Law firm CMS and think tank Fraser of Allander Institute have launched a new campaign aimed at bringing together Scotland’s business community, government and policy groups to maximise the nation’s economic growth potential.
The initiative began with a release of a new report highlighting some of the core opportunities for Scottish business, trade, and tourism to excel on the international stage.
The International Scotland report sets out how the nation punches above its weight in key sectors such as renewables, tourism and food and drink.
It also recognises the strength of the Scottish university sector in supporting new, innovative companies and highlights how Scotland is an ideal location to attract international talent.
North-east challenge
The report also looked at challenges – not least in the north-east which is grappling with the challenge of decarbonising its oil and gas sector while ensuring jobs are not lost, a task it said would not be easy.
The report said: “The big question is how an area such as Aberdeen can attract non-oil business on account of its skills base and infrastructure.
“The high skill, high-productivity jobs associated with the North Sea are unlikely to be easily replaced in the local economy but, the repurposing of existing infrastructure, as well as the transfer of workers’ expertise presents opportunities for former oil and gas hubs.
“Why not use the technology and skills we have for new methods of cleaner production that can be exported internationally?”
The series of events across Scotland, involving direct engagement with the business community, Scottish Government ministers and other policy influencers, will begin tomorrow (22nd) with the first in Aberdeen.
Employment minister Richard Lochhead will address the event, focusing on Scotland’s transition to net-zero.
During the events, participants will discuss the key themes covered by the International Scotland report with a focus on developing policy proposals and recommendations aimed at reducing economic barriers and maximising global economic opportunities.
The report also states: “The continued growth of onshore and offshore wind power, however, will drive the need for almost 50,000 renewable-related jobs alone in Scotland by 2050.”
Help Scottish economy to thrive
CMS Scotland managing director Allan Wernham said: “Leveraging the knowledge and expertise within both organisations, we are focused on the core themes of business, trade and tourism; inward investment; and the transition to net zero as well as the key opportunities and challenges for Scotland in fulfilling its full economic potential.
“We now look forward to engaging in further discussions with the business community, government and policy groups to build consensus on the best way forward and develop innovative policy ideas that will help the Scottish economy to thrive.”
Fraser of Allander Institute director Mairi Spowage said: “We are excited to work with CMS on this new, internationally focused campaign.
“Using the evidence base highlighted in the International Scotland report, we will engage with a wider cross-section of stakeholders to explore the key barriers and enablers for the Scottish economy on the international stage.
“The forthcoming events taking place across Scotland will serve as the basis for feedback, input, further reflection and, ultimately, policy recommendation to drive economic growth.”
Conversation