Kate Forbes

Working to unleash entrepreneurial potential and grow Scotland’s competitive business base, this strategy will prioritise investment in the industries of the future and deliver new, good and green jobs.

Business leaders, academics and economists have been appointed to a new Advisory Council to help shape this strategy, which is expected to publish late autumn. Drawing on their extensive experience and contacts, members will use their insight to bring forward bold ideas that will transform the economy.

Chaired by the economy secretary, the Advisory Council consists of 17 members who will work over the summer and early Autumn to put forward bold ideas on how to transform the Scottish economy. After the strategy is published later this year a smaller group of members will be asked to oversee its implementation.

People across Scotland are also being encouraged to share their views on how the country can work together to deliver greater, greener and fairer prosperity.

Economy secretary Kate Forbes said: “As we emerge from the pandemic, we must work together to seize Scotland’s potential and build an economy for everyone by delivering greater, greener and fairer prosperity.

“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. We need to build on these innovations and guide our economy to the industries and opportunities of the future.

“Our ten-year National Strategy for Economic Transformation will utilise the expertise of business, trade unions and economists to deliver a focussed plan of actions and projects to help transform our economy and help us reach net zero.

“I want to thank the members of the council for agreeing to play such a crucial role in the development of our bold and ambitious ten-year economic strategy. Starting work to deliver this key strategy was a 100-day commitment of this Scottish Government and I am delighted we have been able to secure the support of so many leading experts.”

She added: “To ensure this strategy delivers the transformational change Scotland needs, this must be a national endeavour and so we want to hear directly from works from business, workers, stakeholders from across the country.

“This is an invitation to the entrepreneurs, thinkers and job creators to join our national endeavour and work with us to make Scotland thrive.”