Scotland s Cities: Delivering for Scotland. In collaboration with Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Stirling

Transcription

1 Scotland s Cities: Delivering for Scotland In collaboration with Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Stirling

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3 Scotland s Cities: Delivering for Scotland In collaboration with Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Stirling Facilitated by: The Scottish Government, Edinburgh 2011

4 Crown copyright 2011 You may re-use this information (excluding logos and images) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit or Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned. This document is also available from our website at ISBN: The Scottish Government St Andrew s House Edinburgh EH1 3DG Produced for the Scottish Government by APS Group Scotland DPPAS12165 (12/11) Published by the Scottish Government, December 2011

5 CONTENTS Page FOREWORD 2 CONTEXT 5 CREATING THE CONDITIONS 9 COLLABORATION AND INVESTMENT 15 CITY PROFILES AND PRIORITIES 27 MEASUREMENT AND IMPACT 39 1

6 FOREWORD This Agenda for Cities sets out the vital contribution that Scotland's major population centres can make in delivering the aspirations of the Government Economic Strategy. This shared agenda focuses on growth and opportunity - concentrating on developing and promoting the key assets of our cities and their regions to attract investment, stimulate economic activity and create jobs. In their own right, our cities are recognised as centres of knowledge, innovation and culture. Collectively our cities can work together to build on these strengths to develop internationally investible propositions based on skills in science, technology, innovation and creativity. Through the Infrastructure Investment Plan the Scottish Government is already working to enhance the physical and digital connectivity of our cities. We are investing to improve transport connections within and between our cities and the regions they serve as well as to international markets and we have given a new impetus to developing the superfast broadband infrastructure to support the knowledge economy and deliver more sustainable cities. Major population centres contribute more than their fair share to this country's carbon emissions. They also present the greatest opportunities to build the more sustainable future that will position Scotland at the forefront of a low carbon industrial revolution. The Cities Agenda sets out where we see greatest scope for collaborative action between our cities to deliver a more energy efficient, lower cost environment that enhances the quality of life of all who live and work within and around them. Of course cities face other challenges too. That is why we have set out the actions we will take collectively to support our most disadvantaged communities in our recently published Regeneration Strategy: Achieving a Sustainable Future. A clear focus on growth and a commitment to greater equality, developed collaboratively with and across our cities, will help to strengthen the measures we are taking to tackle disadvantage and to ensure that opportunities are available to all. Together these complementary strands set out our commitment to supporting vibrant, dynamic communities, and reaffirm our commitment to: investment that drives growth and employment; funding for infrastructure that makes the most of innovative approaches; and, supporting the transition to a low carbon economy. 2

7 In focussing on our cities we do so as a catalyst to deliver wider benefits for the city regions and for all of Scotland, and in the understanding that our cities must continue to strengthen effective partnerships that recognise the co-dependent relationship they have with their neighbours and with the other cities. Cities rely on their immediate neighbours for access to labour and to house essential related economic activities and industries; and they rely on their rural neighbours for essential products and the competitive advantage that comes from cities being located near areas of outstanding natural beauty. Equally, surrounding areas rely on cities for employment opportunities and access to a concentration of social and cultural services and activities. We need healthy city, regional, rural and islands economies to deliver sustainable growth in Scotland. Scotland s city local authorities, facilitated by the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI), are already working together in recognition of the need for an increased economic partnership where they all collaborate for mutual benefit. This agenda has been developed with the six cities and the SCDI. It sets out where we collectively think collaborative efforts between the six cities, Scottish Government, national agencies, academia and, critically, the private sector - can have most impact. It sets out the potential to build further on the strengths and opportunities that exist within the cities and their regions to attract investment, create jobs and support Scotland s cities to compete internationally. We do this in the strong belief that successful cities strengthen city regions for the benefit of all of Scotland. It is the role of the Scottish Government to help our cities realise their city visions and strengthen these partnerships. We will do all we can to provide that strategic support and to remove barriers, but it is cities themselves, with their partners, that must be in the driving seat. Scottish Government is clearly one of those partners but cities must determine their own future direction and priorities. This Agenda for Cities sets out our collective ambitions. It is intended to create the forward momentum required to make sure that our cities and their regions are able to make their full contribution to sustained economic recovery - stimulating economic activity and job creation. Nicola Sturgeon MSP Deputy First Minister 3

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9 Ahead of us lies a new emerald-green age of cities if we choose our policies wisely. Edward L Glaeser, 2011 CONTEXT 5

