland Charm blueberry is the result of 10 years’ research.
“One of the main reasons for the increase in GVA has been an increase in the value of commercial research contracts secured by the Hutton since 2016 from under £1 million to £2.6 million,” said the Institute.
“This is particularly noteworthy because this period also saw the UK’s exit from the European Union, an event that had been widely expected to make securing research funding more difficult.
“Another important change has been the emergence of a thriving and effective innovation ecosystem. An important catalyst for this has been the creation of the International Barley Hub and the Advanced Plant Growth Centre on-site, both of which were made possible by major investment through the Tay Cities Region Deal.
“This economic impact is a result of the Hutton’s unique research, which brings together expertise in both natural and social sciences.”
James Hutton Institute CEO Colin Campbell said: “It’s clear that investment in our excellent science makes an incredible contribution to the Scottish, UK and global economies and shows that science is a safe and productive investment.
“While the economic impact is large it is most visible the tip of the impact we have in terms of environmental social and economic benefits.
“We are grateful to our funders – particularly the Scottish and UK governments – who trust in our science and who are rewarded with the types of figures we are reporting today.
“We know we are in a race against time to address the far-reaching impacts of the climate and nature crises on our economic, environmental and societal sustainability and to protect our food, energy and water security.
“Hutton science shows the value of understanding our world better providing solutions that people need and want. Increased investment in science remains critical to our shared long-term goals.”