The University of Glasgow has announced the appointment of Russell Dalgleish, a renowned entrepreneur and Chair of the Scottish Business Network, as the Entrepreneur in Residence at its Advanced Research Centre (ARC). This strategic move aims to bridge the gap between academia and commercialization, fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within the university’s research ecosystem.
The ARC, recognized as a world-class hub for interdisciplinary research and innovation, will benefit from Dalgleish’s extensive experience in leadership, entrepreneurship, and international business development. His role will focus on linking cutting-edge academic research with commercial expertise, supporting the University of Glasgow’s efforts to translate groundbreaking discoveries into real-world applications.
Russell Dalgleish brings a wealth of experience to this pivotal role. As the founding Managing Partner of Exolta Capital Partners and Chair of the Scottish Business Network, he has been instrumental in supporting Scottish business leaders and entrepreneurs to achieve international success. He is frequently listed among the “100 Most Influential British Entrepreneurs” and has held leadership positions in companies with turnovers exceeding £200 million.
Dalgleish’s appointment aligns with the ARC’s mission to foster an entrepreneurial culture that not only advances academic research but also contributes to Scotland’s broader economic growth. By leveraging his global network and expertise, Dalgleish aims to create pathways for researchers to commercialise their innovations, attract investment, and scale their ideas to global markets.
Speaking about his new role, Dalgleish emphasised the importance of collaboration between academia and industry. “Universities are hotbeds of innovation, but their full potential can only be realised when we connect brilliant academic minds with the commercial world. My goal is to create an ecosystem where ideas can thrive, scale, and make a tangible impact on society,” he added.
The Entrepreneur in Residence program is designed to provide researchers with mentorship, guidance on market opportunities, and access to networks that can accelerate their journey from concept to commercialisation. This initiative is expected to enhance the university’s contribution to Scotland’s innovation economy while reinforcing its position as a leader in responsible and impactful research.
Dalgleish’s appointment comes at a time when Scotland is striving to strengthen its global competitiveness through innovation-led growth. The ARC’s focus on interdisciplinary collaboration makes it an ideal platform for addressing complex societal challenges while driving economic development. By integrating entrepreneurial thinking into its research framework, the university aims to attract investment, create jobs, and contribute to reducing economic inequality across Scotland.
Dalgleish’s career spans multiple industries, including technology, sustainability, and investment. He has advised disruptive companies in both the UK and the US and served on advisory boards such as CivTech, Scotland’s GovTech innovation hub. His work extends beyond business; he actively supports initiatives addressing gender imbalance in leadership and reducing carbon footprints among SMEs through his role as founding director of Net Zero Nation.
This appointment marks a significant step forward for the University of Glasgow in aligning its academic excellence with Scotland’s entrepreneurial ambitions. As Dalgleish takes on this transformative role at ARC, his leadership is expected to inspire researchers and entrepreneurs alike to push boundaries and deliver solutions that benefit both local communities and global markets.
By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, this partnership underscores Scotland’s commitment to becoming a global leader in innovation-driven economic growth.