10 CONTEXT Our Vision: A Scotland where our cities and their regions power Scotland s economy for the benefit of all. This document sets outs how we intend to develop and exploit the strongest assets and most productive resources of our cities and their regions to optimise their contribution to sustainable economic growth for all of Scotland. There is a shared understanding amongst policy makers and academics internationally that when city regions are working effectively they have the potential to lift economic performance and well being at a national level. This Agenda aims to support growth and effective place making, supporting Scottish cities to play to their strengths, capitalise on investment opportunities and ensure that Scotland delivers on its national economic targets. The Scottish Government s refreshed Government Economic Strategy (GES) 1, which focuses on accelerating economic recovery, driving sustainable growth and developing a more resilient and adaptable economy, states that: and central to our approach will be a renewed focus on cities and their regions, recognising the critical contribution they make as the drivers of economic growth, and the need to work collaboratively to optimise growth for the benefit of the whole of Scotland. investment in infrastructure whether through new capital investment projects or through the maintenance of the existing asset base is a key driver of both short term and long-term economic growth and performance. Combined these statements give us a clear focus for the scope of this Agenda. Cities matter, and investment in our cities to maintain and enhance their physical assets will have wider benefits protecting and creating jobs and enhancing life opportunities for all of Scotland. Many of the assets which underpin success across the economy are concentrated in or near our cities: knowledge based businesses; universities and research centres; cultural, retail and tourist attractions; and key transport hubs. Cities and their regions are home to many of Scotland s growth sectors and wider employment opportunities. Over half of Scotland s population live within our city regions and 86% live within 1 1 September

11 hour of our cities 2, highlighting the strong attraction of being close to employment opportunities and services. Promoting vibrant city region economies is vital to Scotland s international competitiveness and to the country s long-term economic growth. However, the success of cities is rarely accidental and never inevitable. Our cities are in constant evolution as they seek to exploit and strengthen their key assets to remain competitive. We know that their efforts to promote attractive places with strong identities, quality services and access to skilled people pays dividends. Our cities and their regions successfully attract investment from a wide range of sectors such as oil and gas, renewables, biotechnology, financial services, food and drink and tourism. While Scotland s cities have had, and will continue to have, their individual successes they recognise the potential to deliver more for their regions and for Scotland as a whole through focussed and purposeful partnership with their sister cities; for example, by working together to promote their distinctive assets at a scale that will attract increased international attention and investment in growth sectors. Internationally, cities are scaling up beyond their immediate regions to compete. With increasing globalisation, the size, range and quality of these assets matters. Scotland s cities may be relatively small by international standards but combined they have much to offer. Our cities have common opportunities as well as individual distinctive offerings. We need to exploit this. The country faces unprecedented economic challenges and Scotland s cities and their surrounding areas have a critical role to play in driving economic growth. By working more closely together and, with other key partners, the cities can raise their competitiveness, increase investment and support business growth. To achieve this, we will: build strong partnerships that are focussed on developing collaborative programmes of scale that will attract investment and create jobs across all of our city regions, and develop innovative ways of accessing finance and levering investment into our cities for infrastructure development and place. In the following sections, we: outline the frameworks that will strengthen purposeful collaboration and improved access to finance; identify the growth characteristics of successful cities and highlight where through enhanced collaborative approaches we will focus our efforts; showcase the unique strengths and assets of our cities; and set out how we intend to measure success. 2 Drive time extents were calculated using ESRI ProTerritory, and then percent populations calculated by aggregating data zone populations whose centroids fell within these 60 minute extents (compiled by the Scottish Government). Populations used were mid-2010 estimates for Scotland provided by the National Records of Scotland. 7

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13 While competition between cities is inevitable, the smart cities will know where to collaborate and where to compete, and be capable of doing both. Grant Thornton Sustainable Cities Report, 2011 CREATING THE CONDITIONS 9

14 CREATING THE CONDITIONS The Scottish Government and the City Local Authorities believe that two key enabling frameworks are essential to create the conditions that will allow cities and their regions to optimise their contribution to sustainable economic growth. These are: a framework for collaboration; and a framework for attracting investment and financing growth. We need collaborative approaches that bring together the expertise of our public and private sectors at city region and national levels. The public and private sectors have different strengths to offer to this approach. The private sector, the primary source of investment, brings a commercial awareness that can help identify those opportunities that are closest to market and that will attract the interest of investment funds. The public sector brings the capability to enhance the supporting infrastructure and skills required to underpin investment. Greater alignment and partnership between the public and private sectors will create even stronger city visions and more compelling investment propositions. Combining these skills and developing a clear shared agenda will ensure that we maximise the collective impact of our interventions on sustainable economic growth. A collaborative and collective city regions approach should, therefore, focus on: developing a clear investment prospectus for Scotland s cities that optimises sustainable economic growth; aligning public investment to priorities in a way which helps support and maximises private sector investment; delivering high impact projects and programmes in areas which best support our cities sustainable economic growth ambitions; and developing effective UK and international city-focused collaborations Key to this will be ensuring an effective Team Scotland approach and overleaf we set out how we propose to take this forward. 10

