Delivering economic transformation

An ambitious 10 year National Strategy will drive Scotland’s economic transformation as the country recovers from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and transitions to a net zero economy.

Working to unleash entrepreneurial potential and grow Scotland’s competitive business base, this strategy will prioritise investment in the industries of the future and deliver new, good and green jobs.

Business leaders, academics and economists have been appointed to a new Advisory Council to help shape this strategy, which is expected to publish late autumn. Drawing on their extensive experience and contacts, members will use their insight to bring forward bold ideas that will transform the economy.

People across Scotland are also being encouraged to share their views on how the country can work together to deliver greater, greener and fairer prosperity.

Economy Secretary Kate Forbes said:

"As we emerge from the pandemic, we must work together to seize Scotland’s potential and build an economy for everyone by delivering greater, greener and fairer prosperity.

“The pandemic has led to fundamental shifts in sectors such as retail, and changed the way many businesses operate with more online trading and remote working. We need to build on these innovations and guide our economy to the industries and opportunities of the future.

“Our 10 year National Strategy for Economic Transformation will utilise the expertise of business, trade unions and economists to deliver a focussed plan of actions and projects to help transform our economy and help us reach net zero.

“I want to thank the members of the council for agreeing to play such a crucial role in the development of our bold and ambitions 10 year economic strategy. Starting work to deliver this key strategy was a 100 day commitment of this Scottish Government and I am delighted we have been able to secure the support of so many leading experts.

“To ensure this strategy delivers the transformational change Scotland needs, this must be a national endeavour and so we want to hear directly from works from business, workers, stakeholders from across the country.

“This is a an invitation to the entrepreneurs, thinkers and job creators to join our national endeavour and work with us to make Scotland thrive.”

Background
Chaired by the Economy Secretary, the Advisory Council consists of 17 members who will work over the summer and early Autumn to put forward bold ideas on how to transform the Scottish economy. After the strategy is published later this year a smaller group of members will be asked to oversee its implementation. The members of the Advisory Council are:

Members of the public and stakeholders are invited to share their views, suggestions and opinions on the development of the National Strategy For Economic Transformation over the next eight weeks. Responses should be emailed to EconomyCovid-19StakeholderUpdatesMailbox@gov.scot by 27 August.

This establishment of this new Advisory Council marks the end of the existing Council of Economic Advisers (CEA), with many members continuing to advise the Scottish Government.