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Innovation Programme

Aim and objective: To facilitate the rapid identification and assessment of new technologies for potential national adoption and lead the accelerated implementation of approved technologies across NHS Scotland.

Horizon Scanning

  • Work with Scottish Health Technologies Group (SHTG) to lead horizon scanning for the Accelerated National Innovation Adoption (ANIA) pathway. Submit quarterly reports to the Innovation Design Authority (IDA) to highlight new technologies that could enter the ANIA Pathway.
  • Oversee the initial assessment/evaluation of identified technologies by SHTG via agreed criteria.
  • Identify technologies for consideration by IDA by working with the Horizon Scan Shortlisting Group to shortlist innovations via a 2-stage process.
  • Following approval by IDA, ensure that new innovations are successfully introduced onto the ANIA pathway.


Strategic Priorities: Data and evidence, Driving Health Technology and Innovation, Stakeholder engagement and collaboration.


Strategic Case Development

  • Develop a Strategic Case for all new technologies approved by the IDA following horizon scanning and accepted onto the ANIA pathway. This will be carried out within 12 weeks and will outline why the technology should be adopted, the underpinning evidence base and the potential impact on NHS Scotland.
  • Lead the ANIA Partnership (with HIS, PHS, NSS and NES) and co-ordinate their specialist input into the Strategic Case.

Strategic Priorities: Improving quality and efficiency, Driving Health Technology and Innovation, Stakeholder engagement and collaboration.


Value Case Development

  • Following IDA approval of Strategic Cases, develop full Value Cases for IDA consideration. This will take 6 months and will detail how a technology will be adopted, how much it will costs and how long will it take to implement across all parts of NHS Scotland.
  • Lead the ANIA Partnership (with HIS, PHS, NSS and NES) and co-ordinate their specialist inputs to the development of the Value Case.

Strategic Priorities: Driving Health Technology and Innovation Promoting and implementing sustainable solutions.

Implementation of innovations approved by IDA for national adoption

  • Complete implementation of the Digital Dermatology innovation, including ensuring a transition to business-as-usual (BAU) from September 2025 and optimising uptake across NHS Scotland.
  • Lead delivery of Type 2 Diabetes Remission Programme. This will include establishing the Programme Delivery Board and related working groups for each area of implementation including workforce, training and education, governance and assurance, digital and implementation / change management.
  • Lead delivery of Pharmacogenetic Testing Programme. This will include establishing the Programme Delivery Boards and related working groups for each area of implementation including; workforce, training and education, governance and assurance, digital and implementation / change management.
  • Lead the ANIA Partnership (with HIS, PHS, NSS and NES) and co-ordinate their specialist inputs to delivery and adhere to IDA change request process and reporting requirements.

Strategic Priorities: Driving Health Technology and Innovation; Promoting and 
implementing sustainable solutions.


Value and impact reporting

  • Report Digital Dermatology usage benefits on a monthly basis (primarily number of photo sessions and SCI Gateway referrals).
  • Implement post implementation benefits realisation for Digital Dermatology. Benefits
    realisation reporting will commence in Q1 25/26 and will report on referral pathway numbers, before progressing to ACRT outcomes and impact, for example the number of patients returned to primary care with advice and guidance without the need for a face-to-face appointment.


Strategic Priorities: National reporting and strategic oversight; Data and evidence.