A FOCUS on developing internationalised business opportunities, whilst driving productivity and innovation, should be a key priority for the new UK Government, and the Scottish Government, according to the Scottish Council for Development & Industry (SCDI).
Ross Martin, SCDI chief executive, commented: “Following the result of the General Election, it is more important than ever that our two governments work together with a determined, collective focus on the step change required in trade and investment opportunities for businesses across our economy.
“Europe is of course a key trading area, being the world’s largest market of 500million consumers, and it is therefore imperative for the success and development of the Scottish and wider UK economy that strong links remain in place creating the conditions for the growth we seek.
“In respect of Scotland, with just 50 companies accounting for 50 per cent of Scotland’s exports, there is a real need to improve figures from their current base of around seven per cent and a value of £26bn.
“International trading of more of our companies, especially SMEs, is to be strongly encouraged if a robust and sustainable economy is to be established. We would welcome an early focus of government plans to further support the development of successful and fruitful international trading relationships.
“Improving productivity performance in businesses and public services is essential to increase our international competitiveness, stimulate economic growth, generate higher living standards, eliminate the deficit and meet long-term challenges.
“This will not only require investment in and better utilisation of skills, knowledge, infrastructure and resources, but economic rebalancing so that all regions, sectors and society can contribute to and share in success.
“A focus and more certainty on crucial decisions such as increased UK airports capacity, high-speed rail and secure, affordable and lower carbon energy would be welcomed.
“Action to increase business growth, innovation and internationalisation; skills development and apprenticeships; childcare provision; and greater powers for city regions, with the need for a higher priority for infrastructure investment, especially housing, transport, digital and energy are all key aspects to growing the economy.
“With more powers to be devolved to Holyrood as agreed by all parties through the Smith Commission and in the draft Scotland Bill, we encourage both the UK and Scottish governments to quickly establish a positive working relationship and a joined-up strategy to improve Scotland’s productivity, innovation and internationalisation, underpinned by infrastructure investment.”
While Scotland’s economy is growing, long-term weaknesses remain which need to be tackled to ensure its strength, resilience, inclusiveness and sustainability:
- Poor levels of Productivity – Based on 2012 figures, Scotland was ranked 17th of 32 countries, for productivity levels amongst OECD countries.
- A lack of Innovation - Business Enterprise Research & Development (BERD) in Scotland in 2013 was £798m, 4.3 per cent of the UK total of £18.4bn (0.6 per cent of Scottish GDP compared to 1.06 per cent for the whole UK).
- Anaemic Internationalisation - Only 50 companies account for 50 per cent of Scotland’s exports.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
SCDI (Scottish Council for Development & Industry) is Scotland’s leading independent economic development organisation working across the public, private and social economy sectors, representing 1,200 organisations including global companies, SMEs, public sector bodies and educational institutions, professional associations and trade unions, faith groups, charitable and social economy sector organisations.
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