15 Framework 1: Strengthen collaborative action: The six cities and the Scottish Government will establish the Scottish Cities Alliance to take forward a programme of collaborative action. This alliance will be independently facilitated by the SCDI, continuing the role they have previously carried out for the six cities. Scottish Cities Alliance Leadership Group Scottish Cities Knowledge Centre Delivery Group Cities Investment Network Action Teams A Leadership Group will be established bringing together the Scottish Government s Minister for Cities, the Leaders and Chief Executives of the six cities and drawing in the expertise of senior private sector representatives. The Leadership Group will agree priorities for the Scottish Cities Alliance and will provide strategic direction for the work programme of the Delivery Group and Action Teams. The Delivery Group will comprise operational representatives from each of the Six Cities and the Scottish Government. It will oversee the Action Teams and work in partnership with the national Cities Investment Network to ensure the right resources are available. Action Teams, working with the Cities Investment Network, will develop the business case and associated marketing material for programmes and propositions selected by the Leadership Group. These teams will be flexible and vary in duration. Resources will be drawn from the Cities, Scottish Government and the private sector. The Cities Investment Network will bring together specialist resources from our national agencies to help City Action Teams develop the business case for collaborative programmes and propositions. It will include a range of national agencies as appropriate such as Scottish Development International, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, VisitScotland, Scottish Futures Trust and Transport Scotland. The Scottish Cities Knowledge Centre will draw together expertise from academia and the public and private sectors and will be embedded within the Alliance to provide evidence based advice to the Leadership and Delivery Groups. Included in its responsibilities will be futures work, helping the cities understand emerging global trends that may impact on their competitiveness; evaluation of programmes and propositions taken forward, and international knowledge exchange to exploit best practice. 11

16 Framework 2: Improve access to finance Capital investment is crucial to sustainable economic growth. International studies show that infrastructure investment is an essential contributor to productivity and economic growth. The accumulation of capital increases the potential output of an economy. In the short-term, the activity supported by new investment provides a boost to economic growth, construction output and employment. Over the long-term, the assets provided by capital investment, both public and private, are a key driver of productivity, competitiveness and long-term economic growth. Investment in our cities will play a vital role in driving future economic performance and growth. The public sector has an important role in supporting investment through building on its existing assets and maximising the impact of its capital spending. However, for recovery to be sustained and for faster sustainable economic growth to be delivered the main driver will be increases in levels of private sector investment. This requires appropriately functioning capital markets, and for a climate to be created where companies and investors with available capital feel confident about investing. Access to Private Investment Funds: We need to improve our ability to secure finance for our cities and their regions, particularly from investment funds. The Scottish Cities Alliance, supported by the Cities Investment Network will: create and promote strong investment propositions aligned to distinctive City Visions and an in-depth understanding of the unique assets of each of the Cities and regions; package and market these in a coherent Scotland wide way that is clear and accessible for international investment funds; set out clearly the returns that funds could expect on investments and the enabling role of the public sector if required; and ensure a clear engagement strategy for investors to signal they will have the support of Government at the appropriate levels. 12

17 Public Sector easing financial constraints to facilitate growth: The Scottish Government has been consistent in our views about the importance of capital expenditure to support economic recovery in the short term and sustainable economic growth in the longer term. There is widespread agreement across the political spectrum that the Scottish Parliament should have greater responsibility to determine the pace and scale of Scotland s infrastructure investment programme, within a prudent and sustainable long-term financial framework. The recent Scottish Spending Review 2011 demonstrated that in the face of significant cuts to Scotland s capital budget, we have taken decisive action to boost investment in the infrastructure Scotland needs to prosper, support jobs and promote growth. The Government is using every lever to maintain investment. We are: switching over 200 million a year from resource spending to support our capital programme, taking forward a 2.5 billion pipeline of projects using the Non-Profit Distributing model for key transport investments, investing in our railways, using Network Rail s Regulatory Asset Base. Ensuring we have capital resources available to help lever in private sector investment to our cities is critical. That is why alongside the above measures we are using innovative mechanisms such as the National Housing Trust and Tax Increment Financing to secure additional funds and maximise investment. Taken together, these steps will ensure that government-supported investment continues to grow. 13

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19 The greatest advances in improving city life for residents are created by visionaries who are able to see and plan beyond organisational boundaries. Stephen Leonard, Chief Executive, IBM UK and Ireland COLLABORATION AND INVESTMENT 15

