Economic Development Association Scotland launches three-year strategy
The Economic Development Association Scotland (EDAS) has launched a new three-year strategy, reasserting the practice of Economic Development at the heart of Scotland’s economy.
Prioritising four topics – people, place, prosperity and planet – the strategy lays out critical support to all of those working “on the frontline as agents of change” in economic development across the country.
The strategy supports the organisation’s long-standing vision for an environmentally sustainable, prosperous, inclusive economy that works for all people, businesses, communities and places – ensuring that all of those working in economic development have the knowledge, understanding, skills and support to drive the change needed.
EDAS, which has more than 3,250 members, is the country’s foremost membership association for organisations and people with an interest in economic development, widely recognised by policymakers and politicians as the sector’s go-to body.
The strategy sets out a plan to work across a range of sectors, helping its members to lift people out of poverty, develop community wealth, improve prosperity and achieve net zero.
EDAS has a suite of activities which aims to open “spaces for dialogue, debates and knowledge-sharing which help our members to navigate emerging challenges and opportunities”.
Writing in the strategy, EDAS Chair Neil McInroy said: “Economic development is central to the lives we live, the jobs we do, the future of our local places and Scotland as a nation.
“EDAS is a bridge between policy, practitioners, and activity on the ground. We continually strive to make economic development practice more accessible and relevant.
“We believe that the right skills combined with a greater understanding and wider recognition of economic development, will take us closer to realising Scotland’s goal of becoming an equitable, greener economy.”
EDAS seeks to ensure that economic development is at the forefront of national policy debate, giving professionals in the sector the opportunity to inform and inspire through training and networking events.
It also aims to ensure that everyone in Scotland has the opportunity to develop a greater understanding of economic development and how it affects their lives and work.
Click here to find out how you can join EDAS.
You can also listen to our special episode of the Talking EDAS podcast which discusses the new strategy here.