Today (9 March 2018) a conference on the topic of the UK Industrial Strategy (UKIS) will take place at Glasgow City Chambers with over 100 leaders from the private, public and academic sectors in attendance.
The stated purpose of the UKIS is ‘to improve living standards and economic growth by increasing productivity and driving growth across the whole country’. SCDI believes Scotland should aim to maximise opportunities for Scotland across Challenge Funds, sector deals and city and regional growth deals, and discussions at the conference will focus on what Scotland’s strengths are; what interventions would make a difference at scale; and what would drive business growth and deliver on wider economic, social and environmental priorities.
Matt Lancashire, Director of Policy at SCDI, explained: “Bringing Scottish and UK Government and the public, private, academic and social economy sectors together will ensure that the best deal for Scotland from the UKIS is realised. Today’s conference not only convenes this diverse thinking together but will identify the key opportunities across Scotland where we can build on our strengths to support inclusive economic growth.”
[adbutler zone_id=’297765′]
19 speakers will present, across five sessions, including contributions from the Scottish and UK governments.
The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work, Keith Brown, said:
“The Scottish Government is delighted to support today’s event organised by SCDI. They play an important role in connecting the business community with the public sector, trade unions, and charities.
“We welcome the stated objectives of the UK Industrial Strategy and are ready and willing to work with the UK Government, businesses, and the academic community to ensure the Strategy delivers maximum economic benefit for Scotland.
“The Scottish Government published a comprehensive Economic Strategy in 2015 which focusses on Innovation, Investment, Internationalisation and, critically, Inclusive Growth. We look forward to working with relevant partners to ensure that the UK Industrial Strategy complements the action we are already taking to stimulate and strengthen the Scottish economy.”
Outcomes from the conference will help shape several pieces of work that SCDI will carry out with the aim of ensuring maximum economic benefit for Scotland from the UKIS.
