Economic Development Directorate

What we do

We contribute to the creation of a more successful country by delivering sustainable and inclusive economic growth, providing opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish. We aim to achieve this by progressing the policies and priorities set out in the Government’s economy strategy, and in doing so we lead on the National Outcome of ‘we have a globally competitive, entrepreneurial, inclusive and sustainable economy’.

We are responsible for:

encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship
supporting key sectors including manufacturing, construction, space, financial services, life sciences and digital economy
working with other public, private and third sector stakeholders through the Scottish Business Pledge to promote and boost fair work and inclusive growth
overseeing a successful major events programme and a vibrant cities agenda
boosting productivity, competitiveness, sustainable employment, and workforce engagement and development
regional economic developing include the City Region deals and Regional Growth deals
collaborating with partners through Clyde Mission to drive sustainable and inclusive growth
European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIFs), the European Union's way of investing in 'smart, sustainable and inclusive' growth in its member states
overseeing Scottish ministers’ strategic interventions to support economic entities critical to the Scottish economy
evaluating and intervening where necessary in businesses of strategic importance, including working to ensure successful delivery of two ferries from Ferguson Marine
managing our investments in businesses efficiently and, in doing so, ensuring our economic interventions are principled, purposeful and rooted in evidence
championing science and the use of scientific advice to inform policy-making