Scottish and UK governments have been urged to take early action on proposed city region deals in Aberdeen and Inverness in order to bolster the Scottish economy in the face of a decade of disruptive global changes.
The Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) said the projects, which could see the north-east and the Highlands and Islands benefit from billions of fresh investment, were key planks in a paper which has made a number of recommendations on how to ameliorate the perennial problem of Scottish economic under-performance.
The think tank, a body whose members span public and private organisations, has also called for the establishment of a “Scottish Productivity Commission” – modelled on those of Australia and New Zealand.
The group has also recommended opening up a network of “tech hubs” across Scotland that would to bring together innovators, entrepreneurs and creatives with professional support in flexible, affordable and spaces.
SCDI also wants to see an independent Scottish Infrastructure Commission to recommend long-term investment priorities, as well as the appointment of a Chief Digital Officer, reporting directly to the First Minister.
Ross Martin, SCDI’s chief executive, said: “The opportunities and threats before Scotland from global disruptive changes are stark and our economy must make the transformation from fragile to agile.
“Productivity is the principal driver of growth, and to succeed we must collectively tackle this head-on, including by addressing the key economic challenges of innovation and internationalisation.
“This is not an agenda on which government can deliver alone – we all must take a lead.
“Underpinned by infrastructure, both physical and digital, the connection of place and the skills of our people, we must meet the challenge of an emerging economy if we are to secure a prosperous future for Scotland. SCDI’s Blueprint 2015 presents a vision of how together we could forge and attain that future.”
SCDI’s report, entitled “From Fragile to Agile: A Blueprint for Growth & Prosperity” is published on Monday 7 December.