Jennifer Craw receives MBE | ONE

She is an innovator and leader in economic development, and was recognised in the King’s 2025 New Year Honours list for her significant and ongoing contribution to the economy

Her 30-year career in economic development has been marked by her passion for entrepreneurship and innovation, her support of business growth and industry development, and her commitment to the long-term sustainability of the economy of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire and its contribution to the transition from oil and gas to green energy at the Scottish and UK levels.

ONE was established in 2015 by leading businessman and philanthropist Sir Ian Wood KT GBE and Ms Craw to strengthen and diversify the region’s economy with a £64 million funding commitment from the Wood Foundation. The not-for-profit has given the private sector a unique role in shaping and driving action and investment in the region’s key sectors of digital technology, food, drink and agriculture, green energy, life sciences and tourism.

Working with Sir Ian, the members of the ONE main and sector boards, and regional and national partners, Ms Craw has put entrepreneurship and innovation at the heart of economic diversification in the region, recognising the critical role business founders and leaders play in driving growth. She has built a 30-strong team of economic development and sector specialists within ONE and established the ONE Tech Hub, ONE BioHub, and ONE SeedPod innovation hubs to build a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem that will support the creation and growth of innovation-driven enterprises and create high-skill jobs for the future.

ONE is recognised nationally as a model for private sector engagement, partnership working and delivery. The £150 million investment in growth sectors secured by ONE with partners since 2016 is making a significant impact. The digital tech cluster has doubled in five years and boasts more than 300 companies. The region’s food and drink sector is the fastest growing in Scotland, and entrepreneurial life sciences businesses are transforming ground-breaking research into market-ready products. The visitor economy is worth more than £1.3 billion a year, and adventure tourism in the north east has established an international reputation.