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21 COLLABORATION AND INVESTMENT Successful cities have key characteristics that support their growth. They tend to be: Connected Cities, with strong digital and transport infrastructure. Sustainable Cities, maximising the benefits and competitive advantage that the transition to a low carbon economy brings for the City, its region and its residents. Knowledge Cities, with high performing research and educational institutions, high value sectors and access to a highly skilled labour pool to support a knowledge economy. Alongside a culture of entrepreneurship, leadership, creativity and international ambition. Vibrant and Cultural Cities, which have a distinct quality of place, amenities, retail and cultural offerings to attract and retain talent, investment and visitors. These four key areas will provide the focus for collaborative approaches. 17

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23 A CONNECTED CITY...has a reliable, resilient infrastructure with strong transport and digital links to its workforce, its supply chain and its markets. Rail, road, sea, air and digital infrastructure link the city with its region, with neighbouring cities and with international markets. Our transport and digital infrastructure keep pace with evolving technology and international standards and enable access for all. Good connectivity within and between cities and their regions is the key to widening the reach of our cities within Scotland. Currently 86% of Scotland s population lives within an hour s drive of at least one of our cities, meaning that most of Scotland s citizens can already benefit from some of the services and opportunities that cities can offer. Already, 99 % of Scotland s population has access to basic broadband services, but the speed of that access needs to be significantly improved in many locations in order to more effectively connect different parts of Scotland with each other, and to connect Scotland internationally. We are making considerable investments in inter-urban connectivity across road and rail. These investments make a real difference to travel choices and journey times. Further reducing journey times between our cities, and particularly between Aberdeen, Inverness and the central belt will bring additional benefits. We are also investing alongside the private sector in our digital infrastructure and we are determined to ensure that competitive next generation broadband access is available for all of Scotland. International connections are also critical to support growth and we will continue to press for these, whether in relation to direct flights, better air links through Heathrow, extending high speed rail to Scotland or enhancing Scotland s connections via our ports and harbours. We cannot change the physical distance between Scotland s cities, or between Scotland and the rest of the world, but transport improvements, combined with good digital connectivity, shrink the effective distance, changing the way Scotland s labour, consumer and business to business markets operate. Initial areas identified by the cities that provide the greatest potential for collaborative approaches that support growth include: working together to achieve improved connectivity to key national and international markets, including working with UK partners to deliver high speed rail services, (with route alignment work given priority), developing direct international air connectivity and improved transport links through London Heathrow; working with and supporting Transport Scotland to continually improve interurban connectivity and reduced journey time between the cities; and working collectively to deliver world class digital connectivity, capacity and usage across the cities and their regions and improved mobile coverage along our main transport links. 19

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25 A SUSTAINABLE CITY will have made the transition to a low carbon economy. It is ensuring its long-term viability and intergenerational equity by focussing on maximising its resource efficiency. It is reducing its inputs of energy, water and food, and its waste outputs of heat, water pollution and air pollution (including CO 2 and methane). The transition to a low carbon economy offers an excellent opportunity to place Scotland in an advantageous position in the global economy, to secure new jobs and investment, and to ensure that these benefits are shared across the economy and our communities. It is critical that our Cities are at the forefront of this transition. Cities create many of the problems of climate change, but they are also where the opportunities lie. Denser urban environments offer increased scope to maximise resource efficiency. City living can be more sustainable but considerable investment and behaviour change are needed to make the transition. The Smart Cities Network, jointly chaired by the Scottish Government, Scotland Europa and the Scottish European Green Energy Centre, brings together Scotland s cities and the private sector to support their individual city sustainable ambitions and take full advantage of EU funding opportunities such as the Framework Programme 7, Joint European Support for Sustainable Investment in City Areas (JESSICA) and the European Energy Efficiency Fund. Each of the cities is also developing strategic partnership approaches to reducing carbon emissions. These initiatives have the potential to deliver major investment, create jobs, enhance skills and support the development of the low carbon and environmental goods and services sector. Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow are all signatories to the Covenant of Mayors initiative involving local and regional authorities in a voluntary commitment by signatories to meet and exceed the EU 20% CO2 reduction objective. Incorporating the work of the Scottish Smart Cities network, the initial areas identified by the cities which provide the greatest potential for collaboration, competitive advantage in the low carbon, environmental and clean technologies sector, and job creation, include: combined heat and power energy systems which can deliver significant energy and cost savings and where the urban density in cities provides ideal opportunities to install and operate infrastructure; district heating networks which have the potential to make a significant and cost effective reduction in carbon from Scotland's heat supply and cut fuel bills for businesses and households; retrofitting existing building stock, with the potential to create thousands of jobs while contributing to objectives on fuel poverty and reduction of energy use and emissions; and low carbon transport, utilising new technologies and intelligent transport systems. 21

