IT is fascinating to hear Stuart Patrick expound enthusiastically about what Glasgow has going for it as a city.
Among the key strengths highlighted by the chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce is the growth of innovation districts, as centres of excellence develop in the city around disciplines including precision medicine, and quantum engineering and advanced manufacturing.
The University of Glasgow and Strathclyde University are among those playing key roles in these innovation districts.
And Mr Patrick is, rightly, enthusiastic about the potential for all of this work to help create and support innovative small and medium-sized firms which could turn into the major stars of tomorrow.
He pointed out that Glasgow already has a disproportionate number of companies in key sectors for the future, including low-carbon technologies, engineering, design, and health and life sciences.
Mulling the future potential for innovative small and medium-sized companies in Glasgow to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Scottish flight search engine pioneer Skyscanner by developing into major enterprises, Mr Patrick said: “I think some of the early evidence suggests we should be confident.”
This is all heartening to hear. Glasgow, as a city, continues to face many economic and social challenges but investment in innovation and in key sectors which will fuel growth can play a big part in tackling some of these problems.
Especially with the folly of Brexit looming large, Mr Patrick is right to focus on what Glasgow has going for it, heading into what could be a tough period for the UK as a whole.
However, he is also right to highlight fears over the impact of Brexit on Glasgow in terms of skills availability and investment in technology and science-based sectors. Realism and enthusiasm are both key strengths in these difficult times.
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