Economic development
Economic development activity by councils, often in conjunction with the Enterprise networks and, for much of Scotland, with European Structural Funds, has underpinned economic renewal in Scotland. The business case for support being conducted on a basis which combines securing economic, social and environmental benefits includes:
- Assisting compliance with regulations on avoiding discrimination and damage to the environment;
- Direct benefits through resource efficiency savings and supporting the local labour market;
- Improving the quality, image and marketing potential of businesses and of their products and services; and
- Developing the potential of environmental goods and services (themselves a growth sector).
Link to Case Study: Economic Development 1: Business Environment Partnership
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| Paths to Improvement include: | Policy | Being Implemented | Outcomes |
| Is major economic development being located near to public transport and accessible to disadvantaged communities, using where practicable previously developed land and existing infrastructure capacity? | |||
| Is new and expanding economic development linked to training provision and capacity building in local communities? | |||
| Are social economy organisations supported, particularly in work with excluded groups, and in developing the intermediate labour market; and is the council looking for these organisations to deliver economic, social and environmental benefits? | |||
| Is it ensured that environmental improvements also contribute economic benefits (jobs and training opportunities) and are socially relevant (with the support or involvement of local communities) and accessible? | |||
| Is there, in conjunction with the Enterprise networks, action in support of the Scottish Government's Green Jobs Strategy, encouraging the growth of environmental goods and services? | |||
| Is the potential identified, and the development assisted, for renewable energy resources, including planning policies, business development assistance and purchasing 'green' electricity? | |||
| Are proposals for 'industrial ecology/symbiosis' supported, where the 'waste' i.e. unwanted outcome from one enterprise can be used as a resource for a neighbouring one? | |||
| Is support to businesses in waste minimisation, resource efficiency (including use of recycled or reused materials), and improving access (including equal opportunities) provided or made accessible? | |||
| Are the economic opportunities for employment and provision of specialist services arising from climate change mitigation and adaptation being identified and supported? | |||
| See also support for town and city centres (under land use planning) | |||
| See also support for market in reuse and recycling (under waste) | |||
| See also sustainable construction (under procurement) |