A new report has shown that business investment in Scotland has
risen to a 20-year high - in contrast to a fall across the UK.
Deputy First Minister today helped to launch the
annual CBI–Addleshaw Goddard Scottish Productivity Index, showing
a rise in business investment to more than 10% of GDP for the
first time in 20 years.
The Index confirms Scotland leads the UK in higher-level
qualifications with 53.7% of the working-age population educated
to this level. It also highlights key progress in patenting
activity, internet speeds, and the expansion of electric vehicle
charging infrastructure.
Ms Forbes said:
“This report shows the strength of Scotland's economy, and that
real progress is being made in areas in which the Scottish
Government holds full powers, including educational attainment
and business investment.
“While our economy is held back by a low-growth UK Government
model and damaging decisions on matters like employers national
insurance increases, we will always be working with one hand tied
behind our back.
“But I am encouraged to see these figures reveal business
investment reaching its highest level in 20 years, showing that
industry recognises Scotland's real strengths as highlighted in
the Index - one of the UK's most highly educated workforces,
globally significant energy assets, and improving digital and
green infrastructure.
“The report highlights there is still work to be done on
productivity - which is the foundation of higher wages,
sustainable growth, and strong public services. If we want rising
living standards and resilient public finances, it must be
central to our economic decisions so our focus will continue to
be on turning our strengths into higher productivity.
“Scotland has huge economic strengths. From being at the
forefront of the energy transition to rapidly emerging
cutting-edge technologies, we have an enormous opportunity, and
will continue to work as hard as we can to bring investment to
Scotland, resulting in more high quality jobs across the
country.”