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27 KNOWLEDGE CITIES are driven by high value-added activities and supported by research, innovation and skills. They are cities in which the private, public and third sectors value and invest in knowledge and skills and support knowledge exchange to create products and services that add value and create wealth. Knowledge Cities also invest in cities infrastructure and facilities that improve the quality of place recognising this as a critical factor in attracting and retaining skilled people and businesses. Evidence from around the world makes it clear that there are spatial implications to the knowledge economy. In spite of the opportunities of the digital age, knowledge intensity is closely linked to centres of highest population density and is therefore greater in cities than elsewhere. Place matters, and it is clear that for businesses the attraction of cities is hugely significant. Cities provide more opportunities for people and firms to learn from each other. Personal, face-to-face contact remains an essential part of business and a platform for knowledge sharing and innovation. Scotland s cities sit at the heart of our nation s knowledge economy with a unique ability to nurture, attract and retain talent. Almost 90% of the Scottish Government s university funding is currently allocated to universities based in or close to one of our six cities. Our cities are home to many high-growth and internationally-competitive economic sectors and to world-leading academic institutions. To deliver on our ambitions for growth it is important to Scotland s economy that our higher education institutions remain world-class, competitive and are linked to the local economy to support emerging opportunities. It is also critical that we understand and can develop the asset base of our cities and their regions to support and develop our growth sectors. Initial areas identified by the cities that provide the greatest potential for collaborative approaches include: exploiting competitive advantage in growth sectors, by identifying and developing complementary city region assets and strengths, including links to the cities collective academic research expertise. The initial focus will be on the emerging renewables opportunity; and maximising the economic impact of further and higher education institutions as drivers of city economies by ensuring academia feeds into and supports the Scottish Cities Alliance. 23

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29 A VIBRANT, CULTURAL CITY is first and foremost a liveable city a place where highly skilled and highly mobile people choose to live. A vibrant cultural city also attracts new investment and is a place that people choose to visit because of its cultural, social and retail diversity and the diversity of its people. It is a place where a nation s heritage is displayed and will evolve. The world s most successful cities have an identity that reaches out across different markets and customers and that tells a unifying story about the value the city can add to the activity that is looking for a home. Cities are competing for businesses, highly skilled mobile labour, tourist activity and international student populations. Without an attractive, high quality physical environment and diverse cultural and social activities, cities and their surrounding regions, may struggle to attract investors, workers and visitors. A city s built environment and public realm including housing stock, retail, commercial and business space, cultural assets, green spaces and quality of amenities all have a bearing on the attractiveness of cities as places to live and work. A high quality of life can help attract and retain mobile talent. Our cities are home to the majority of Scotland s cultural and heritage assets museums, galleries, theatres, festivals, sporting events and creative industries, and so our cities perform a symbolic role for the nation, characterising Scotland's aspirations, values and confidence. Our cities and their regions have global strengths, are often international gateways to Scotland, and have a crucial role to play in realising Scotland s ambitions to grow and internationalise our business base and increase leisure and business tourism. Edinburgh s Festivals put Scotland on a world stage and brought around 261 million to Scotland s economy in We recognise this economic contribution and also value the priceless cultural contribution all of our festivals give to Scotland. Scotland is the only country in the world to have two UNESCO-designated Creative Cities: Glasgow was designated UNESCO City of Music in 2008 while Edinburgh was designated as a UNESCO City of Literature in Initial areas identified by the cities that provide the greatest potential for collaborative approaches that could boost Scotland s tourism and event sectors and also help to enhance the attractiveness of cities include: ensuring closer working between the cities and national agencies to market the cities and their regions as appealing places to live, visit, study and invest; adopting a Scotland-wide approach to major events, including the 2014 Commonwealth Games and Ryder Cup, to ensure maximum impact across the city regions; and developing a greater understanding of where priority investments are required to deliver vibrant and attractive cities, identifying opportunities for developing propositions of scale to take to the market. 3 Edinburgh Festivals Impact Study, May 2011 BDP Consulting 25

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31 Scotland s cities are the economic, cultural, social and intellectual powerhouses of Scotland. They are distinct and different but their success is essential to Scotland s long-term future. Dr Lesley Sawers, Chief Executive, SCDI, 2011 CITY PROFILES AND PRIORITIES 27

