Scotland’s Economic Performance

This research uses a number of different economic indicators to provide a comparison of Scotland’s economic performance compared with other OECD countries. The indicators have been given quartile rankings.

The methodology consisted of desk research.

The data and analysis show that, despite having a very highly educated workforce, a strong higher education R&D rate and being an attractive location for inward investment and risk capital, Scotland’s productivity and employment rates lag many other economies. The analysis shows that there is significant potential to achieve economic transformation if Scotland can match the top-performing economies for a number of drivers of innovation and growth.

To achieve this economic transformation, Scotland needs more entrepreneurship (including early-stage/high-growth potential), and needs more businesses to adopt the practices that evidence shows can increase growth and productivity, and create better jobs - and doing so sustainably.