Nigel Lambe’s Post

Ecosystem Exchange Reflections A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending the Ecosystem Exchange in Edinburgh, brilliantly hosted by CodeBase at the Edinburgh Futures Institute. It was one of those rare moments where you look around the room and think: “These are the people quietly building the future.” What really struck me was how many individuals dedicate their entire working lives to creating environments where 𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 can thrive. There’s no glamour or big headlines—just genuine, selfless commitment to helping founders grow, innovate, and succeed. It’s easy to forget just how many good people are out there doing this work every day. Another standout for me was the strength of university representation. Seeing so many institutions actively champion entrepreneurship reaffirmed something I feel strongly about: Universities shouldn’t just participate in local innovation ecosystems—they should be foundational to them. Their talent, research, networks, and convening power give them a unique ability to shape regional economies. When they lean in, everything else strengthens around them. I left Edinburgh energized, optimistic, and more determined than ever to deepen collaboration across regions, especially as we evolve the next chapter of Sussex Innovation. If you were there too, what resonated most with you? #innovation #ecosystem #entrepreneurship #universities #UKTech #EconomicGrowth #SussexInnovation Sussex Innovation University of Sussex UK Tech Cluster Group