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33 CITY PROFILES AND PRIORITIES Our cities date back centuries and each contains quality built heritage that reflects this. They are in relative proximity to one another and all within easy reach of Scotland s outstanding natural heritage. All of our cities have access to a highly skilled workforce, developed from world leading universities and a renowned Scottish education system. Our cities are committed to being open and diverse, offering a wide range of opportunity and choice to residents and visitors alike. This rest of this chapter provides a short overview of the key distinctive assets of each of Scotland s cities, and highlights the emergent opportunities for each over coming years. Key data for cities and their regions Population Area ( 000 Businesses 6 Jobs ( 000) 7 GVA ( 000) 4 hectares) 5 ( million) 8 Share of Exports 9 Aberdeen , ,376 22% Dundee , ,527 1% Edinburgh , ,813 11% Glasgow 1, , ,977 25% Inverness , , % Stirling , , % 51% 19% 50% 58% 66% 62% 6 cities as a % of Scotland 4 Mid-year population estimates, 2010, National Records of Scotland TTWA basis. The Travel to Work Areas (TTWAs) for the 6 cities are: Glasgow TTWA, Edinburgh TTWA, Aberdeen TTWA, Dundee TTWA, Stirling & Alloa TTWA and Inverness & Dingwall TTWA 5 Standard Area Measurements, 2005, Office for National Statistics (compiled by the Scottish Government, TTWA basis). 6 Inter-Departmental Business Register, March 2011, Office for National Statistics (compiled by the Scottish Government, TTWA basis). Businesses registered for VAT and/or PAYE. Businesses can operate in multiple regions, however, note that the 6 cities as a proportion of Scotland indicator is based on the number of distinct businesses operating in the six cities which removes any double counting. 7 Business Enterprise Research and Development 2010, Office for National Statistics (compiled by the Scottish Government, TTWA basis). 8 Regional GVA, 2008, Office for National Statistics (NUTS 3). The NUTS 3 areas are Angus and Dundee City, Perth & Kinross and Stirling, Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire, Inverness & Nairn and Moray, Badenoch & Strathspey. City of Edinburgh and East Lothian and Midlothian were combined to give an approximate GVA for Edinburgh and Glasgow City, East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire and Helensburgh & Lomond and Inverclyde, East Renfrewshire and Renfrewshire were combined give an approximate GVA for Glasgow. 9 Community Innovation Survey 5, Department for Business Innovation and Skills (compiled by the Scottish Government, TTWA basis). Note that the export share reported businesses registered in Scotland with 10 or more employees in the manufacturing and services sectors, and is for the year

34 Aberdeen is Europe s energy capital. Globally, it has the 2nd highest concentration of offshore energy expertise after Houston, Texas, and it is home to multi-national operators and contractors as well as many Scottish supply and service companies. It is recognised as a global centre of excellence for subsea and renowned for its technology and skills, which are supported by two Universities and two colleges of further education. The energy industry supports a thriving business community with a robust professional and financial services sector, while tourism, food and drink, life sciences and creative industries are also well represented in and around Aberdeen. The city is a vital transport hub between the northern isles of Orkney and Shetland and mainland Scotland. Aberdeen s harbour and airport are not only important transport links to these communities and the North East of Scotland but are vital conduits for commerce and trade. The city achieves well above its size in economic contribution to both Scotland and the UK. Aberdeen s Future Opportunities Through its public and private sector partnership 10 the City region aims to be recognised internationally for its economic resilience, inventiveness, attractiveness entrepreneurialism, culture, creativity and quality of life. The greatest economic and employment growth opportunities for the city will derive from: capitalising on a knowledge-based economy and high quality digital infrastructure: utilising the skills developed in the North Sea in engineering and design, project management, and the successful deployment of resources in harsh environments; broadening its industry base from North Sea oil and gas exploration and production, to an energy industry with an international supply chain growing its exports of oilfield goods and services, such as subsea; embracing renewable energy as a rapidly expanding market, focusing on marine renewables, supporting the Energetica corridor development, aspiring to be a world-leading hydrogen city and a centre of excellence in operations and maintenance; building and capitalising on the skills of its universities and research and development in life sciences and telemedicine; and increasing the attractiveness of Aberdeen as a vibrant and dynamic City and investing in its city centre as it aims to be recognised as a UK City of Culture. 10 Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Futures, ACSEF 30

35 Dundee sits on the estuary of the River Tay and grew up around its port, which continues to be a gateway for the City and its region. Dundee is a centre of academic activity and has a student population of around 40,000, being home to two celebrated universities. This manifests itself in the type and variety of entertainment and cultural facilities particularly in the City s Cultural Quarter. Dundee has unique strengths in life sciences. This has arisen principally from the influence of the world class research undertaken at Dundee University that has attracted many eminent scientists, research facilities and spin out companies. Similarly, the Digital media sector in Dundee has a global reputation - with the Centre of Excellence at the University of Abertay, Dundee, recognised internationally as a leading institution in computer games education. This has also produced spin-out companies and attracted others in the sector to locate there - with computer games accounting for a large portion of the jobs, aligning well with the young vibrant feel of the city. Dundee s Future Opportunities Dundee s ambitions will be achieved by building on those aspects that gave the city its distinctive nature and by enhancing them through key projects. These include: a major project to regenerate Dundee waterfront to provide a lively and cosmopolitan mixed use extension to the City centre. At the core of this, and building on the City s creativeness and vibrancy, will be the V&A at Dundee. The V&A at Dundee is a 45million project to create a centre for design for Scotland in partnership with the world renowned V&A museum. An award winning design by Kengo Kuma Architects of Japan has been chosen and the project is due to complete in early 2015; developing the city s capacity as a major centre for the offshore wind power industry. This industry is new and will develop over the next few years as new offshore wind projects are realised. Dundee has been recognised as one of the premier locations for manufacturing and associated developments and strong interest is being expressed in the facilities the city has to offer; and working across the education sector to ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place to undertake the training required particularly for the offshore renewables industry. These developments taken together stand to transform the physical and social fabric of the City and they all will be in place by That coupled to the excellence of Dundee s Universities and the strong growth in key sectors of the economy make it an exciting time to live, work study and invest in the City of Dundee. Dundee City and its key partners are committed to ensuring that these transformational opportunities bring benefits to all Dundonians and have wider reach across Scotland. 31

