The Smart Accelerator: A Qualitative Process Evaluation

The Smart Accelerator was designed to help Smart  city, community and sustainable island projects in Scotland to transition from initial concept stage to being investable, implementable project partnerships, led by the Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation (ECCI).

The initiative supported 14 projects chosen as their ideas brought together mobility, low-carbon and innovative technology to enable Smarter and more sustainable cities, communities and islands. 

This evaluation report finds that the continuous interaction between advice and practical support was crucial for the initiatives success in bringing the most innovative, smart ideas to the fore. The participants benefited specifically though continuous ‘shaping’ of their project ideas. 

The report also makes recommendations for how the model could be improved.