In the Digital Media network event in Uppsala on the 26-29th October this year, 12 aimhi companies, along with Senior Development Manager Joanne Blanusa from Highlands & Islands Enterprise, represented Scotland to meet up and network with their counterparts from Austria, Sweden, Ireland and the United States. The main media sectors on display for this event include embedded systems, e-learning, multi-media, audio-visual, film, games, software, geo-information, e-commerce, content generation, mobile messaging, systems integration. There were a diverse selection of companies on display, ranging from a Georgia Institute of Technology affiliated e-learning consortium to an Austrian architectural firm doing 3-D modelling for the nuclear industry to Nordic Europe's best known embedded technologies R&D team. An example of the type of commercial outcome to be expected from this trip can be gleaned from the meeting between a local graphic designer and a Swedish company in the lucrative niche of specialised corporate communications for biotech companies. While Scotland has a thriving biotech sector, there does not exist as yet an advertising agency that caters specifically to the biotech industry. A collaboration between the local designer and the Swedish company can offer a win-win situation to both parties by offering the Swedes access to the domestic market and the local designer access to the specialised talents that will complement his skillset.      

Alexander Skotnik who led the Austrian business grouping added, 'In terms of the scale of businesses, the Highlands companies are the smallest present. But it is admirable the way your industry is organised and the positive and open approach your companies take towards doing business. We would be happy to deal more with you in the future.' 

Lynda Henderson from Indigo Park said, 'It was a surprisingly productive event. 'The fact that the trip was industry led and public agency supported; rather than the other way round; made a strong difference. The individual companies came together and gave it a focus that was more applied and business friendly. This can only be good for the industry in the Highlands & Islands."