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37 Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and at the heart of an economically strong and diverse city region. This iconic city is home to the Scottish Parliament, to Scotland s legal system, and to many of Scotland s leading visitor attractions. It is also home to more than 35 international consulates. Edinburgh is a leading example of a knowledge-based economy with nearly 50% of its workforce employed in high value knowledge jobs. The city is a magnet for international talent 10,000 foreign nationals register to work in the city each year, while over 15,000 foreign students are enrolled in the city s universities and colleges. Edinburgh is at the heart of Scotland s financial services and tourism industries with eight of the world s 10 largest banks and the 550 billion Scottish asset management industry centred in the city. Edinburgh is also the most popular tourist destination in the UK outside London, with over three million visitors each year spending more than 1 billion and the highest hotel occupancy rates in Europe outside London. Its festival economy was recently valued at 245 million per year. Edinburgh also has strengths in creative industries (being UNESCO s first City of Literature) and life sciences and a growing environmental technologies and renewable energy sector. Edinburgh leads the field in informatics, stem cell research, biotechnology and microelectronics and is at the forefront of research and development in wind and wave power. The city s key assets include: its highly-qualified population (Edinburgh is home to more working age graduates than any UK city bar London or Birmingham); its international airport (the busiest in Scotland); its universities (the University of Edinburgh is ranked the seventh best university in Europe by Times Higher Education); the National Museum of Scotland and the National Portrait Gallery (both reopened during 2011 following impressive renovation) and its built heritage (the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995). Edinburgh s Future Opportunities Edinburgh s major focus is on enhancing the city s status as a top flight capital city for tourism, retail and business - a prime location in which to live, work, study, visit and invest. Key transformational projects include: revitalising the city centre to improve the retail offer, increase accessibility, and enhance the public realm; one of Europe's most significant waterfront regeneration projects to transform the industrial periphery of Edinburgh into a key asset for Scotland s growing renewable energy sector; expanding Edinburgh Park and Edinburgh International Airport to develop West Edinburgh into a major business hub for Scotland's central belt; and pioneering biomedical development, including Edinburgh BioQuarter, to the South of the city. 33

38 Glasgow is Scotland s largest city and the economic, social and cultural core of the Clyde Valley region. Glasgow has a relatively young and cosmopolitan population. Glasgow has much to offer. The City is the regional knowledge hub for Western Scotland with five internationally rated Higher Education institutions and nine further education colleges. The City has particular strengths in the growth sectors of low carbon industries, engineering, design & manufacturing, life sciences, financial and business services and tourism & events, building on links with local academic institutions. Glasgow is also Scotland s largest centre for the creative industries, including media (BBC Scotland, STV and major national newspaper publishers), architecture and design and the visual and performing arts. Glasgow produces and is home to cutting-edge galleries, artists and musicians which together help create a sense of dynamism and vibrancy recognised world-wide. It is the UK s largest and most successful shopping location outside of the West End of London, has a world-class range of visitor attractions and attracts major international events which play a significant role in bringing visitors to the city. This reputation has recently been further enhanced by the refurbishment of the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and the creation of the new Riverside Museum, opened in Glasgow s prime asset is its city centre which is not only critical to the performance of Glasgow, but also to the city region and the Scottish economy. A businessfriendly city, Glasgow has put in place the infrastructure and support systems to facilitate new and expanding investment in the city. This includes: bespoke office and commercial space for new and expanding investors; a large pool of graduates, with a third of the resident workforce educated to degree level (higher than many of its UK competitors); easy access to the M8, M80 and M74 motorways and close proximity to Glasgow International Airport; good quality suburban and national public transport system; and, one of the most sophisticated and competitive telecommunications operating environments in Europe. Glasgow s Future Opportunities Glasgow has always been a city of opportunity, ambition and strong public/private partnership, qualities which are embedded in our city governance structure. Glasgow s Economic Leadership group brings together private sector leaders at the highest level as well as our political leadership. The recommendations of the Glasgow Economic Commission include to: grow the city s economy with a focus on private sector-led growth sectors; promote Glasgow s key sectors globally; and use innovative mechanisms to fund much-needed infrastructure investment The Commonwealth Games in 2014 provide Glasgow and all Scotland - with an unrivalled opportunity to achieve a lasting legacy, Glasgow and its partners see a bright future which can provide exciting opportunities for businesses and citizens alike. 34

