City of Glasgow College Champions CreaTech Innovation

City of Glasgow College is proud to have contributed to a new report by the Royal Anniversary Trust, published on Monday, 10 February, highlighting the growing role of CreaTech—the fusion of creativity and technology—in shaping the UK’s creative industries and wider economy. The report calls for increased investment in skills, innovation, and collaboration to help drive growth in this rapidly evolving sector.

As a leader in creative education, the College shared insights on how education is preparing students for CreaTech careers. The College’s commitment to blending traditional artisanry with emerging digital tools is exemplified through initiatives like Brooching the Subject, which gained national recognition at COP26.

Led by Lisa McGovern, Curriculum Head of Craft and Design and Double Liddle Curriculum Head of Digital Technologies & Visual Communications, this project challenged jewellery students to design a brooch for the First Minister to wear at the global climate summit COP26. The winning design, created by HND Jewellery student Aileen Dickie-Adams, was inspired by the Corryvreckan Whirlpool, and combined ancient techniques—such as lost wax casting and Japanese Keum Boo gold inlay—with modern methods like 3D printing and Computer Assisted Design (CAD). Crafted from recycled silver and Fairtrade gold, the brooch symbolised sustainability in design and has since been acquired by the National Museum of Scotland.

The CreaTech Report highlights key challenges in the sector, including funding gaps, the need for specialised skills training, and greater collaboration across disciplines. City of Glasgow College continues to address these issues by ensuring students gain real-world experience with emerging technologies while honing their creative expertise.

By contributing to this national report, the College reaffirms its commitment to shaping the future of CreaTech education and supporting Scotland’s position as a leader in this dynamic field. Through innovative projects and industry partnerships, the College equips students with the skills needed to thrive in the creative and digital economy.