Scotland's wellbeing economy: July 2025
This report describes how the Scottish Government is taking a broader view of what it means to be a successful economy, society and country. It describes our approach to wellbeing and references various practical examples of where this approach has been delivered in Scotland and internationally.
2. What is a Wellbeing Economy?
The Scottish Government’s definition of a wellbeing economy is “an economic system operating within safe environmental limits, that serves the collective wellbeing of current and future generations.”
The key features of a wellbeing economy are:
Putting people and the environment at the heart of the economy, based on the principles of equality, sustainability, prosperity and resilience
Everyone having access to fair, meaningful, sustainable work
- Responsible, purposeful businesses being supported to thrive and innovate
- Communities being empowered to take a greater stake in the economy, with more wealth generated, circulated and retained within local communities
- Resilience founded on equality, human rights and social justice
- An economy which meets the needs and aspirations of current and future generations and provides opportunities for all
- Supporting the long-term transformations in the economy and all of society needed to thrive within the planet’s environmentally sustainable limits, embodied by climate and nature targets
- Improving people’s mental and physical health and wellbeing, tackling inequalities and supporting good and green jobs and businesses so people and places can thrive and prosper
- Sustainable, purposeful economic growth to drive improved living standards, promote wellbeing, reduce poverty, and deliver sustainable high quality public services
In a wellbeing economy, the economy is embedded within society and the environment, part of an interconnected system that supports people and planet.
Contact
Email: james.miller@gov.scot