The Soft Power of Scotland
The brief of the project was to understand soft power, its influence, strengths and weaknesses in a Scottish context. We chose to explore Water and explore how Scotland can harness its Soft Power as a Hydro-nation, particularly its Water Management and Renewable Energy Technology.
The brief
The brief of the project was to understand soft power, its influence, strengths and weaknesses in a Scottish context. We chose to explore Water and explore how Scotland can harness its Soft Power as a Hydro-nation, particularly its Water Management and Renewable Energy Technology.
What is soft power to me
What I owned
My role
I was responsible for generating proposal details and its graphics, define project scope, communicate ideas to the tutor. Managed to divide tasks and project flow and goals. Came up with ideas and design interventions.
Research and engagement
How we framed it
Research methodology
We had to Identify key stakeholders. Then interviewed researchers who worked on community water resilience and Hydro-power technology and Environmental and Social justice officer at GSA to gather insights to understand how was water could be leveraged as a soft power in Scotland.
The engagement tool
The term carbon footprint is used more often, as opposed to 'water footprint'. I came up with the Idea for an engagement tool and the aim of the tool was to introduce this topic at the same time spark conversations on water management and hydroenergy in Scotland and how it could be leveraged from a local's perspective. We added a provocative question for the to gather insights.
What we found
Scotland's water abundance leads to wasteful practices, addressed through awareness campaigns, rainwater harvesting, and community-driven solutions. With expertise in hydroenergy and governance, Scotland can drive global decarbonization, climate advocacy, and support for low-income nations, solidifying its role as a Hydronation.
Research question
How can community engagement in water governance and early education on water and energy conservation foster long-term resilience and sustainable practices?
Outcome & touchpoints
Guide book
Enhance educational opportunities for children and young adults while raising awareness about water infrastructure in schools and institutions.
Water credit card system
Promote water-saving behaviors through a water credit system, rewards, and education, encouraging lifestyle changes and supporting environmental initiatives and government policies.
Water footprint
Advocate for water-related issues by integrating the concept of 'water footprint' into daily life.
Where it landed
Initiated and led the Soft Power of Scotland project in a group of five, engaging technical and non-technical stakeholders and utilizing qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to drive research-driven insights and recommendations.
This project was also pitched and taken well by the Scottish Water council but due to time constraints couldn't follow through.
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