Brian Connolly is a strategic partnership leader with 16 years of experience in economic development, specialising in creating collaborative networks that drive positive change across Scotland. Currently serving as Innovation Ecosystems Specialist at Scottish Enterprise, Brian leads the development of innovative approaches to mapping and enhancing innovation ecosystems, with particular focus on balancing local, regional and national priorities to maximise economic opportunity. Through his career, he has built significant experience in areas such as partnership development and strategic research.
Beyond his primary role, Brian demonstrates a deep commitment to transformative economic models through his position as a Board Member at the Centre for Thriving Places, Volunteer Lead for the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Scotland, and his work through the Young Academy of Scotland, where he leads the Equity Grand Challenge and the Communications working group. His appointment to the SFC Task and Finish working group exploring the impact of research and innovation for Scotland, showcase his desire to developing strategic approaches to broadening access to opportunity.
Brian’s career trajectory reflects his passion for place-based development and community wealth building, having shaped organisational policy and practice in these areas. His expertise spans ecosystem development, partnership facilitation, community planning, and the implementation of wellbeing economy principles. With a professional master’s in business administration focused on public-private sector collaboration in delivering wellbeing economy outcomes, Brian brings a unique combination of academic rigour and practical experience to his work.
As both practitioner and thought leader, Brian consistently demonstrates his ability to build consensus across diverse stakeholders, develop governance structures that enable collaborative action, and create measurement frameworks that capture meaningful impact. His holistic approach to economic development—integrating innovation, inclusion, and sustainability—positions him as a valued contributor to Scotland’s evolving economic landscape.
Brian Connolly
