CBI targets £25 billion growth prize

Improving productivity and unlocking growth potential in Scotland’s regions could be worth £25 billion to the Scottish economy over the coming decade.

In a speech at Abertay University in Dundee, CBI Scotland director Hugh Aitken told an audience drawn from the business, academic and public sectors that economic development depended on progress in four key drivers: namely education and skills, connectivity in all its forms, innovation, and exporting.

The key themes are central to the business lobbying group’s Pursuing Prosperity report, which it launched this week.

“If we are serious about generating sustainable, inclusive growth then unlocking regional productivity must be a priority,” Mr Aitken said.

“While productivity gains overall should be welcomed, too many regions are being left behind.

“By bringing government and business together to focus on these four drivers, we can go some way to making Scotland a more attractive destination for investment.”

Also addressing the CBI Scotland Dundee annual dinner was Abertay University principal , Professor Nigel Seaton, Damien Yeates of Skills Development Scotland and the Employability and Training Minister Jamie Hepburn.

Picture: Colin Hattersley Photography CBI Scotland director Hugh Aitken is keen to unlock the potential of the regions.