Robert Gordon University (RGU) has welcomed the Aberdeen City Region Deal, calling it a huge opportunity to re-energise the area’s economic future.
The UK and Scottish Governments have confirmed a £504m funding package for the north-east over the next five to 10 years to improve the region’s infrastructure and attract jobs.
Speaking in reaction to the announcement, Principal of RGU, Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, said: “I very much welcome this announcement, and acknowledge the work done by so many to get us to this point. The City Region Deal marks a huge opportunity to create a re-energised, innovation-driven Aberdeen city region, in which the councils, industry and the universities work closely together.
“The Deal is a notable public-private partnership, with the private sector, led by Sir Ian Wood, playing a key role. The two universities have also worked in close partnership to support the plan, and together we aim to be a beacon of innovation in support of the North-east, Scotland and the UK.”
The case for an Oil and Gas Technology Centre (OGTC) as part of the City Region Deal has been led by RGU and the University of Aberdeen, working in close partnership with Scottish Enterprise, the Technology Leadership Board, trade associations, industry, and other key stakeholders.
The Director of RGU’s Oil and Gas Institute, Professor Paul de Leeuw, has welcomed the announcement of funding for that initiative, saying that the establishment of a world class technology centre in Aberdeen at the heart of the industry is a great opportunity for the sector.
He said: “Technology and innovation are going to be absolutely key for the oil and gas industry moving forward and it is great to see that there is a clear recognition by both the UK and Scottish Government of how important this industry is for the UK.
“Supporting the development of innovation in this area will be a big step towards maximising the economic recovery of the UK, increasing our export market and ensuring the retention of high value jobs in the North-east.”
Prof. de Leeuw added: “The new Oil and Gas Technology Centre will be based in Aberdeen, but will leverage the existing skills and capabilities across the UK.
“It will be focused on delivering a step change in capabilities and technology delivery for the industry, providing solutions to practical problems both in the UK and internationally.”