Scotland's Economy

Working to deliver economic transformation

July 9, 2021 by Kate Forbes MSP No Comments | Category Business, Economy, Finance, Investment, Uncategorized

It is impossible to overstate the devastating impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on every aspect of our lives – the pandemic has shaken our society and economy to their core. And whilst our collective efforts, in tandem with the success of the vaccination programme, have been instrumental in suppressing the virus, our fight to overcome it continues.

This shared fight has, and continues to, impact businesses across Scotland. The essential restrictions have saved lives but they have not been without cost to thousands of businesses and workers.

As we recover from the pandemic our focus rightly turns to what kind of society and economy we want to rebuild. A fair economy that delivers for everyone is our guiding principle.

As well as continuing to support businesses to open, trade and rebuild across Scotland, we are firmly focused on delivering an economy that is fit for the future.

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. As well as continuing to support businesses to open, trade and rebuild, we need to build on these innovations and guide our economy to the industries and opportunities of the future.

To achieve this, the Scottish Government has committed to delivering a new 10 year National Strategy for Economic Transformation.

Bold and ambitious, this strategy will drive transformational change by focusing on setting the conditions that will unleash Scotland’s entrepreneurial potential and create the industries of the future. As well as growing our competitive business base, this strategy will support businesses in the transition to net zero and deliver new, good and green jobs across Scotland.

To help shape and drive this strategy, business leaders, academics and economists have been appointed to a new Advisory Council. Drawing on their extensive experience and network of contacts, members will use their insight to bring forward bold ideas and a focussed plan of actions and projects that will transform the economy.

I want to extend my personal thanks to all members of the council who have agreed to work with us to deliver this ambitious programme of change.

Chaired by me, the Advisory Council will meet virtually over the summer and into the autumn and undertake wider engagement with business across the country, as well as with wider stakeholders. However, to ensure the strategy works for businesses and workers across the country this must be a national endeavour.

That is why we want to hear directly from business, employees, stakeholders and people from right across Scotland.

We want to hear your ideas on how we can work together to deliver greater, greener and fairer prosperity. Please share your views / suggestions / opinions on the development of the National Strategy For Economic Transformation over the next eight weeks by emailing EconomyCovid-19StakeholderUpdatesMailbox@gov.scot. The consultation has been extended to 3 September.

This is a an official invitation to the entrepreneurs and thinkers, the job creators and the hard workers to join our national endeavour by working with us to make Scotland thrive.

Kate Forbes, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy

Members of the Advisory Council include:

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