Green industrial strategy

Conclusion

The global transition to net zero offers enormous economic opportunities for Scotland. If we seize these opportunities, we will create new jobs, boost earnings and increase our exports. With the right focus, support, investment and partnerships, Scottish businesses can innovate, capture new markets, create new jobs, solve problems with new products – and sell their expertise to the world.

To achieve this, we must attract business, industry and investors to Scotland rather than the very many other nations that share similar ambitions. This challenge lies at the heart of the Green Industrial Strategy. It offers a credible, long- term plan which is built on Scotland’s existing strengths (assets, capabilities, expertise) and the opportunities those create to succeed in global markets.

Success will be built around three elements which this strategy delivers:

Prioritisation of resources and investment: the five opportunity areas define and drive our focus in the years ahead. Businesses and investors can expect to see a sustained and tangible focus on these areas and take critical decisions with the confidence that this clarity provides.

Coordinated policy to create the right environment: we have set out how we will use the policy levers available to the Scottish Government across the six economic enablers to create an environment which supports growth and investment in the five opportunity areas. We will build on the actions we are already taking with further work to remove barriers, create incentives and provide support wherever we can.

Working in partnership: this strategy has been developed with the support of partners from across ‘Team Scotland’ and they will play a central role in bringing it to life. We will work with our enterprise agencies, SNIB, SDI, regional economic partnerships, and others to ensure we are all pulling in the same direction and making the best use of our joint resources.

This strategy is a clear statement of direction, focus, and intent. Our objective – to help Scotland realise economic growth opportunities from the global transition to net zero – will be enduring. The five opportunity areas identified will be our first priorities. But we hope and expect new opportunities to emerge from the enabling environment which this strategy aims to create. Our strategy and our actions should respond to those opportunities; adapting and evolving as our economy transitions and through ongoing engagement with businesses and stakeholders.

We look forward to working with you to make this strategy a reality and a success, and to build a fair, green and growing economy in Scotland.