Dr David McBeth is Dundee’s Vice Principal for Enterprise & Economic Transformation. David joined Dundee in 2021 as Director of Research & Innovation Services before taking up his current appointment. Previously he was Director of Research & Enterprise at the University of York for c. 2 years, leading a large Directorate which provided all central services to Research, Knowledge Exchange (KE) and Enterprise in this Russell Group, REF Top 10 University. Prior to York, David was Director of Research & Knowledge Exchange Services (RKES) at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow. Over 15 years in post, he contributed to unprecedented growth in Strathclyde’s Industry research income via creation of Industry-led R&KE Centres and led the development of Strathclyde’s commercial investment approach to new company formation and growth across the spectrum of staff, student and alumni enterprises. Strathclyde remains prominent in the UK for company creation and continues to be cited as an exemplar for UK best practice for industry engagement in Research.

Throughout his career in HE, David’s professional interests have included: Intellectual Property Rights (“IPR”) Management; Licensing; New Company Formation & Investment; European Funding for Research & Knowledge Exchange (including Structural Funds and State Aids); the role of the Public Sector in supporting innovation; and the economic impact of universities on regional economies. Prior to becoming Director at Strathclyde, David was Deputy Director/ IPR Manager there, having previously led Edinburgh Napier University’s Research Office and had a successful early career in the UK Chemicals Industry in R&D and Production Management roles. David originally trained as a Chemist with first degree and PhD qualifications from the University of Glasgow.