Kenneth Gordon

ESA Business Applications - business.esa.int is a programme established by ESA to support the development, implementation and pilot operations of space-based innovative and commercially sustainable services. As the ESA Business Applications Regional Ambassador for Scotland and Northern Ireland, I am responsible for business engagement and impact development for ESA Business Applications as one of 5 Regional Ambassadors in the UK.

Responsible for increasing engagement of Scottish SMEs in EU collaborative research projects, the promotion and delivery of awareness raising events and providing general European funding support covering Framework Programme 7, Horizon 2020, Eurostars, SBRI and TSB competitions. Project manager for Innovation Procurement pilot project.

Pera is an international network of technology development and industry support centres that helps firms to develop innovative new products, improve business performance and enhance management and leadership skills. Reporting to the Practice Leader, responsibilities include devising strategy, seeking out and developing new business opportunities across all sectors in Scotland. Provided financial and progress updates to Director European Business and two direct reports.

A programme management organisation managing the first Scotland-wide programme focussed on innovation and the first to involve all of Scotland's economic development agencies. Reporting to the Assistant Chief Executive, responsibilities included managing and overseeing 20 high-risk pilot projects encompassing new initiatives focused on improving Scottish business innovation performance and new innovation policy. Working in partnership with all of the main public sector and private sector organisations.

Reporting to the Managing Director, responsibilities included starting up and developing a new product design service as well as the associated project control systems and procedures. Also helped build a customer base of new design business. A designer, assembler and manufacturer of PCBs and electronic products which specialises in fast turnaround.

Reporting to the Managing Director, responsibilities included overseeing all on-site engineering operations and a 50-strong design and production team. Managed product assembly and delivery to customer deadlines and controlled material supply whilst ensuring compliance with all Health and Safety directives.

Reporting to the Technical Centre Director, responsibilities included developing novel electronic products for UK and overseas mining and quarry operations in the USA, Australia and South Africa. Liaised with key product assembly stakeholders and supervised a team of four junior scientists and technicians.

Designing electronic instruments for the manufacture and initiation of explosive materials.