39 Inverness, the city in the Highlands, was granted city status in It is an important centre for trade and commerce and is an important transport hub for the wider Highlands and Islands region. Inverness is a gateway to many of Scotland s major tourism destinations, with the River Ness flowing through the city from the iconic Loch Ness. As well as the stunning natural environment, nearby visitor attractions include the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre, Urquhart Castle, and in the city itself the Eden Court Theatre complex, the largest multi-purpose arts venue in Scotland. The nearby Castle Stuart golf links hosted its first Scottish Open championship in 2011 and is rapidly establishing itself as one of the world s finest links courses. The Cairngorms National Park, the largest in the UK, lies to the south of the city whilst the city s coastal location lies on the Moray Firth Special Area of Conservation, home to the UK s northern-most colony of bottlenose dolphins. Although renowned for tourism, new industries have been developing in the city. In particular, Inverness is developing as a centre of excellence in the treatment of diabetes. The city is also developing an expertise in renewables, with two of Scotland s leading wave and tidal companies based in the city and plans recently announced to transform the former oil fabrication yard at nearby Nigg into a major hub for the energy sector employing up to 2,000 people. Similarly the National Renewables Infrastructure Plan sets out the potential for the Ardersier fabrication yard to the east of the city. Inverness is also home to the headquarters of Scotland s newest university, the University of the Highlands and Islands, which was granted a university charter in Inverness s Future Opportunities Inverness aims to enhance the attractiveness of the city centre as a focal point for the Highlands through the promotion of key development opportunities and to establish itself as a university city over the next decade: The 100m Beechwood Campus development for the University of the Highlands and Islands and other key partners should lead to the creation of 6,000 jobs over the next 30 years; and The Centre for Health Science reflects the ambitions of Inverness to be a centre for research and development in medical devices and bio-technology. This 23m centre in the grounds of Raigmore Hospital includes among its tenants the University of the Highlands and Islands Diabetes Institute, the University of Stirling, NHS Education for Scotland and the Centre for Rural Health. The centre also has plans to expand onto the Inverness campus. 35

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41 Stirling, Scotland's newest city, is a walkable, compact heritage city set in a stunning landscape. Its central location at the heart of Scotland, and its strategic transport networks, allows good access to markets in Scotland and beyond. The excellent quality of life offered in urban and rural Stirling makes it a desirable area to live. Stirling is rooted in cultural history, and attracts many tourists with its strong historic links to two of Scotland s most iconic heroes, William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. The city provides a gateway to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and the Highlands. The region s hills, lochs and rivers provide dramatic scenery and a tremendous array of outdoor and adventure activities. Significant investment is being made in a number of Stirling s key visitor attractions, including the Bannockburn Heritage Centre. The recent 12m investment in refurbishment of the renaissance palace at Stirling Castle is already having an economic impact, with a significant increase in visitors to the castle since the refurbishment was completed in June Stirling is home to Scotland s University of Sporting Excellence and the Sporting Chance Initiative, a nation-wide project to link businesses involved in development of sporting products and services with expertise in higher education institutions. Stirling has a relatively diverse economy which has helped it to withstand the worst of the recession and place itself in a good position to capitalise on opportunities emerging from economic recovery. It has existing strengths in creative industries and environmental and clean technologies. Stirling s Future Opportunities Stirling Council has identified four key sectors to nurture and grow: tourism, food & drink, creative industries and sport. The city has a clear vision to develop Stirling's tourism offering, including quantity and quality of bed stock, in the build up to The 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn, second year of Homecoming and major sporting events, including the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles, mean that 2014 is going to be a significant year for tourism in Stirling. There is huge potential to develop Stirling s reputation for food and beverages. With high quality food and drink produced in the Stirling city region, Stirling Council and partners are working to consolidate and raise Stirling s profile. Stirling Council and partners wish to support growth of Stirling's creative sector by facilitating more studio space within the city and shared access to digital and creative resources. Forth Valley is locating its creative industries department at its new 29m Stirling campus and Historic Scotland is basing its new national training centre in traditional stone masonry and building skills in the city. The Sporting Chance Initiative is encouraging companies from across sectors to develop innovative products and services for the sporting market and opportunities linked with sports. 37