Colan leads digital, data and technology-enabled innovation, developing CCR’s strategy in the cybersecurity and media priority clusters, with a focus on the key aspects of innovation, infrastructure and skills. He is engaged in the development of digital and data innovation capability for the region and is passionate about developing the wider ecosystem to support inclusive growth through collaboration across the private sector, public sector and academia.
Previously, Colan led the delivery of the Green Book business case to UK and Scottish governments for a state-of-the art data innovation hub in Edinburgh, securing £67m of capital funding in 2019. He also devised a strategic delivery plan for the Health & Social Care Data-Driven Innovation initiative, a portfolio of £50m of revenue funding at the Usher Institute of the University of Edinburgh. He has an extensive portfolio of experience across multiple sectors, ranging from strategy production for Government agencies to leadership of major innovation programmes.
Colan has served on the Board of the world-renowned Edinburgh International Film Festival and retains a keen interest in arts and culture.
