National Strategy for Economic Transformation: annual progress report June 2023

Annex B – NSET Measurement Framework

The high level “measures of success”, which precede the narrative describing key deliverables from each programme in this report, are representative of the key areas where the NSET programmes seek to shift the dial to maximise impact. We will ensure that indicators will be aligned with the priorities set out in the policy prospectus to maintain momentum and improve reporting and accountability.

These have been agreed based on: (1) the detailed NSET evidence base which underpinned creation of the strategy itself; and (2) mapping of priority NSET actions to outcomes.

Vision

A Wellbeing Economy: Thriving across economic, social and environmental dimensions.

Ambition

Fairer

Ensuring that work pays for everyone through better wages and fair work, reducing poverty and improving life chances.

Wealthier

Driving an increase in productivity by building an internationally competitive economy founded on entrepreneurship and innovation.

Greener

Demonstrating global leadership in delivering a just transition to a net zero, nature-positive economy, and rebuilding natural capital.

Programmes of Action

Entrepreneurial People and Culture

New Market Opportunities

Productive Businesses and Regions

Skilled Workforce

A Fairer and More Equal Society

A Culture of Delivery

In this first year of NSET delivery movement in the measures of success are unlikely to be directly attributable to NSET activity. However, it is important to monitor them to see if Scotland is moving in the right direction.

Indeed, the roots of success are deeper than these indicators alone, which is why the NSET Delivery Board has adopted a framework approach and reviews several sources of evidence to assess whether – and at what rate – progress towards the higher-level objectives of NSET are being made. The component parts of the Board’s approach to understanding progress include:

• The Measures of Success, which track progress against outcomes and impacts using relevant indicators about Scotland’s economic performance. This enables the Board to see quickly where Scotland is performing well or not.
• Project performance metrics and accountability reporting which tell the Board whether we are on target to deliver the key activities and outputs necessary for NSET to achieve its goals.
• Regular Deep Dives which allow the Board to focus in on themes or NSET programmes and to invite expert input.
• Over time, we will undertake the detailed evaluation work necessary to better understand the effects of NSET’s main actions on impacts. Several evaluations of key NSET programme activity are already in train.

An essential feature of this approach is ensuring the Board has confidence that when we take a particular action that this will lead to the desired outcomes and impacts. Logic modelling has been undertaken across NSET to trace the links in the chain that run from programme activities to outputs and ultimately the outcomes and impacts which will transform Scotland’s economy.