Why is this National Outcome important?
Our ability to prosper will depend on the ambition, growth and performance of Scotland's businesses. The ability of Scottish businesses to succeed will depend upon actions taken across all Strategic Priorities whether that be in direct activities toward creating a Supportive Business Environment or facilitating the Transition to a Low Carbon Economy or in establishing a solid foundation of skills and economic assets through actions in Learning, Skills and Wellbeing, Infrastructure Development and Place, Effective Government and Equity.
What will influence this National Outcome?
The ability of our businesses to grow and be successful will depend upon:
- A diverse, robust and adaptive business base, where all businesses are important and some are truly world class
- A skilled, educated and adaptable workforce
- An ability to secure a competitive advantage from utilising Scotland's natural and energy resources more efficiently
- A research and business base that supports commercialisation and innovation
- A culture of entrepreneurship, leadership, creativity and international ambition
- Attractive well connected places to live and work that build on Scotland's natural assets in terms of cities, towns and rural areas
- A robust and reliable physical and digital infrastructure that helps businesses grow and compete internationally
- A competitive tax regime
- Effective and efficient public services that promote competition and help businesses thrive
- An effective justice system which supports the rule of law, protects communities and individuals, reduces the cost of crime, safeguards economic activity, and promotes equality and fairness
- An ability to draw upon the potential of more people as a result of the benefits of increased growth being shared more widely across Scotland's communities
- A approach to health and well-being that ensures that all of Scotland's people enjoy a level of physical and mental health which allows them to maximise their potential
- A planning and development regime which is joined up, reflects strategic priorities, ensures greater certainty and speed of decision making and supports sustainable economic growth and the development of good quality sustainable places
What is the Government's role?
Our role is to foster the conditions that will give Scotland a competitive edge. We do this by taking actions that will improve the attractiveness of Scotland as a place to do business. We are taking action to reward success; break through the barriers to economic growth; and enhance Scotland's reputation worldwide, unlocking the Scottish economy's potential to prosper in an increasingly global marketplace.
Our strategic approach includes significant initiatives around business taxation, planning, innovation and Research & Development, support for key sectors, improved infrastructure, reform of the enterprise networks and support for social enterprise.
Focused enterprise support and a competitive tax regime are central to a wealthier and fairer Scotland. Scotland should be seen as a great place to do business, both at home and abroad, with key companies and sectors seen as market leaders. We must also continue to equip our people and encourage the full use of their skills. We need to harness the research of our world class universities, promote greater knowledge transfer and bolster innovation.
We also want Scotland to be seen internationally as a truly innovative and productive nation. Through our trade and investment agency, Scottish Development International (SDI), we are continuing to support Scottish businesses that want to trade in overseas markets, helping them to develop partnerships with foreign organisations, license their products, processes and technologies and make their own foreign direct investments.
Together, these approaches will help to build a supportive and attractive environment for Scottish business and develop Scotland's future comparative advantage.
Related Strategic Objective
Wealthier and Fairer
Related National Indicators
Increase the number of businesses
Increase exports
Improve digital infrastructure
Reduce traffic congestion
Improve Scotland's reputation
Increase research and development spending
Improve knowledge exchange from university research
Improve the skill profile of the population
Improve levels of educational attainment
Increase the proportion of graduates in positive destinations