International trade can be a catalyst for growth and innovation for many Scottish and UK businesses. Companies that export are consistently more competitive, with recent UK analysis showing firms engaged in global trade are 28-35% more productive than those focused solely on domestic markets. The productivity uplift begins as soon as businesses start exporting, creating a clear link between internationalisation and performance.
Scotland’s exports reached £37.7 billion in 2023, with food and drink continuing to lead the way – a sector that remains central to our global reputation. Alongside this success, there is growing potential to build on these strengths by expanding into high-value areas such as technology, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing, creating a more diverse and resilient export portfolio.
For SMEs, the case is even stronger – research commissioned by UK Export Finance reveals that exporters grow nearly twice as fast as non-exporters – proof that global ambition pays off.
Recognising this potential, the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Scottish Chambers of Commerce and Scottish Government, has been helping businesses turn ambition into action through trade missions that deliver market intelligence, strategic connections, and real commercial outcomes. Two recent missions to Boston and China show how Scottish firms can tap into innovation hubs and high-growth markets to accelerate their global journey.
Boston: Gateway to Innovation and Capital
Boston is one of the world’s leading hubs for life sciences, technology, and entrepreneurship – an ecosystem that attracts billions in venture capital and fosters collaboration between academia and industry. Across the programme, delegates gained practical market insight, explored innovation networks, and built high-value connections to support US market entry.
Highlights included a market briefing on IP, tax, and staffing, a visit to MassChallenge, Boston’s renowned start-up accelerator, and an opportunity to experience the innovation culture at Harvard University. Delegates also engaged with Scottish Development International, the British Consul, and senior officials from the City of Boston, receiving tailored advice on sector opportunities and partnership pathways. A series of one-to-one B2B meetings and networking at Venture Café ensured businesses left with actionable contacts and collaboration prospects.
Feedback has been incredibly positive: “Joining the trade mission to Boston was a fantastic experience both professionally and personally. The programme offered genuine opportunities to meet like-minded businesses, exchange ideas, and learn from incredibly knowledgeable speakers. It gave me plenty of ideas to bring back home.”
China (Shenzhen & Guangzhou): Scale, Speed, and Deep Tech
China’s innovation economy is expanding at pace, particularly in robotics, AI, and advanced manufacturing. Forecasts suggest its industrial robotics market could reach $16–42 billion by 2030, reflecting strong demand for automation and smart technologies. For Scottish businesses, this represents a significant opportunity to tap into one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.
Across the programme, delegates engaged with innovation hubs, explored sector-specific opportunities, and built commercial connections through pitching sessions and B2B meetings. Highlights included visits to leading incubators and industrial parks, networking with over 50 local companies, and participation in the China Hi-Tech Fair (CHTF) – a national platform that in 2025 attracted 450,000+ visitors, facilitated 1,023 matches, and generated RMB 170 billion in intended deals.
During the visit, the strategic value for Scottish companies was clear:
Opportunities for partnerships to co-develop products and access distribution in a vast consumer market.
Supply chain and manufacturing options that enable competitive pricing and faster scale-up, particularly for technology, life sciences, and advanced engineering businesses.
By combining market insight with direct engagement, this mission positioned delegates to convert conversations into long-term collaborations – opening doors that would be difficult to access independently, with a participant adding:
“It has proved to be a most valuable visit for us, and we certainly could not have opened the doors that you did on our own. We now have a fortnightly meeting scheduled with a view to finalising agreements around educational opportunities and hosting our global conference in Shenzhen.”
Why it Matters
Exporting diversifies revenue, embeds firms in global knowledge networks, and raises productivity – benefits backed by UK official statistics and independent research. For Scotland, expanding beyond traditional strengths in food & drink into services and deep‑tech can lift overall export value while improving resilience to sector shocks. And with the US and China representing major demand centres, trade missions that combine market intelligence, targeted introductions, and follow‑on support are a practical route from exploration to execution.
What’s Next
Building on recent results, the Chamber will host missions to China, Dublin, Barcelona, and Florida in 2026, with a focus on sectors where Scottish capabilities align to global demand. Interested companies can access expert guidance, curated B2B pipelines, and ecosystem connections that turn global ambition into export wins.
