Evaluating the impact of the Strategic Investment Model (SIM)
Published March 2025
Crown Estate Scotland, on behalf of the SIM Group, commissioned the Everoze strategy team and BiGGAR Economics to undertake a Benefits Realisation Assessment to evaluate the impact of the Strategic Investment Model (SIM) and inform its future direction.
Upon completion of the work, Gillian Morrison Supply Chain Development Manager at Crown Estate Scotland said: “Reviewing the benefits and impact of the SIM has been a critical milestone within the evolution of the SIM and we welcomed the efficient and structured methodology and delivery which Everoze and BiGGAR Economics brought to this commission. The SIM Group will now assess and agree future strategy based on the recommendations of the report.”
Background
The SIM was established to address a critical challenge: enabling investment in the infrastructure and supply chain capacity needed to scale Scottish offshore wind deployment. By bringing together offshore wind developers, government and its agencies and wider stakeholders, the SIM aims to coordinate strategic investments and overcome barriers to timely infrastructure development.
The offshore wind industry and its policy context have undergone significant change since the inception of the SIM. This objective of this assignment was take stock of activity to date and chart the next steps for the group.
Approach
Everoze and BiGGAR Economics conducted a detailed evaluation of the SIM, focusing on its ongoing role in fostering collaboration, unlocking investment and aligning with broader policy and strategic goals. The assessment involved:
- Desk-based research to analyse SIM outputs, governance structures, and key documents;
- Stakeholder engagement, including in-depth consultations with developers, project proponents, government representatives and other key stakeholders;
- A structured benefits assessment with a transparent methodology to capture the full impact of the SIM’s activities; and
- Recommendations based on lessons learned, offering strategic insights for future initiatives.
Findings and impact
The evaluation found that the SIM has created a valuable platform for collaboration across the Scottish offshore wind sector. An impressive commitment to collaborative working and transparency has greatly improved information sharing, breaking down barriers that would have persisted under business-as-usual.
The SIM’s innovative, structured approach to industry dialogue has helped developers prioritise investment needs and provided supply chain businesses with a clearer view of future demand. This unique model of demand aggregation has been a key strength of the SIM and could offer benefits across other areas of the offshore wind sector.
The review also highlighted the need for a refreshed approach, with clearer accountability, leadership, and resources, to fully realise the SIM’s objective of enabling investment in key supply chain projects.
