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Case Study

Scottish Transport Decarbonisation Supply Chain Mapping

A comprehensive study mapping Scotland’s supply chain capabilities and market opportunities in transport decarbonisation to support economic growth and opportunities for internationalisation

PROJECT BACKGROUND

Scottish Enterprise sought to improve their knowledge about Scottish supply chain companies and capabilities that support the decarbonisation of transport. The main focus was on companies that make physical products and digital solutions for the decarbonisation of transport, relevant to customers in Scotland, the rest of the UK and overseas.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES

Identify and categorise (by technology and position in the supply chain) companies located in Scotland that are active, or have the potential to become active, in transport decarbonisation
Visually represent the sector in a series of images and graphics that identify sub-segments of transport decarbonisation, capabilities present in Scotland and examples of supply chain companies. This would help communicate capabilities to export markets through the Scottish Development International network of overseas offices
Identify the most significant and fast-growing markets where Scotland have relative capabilities and help to prioritise those that will maximise benefits to the Scottish economy

Identify and categorise (by technology and position in the supply chain) companies located in Scotland that are active, or have the potential to become active, in transport decarbonisation
Visually represent the sector in a series of images and graphics that identify sub-segments of transport decarbonisation, capabilities present in Scotland and examples of supply chain companies. This would help communicate capabilities to export markets through the Scottish Development International network of overseas offices
Identify the most significant and fast-growing markets where Scotland have relative capabilities and help to prioritise those that will maximise benefits to the Scottish economy




OUR APPROACH

We addressed the above aims and objectives through a combination of desk research and stakeholder interviews. We used a combination of publicly available and subscription-based sources to identify market data and Scottish supply chain companies. We then interviewed eleven stakeholders to better understand the opportunities and challenges they faced.

We used the insights gained from this research to create a searchable database of supply chain companies based in Scotland by transport decarbonisation sub-segment and position in the supply chain.

We also created a series of graphical outputs that will support the communication of Scottish supply chain capabilities to overseas markets.

DELIVERY TEAM

John Taylor
Senior Consultant
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Deborah Creamer
Managing Director & Senior Consultant
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Joginder Fagura
Senior Consultant
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Ed Leigh
Consultant
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OUTPUTS AND IMPACTS

The deliverables included a final report, series of graphical maps showing the market size, growth rate, Scottish capabilities and example companies for each of the transport decarbonisation sub-segments and a searchable database of supply chain companies.

This helps Scottish Enterprise to proactively promote the supply chain overseas and respond to queries seeking to identify company capabilities present in Scotland.

“Working with Optimat on this project was both engaging and productive, not to mention extremely informative and enjoyable. John brought creativity to the project brief and expanded upon the initial scope by extending the sub-segment categorisation to add further definition and clarity to the wider supply chain. SDI will use the outputs of the project internally to upskill overseas staff on Scottish capability in the decarbonisation of transport sector, helping to match international opportunity with sector strengths and export-enabled products and services.”

Laura McBrier
Specialist – Trade (Sustainable Transport & climate related technologies) Scottish Enterprise/ Scottish Development International

John Taylor

Senior Consultant

I’m John Taylor, a Senior Consultant at Optimat. Since joining the company in 2003, I have developed specialisms in sustainability and net zero related studies. This includes projecting future market demand scenarios, profiling regional supply chain capabilities, identifying and evaluating public sector support interventions and understanding future net zero skills needs across transport, built environment, energy transition, industrial decarbonisation and waste and the circular economy.

I am also one of the lead consultants for economic impact assessments and evaluation of challenge-fund programme and project applications. An experienced innovation due diligence assessor, I focus on reviewing R&D project applications with environmental outcomes. I like to work with good people in teams that deliver insights and outputs that clients value.

Prior to joining Optimat, I started a company to create online platforms to catalyse collaboration between companies and research organisations. Before this, I spent seven years working in the Scottish economic development network, supporting start-up and growing businesses, across all sectors, to develop business plans and access funding.

I have a BA(hons) in Business Economics and Marketing, an MSc in Entrepreneurial Studies and an MSc in Economic Management & Policy with Environmental Economics.

Deborah Creamer

Managing Director

I’m Deborah Creamer, the Managing Director of Optimat. I’m passionate about helping organisations and businesses make smarter, evidence-based decisions, especially when it comes to innovation, technology, and long-term growth.

I’ve been part of the Optimat team since 1998, specialising in strategic industrial analysis for high-tech sectors. Over the years, I’ve built up a deep understanding of what drives success in innovation and economic development, and I enjoy working with clients to turn data and insight into meaningful action.

I specialise in advanced materials and manufacturing and the industries in which they play a key role – ranging from aerospace to medical devices. My particular area of expertise is in funding for innovation, spanning a broad spectrum from evaluating R&D and innovation funding application to developing business cases for significant innovation assets in Scotland and the UK. I’ve supported many organisations to craft successful funding applications whether that is for a small R&D project or a state-of-the-art innovation centre and it’s incredibly rewarding to help secure the backing that great ideas need to become reality. Ibelieve in the power of innovation, collaboration, and practical thinking to create lasting impact, for businesses, industries, and communities.

Before joining Optimat, my career started in materials R&D and new product development, working with BP International and Bourns Electronics Inc. That hands on industry experience gave me a solid foundation in how technologies evolve and get to market.

I hold a BSc (Hons) in Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, an MBA, and I’m a Chartered Engineer.

Joginder Fagura

Senior Consultant

I’m Joginder, a Senior Consultant at Optimat. I specialise in designing and delivering evidence-based economic development and sector growth strategies, working with public sector clients across the UK. My passion lies in translating complex evidence into practical recommendations that help organisations and industries make smarter investment and policy decisions.

I started my career in consultancy with Optimat in 2000. I’ve led and contributed to high-profile studies spanning advanced materials and manufacturing, clean energy industries, life sciences and medical devices. Much of my work has focused on mapping supply chains, identifying market opportunities, benchmarking international best practice, and shaping innovation ecosystems.

I particularly enjoy projects that bring industry, academia, and government together to explore how innovation can drive sustainable growth.

Prior to joining Optimat, I worked as a material scientist, designing bespoke, high-performance materials for demanding application. This practical grounding in industrial research and product development has been invaluable in understanding both the technical and commercial realities of innovation, enabling me to provide clients with advice that is both evidence-based and pragmatic.

I hold a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry from Brunel University and an MSc in Polymer Sciencefrom Lancaster University.

Ed Leigh

Consultant

I am Ed, a Consultant at Optimat. I’m passionate about turning complex climate and nature concepts into clear, actionable insights. My core expertise is around carbon appraisal and management, climate/social innovation development, and product supply chain mapping/market strategy.

I especially enjoy collaborating with clients and stakeholders to shape meaningful action, combining robust quantitative analysis with qualitative insight to create strategies grounded in clear problem definition. This approach has enabled me to build strong relationships and expand my technical understanding of emerging and novel technologies, while also identifying and mapping the skills required to address them effectively.

My work includes the management of greenhouse gases and the development of strategic pathways for reduction and removals in sectors including transport, CCUS, energy, and nature-based solutions. I have developed practical approaches to innovation support by developing implementation strategies for climate technologies and nature-based solutions, with a systems-wide perspective.

I have completed a BSc in Geography and an MSc in Global Strategy and Sustainability. I am passionate about applying systems approaches to develop tangible, logical steps to deliver a resilient, adaptation-based future.