Framework for Economic Development in Scotland
Preface First Minister
In a Partnership for a Better Scotland, we set out our vision to encourage and stimulate economic growth, to tackle poverty and disadvantage, to improve and sustain our environment and to help all our communities live in peace and safety.
In securing this vision, it is essential that we create a Scotland where enterprise can flourish, where opportunity does exist for all, and where our people have the confidence to face the challenges of a global society.
That's why growing the economy is our top priority. A successful economy is the key to our future prosperity and a prerequisite for building first class public services and a Scotland of opportunity. Devolution has been good for Scotland but as a country, we need to be more productive and more competitive internationally, if we are to realise our ambitions.
This Framework looks directly at how economic development can be achieved within the global economy, where change is rapid and where the capacity to learn and apply knowledge is critical to success. It looks at the challenges we face at home: the persistent productivity gap, the changing demography with a shrinking and ageing workforce, and the constant pressure to upgrade our economic infrastructure to equip people and business in Scotland with the necessary means for success.
Progress in meeting these challenges can only come through hard work that is informed by a coherent strategy. FEDS has provided a framework for our strategic thinking since 2000 and this refreshed framework will continue to do so in the light of new developments at home and abroad.
Our Scottish government is determined to provide the right conditions for dynamic and innovative enterprises to grow, and to support effectively business and skills development. However, businesses themselves are the primary champions of economic development and of economic change. We will support their efforts and we will work in partnership to achieve our common objectives.
By putting this framework at the centre of our work for Scotland, we can secure the economic opportunities that can deliver our vision of a better quality of life for all our people.
I invite you to join with the Executive in this effort.
Jack McConnell MSP
First Minister
September 2004