EDAS Future Leaders Network
The EDAS Future Leaders Network is a community of individuals who, together, will be the driving force behind economic development in Scotland, for years to come.
Economic development is critical to Scotland’s future success and sustainability. Practitioners are, and will continue to be, at the forefront of creating a fairer, wealthier, and greener Scotland. For the discipline of economic development to keep delivering for the benefit of Scotland, we must nurture the talent that will take us into the future.
The Future Leaders Network is designed for students, graduates, and practitioners who are in the early stages of their career. Perhaps you’ve recently taken your first role in the industry, are currently studying a related subject at University, or have changed career and want to forge new connections and share ideas. As the country’s foremost membership driven association for organisations and individuals with an interest in economic development, we know that through our connections, peer support, and sharing of best practice we can deliver better outcomes for Scotland.
Through the Future Leaders Network, you can access CPD courses, podcasts, and resources, whilst also attending networking events, and keeping up to date with the latest industry vacancies.*
Joining is free and simple. Just sign up for our mailing list below.
*Please note that additional charges apply for EDAS mainstream CPD and events, depending on membership status. Find out more about EDAS membership here.
Our Committee
Meet the Future Leaders Committee Members.
Fancy joining our committee? Please contact [email protected] to discuss how you can help to develop our network.
Name: Clare Stoddart
Role: Chair
What drew me to this economic development role: In my early forties, I chose to shift careers to look for new opportunities in an area that suited my personal interests. My job entails a wide range of tasks, including how SE addresses the effects of biodiversity and climate change as part of our funding and support. I am particularly interested in sustainability, and I am currently completing an MSc in Environmental Management. I am excited to see how my studies will benefit me in my current role and throughout my career in economic development.
Name: Holly Sherrie
Role: Communications Lead
What interested me about this role in economic development: After university I was keen to apply my economics skills to the real world. My current role within economic development allows me to do that whilst knowing that I am helping to create a more productive, resilient and competitive economy for Scotland.
Name: Kayleigh Nicolson 
Role: Secretary
What interested me about this role in economic development: After university I was keen to apply my economics skills to the real world. My current role within economic development allows me to do that whilst knowing that I am helping to create a more productive, resilient and competitive economy for Scotland.
Name: Mukai Chigumba
Role: Events Team
What drew me to this economic development role: I was always interested in investment and after doing an internship I realised just how inspired I was by the positive impact economic development has on our society. There are so many amazing initiatives and programmes to help each individual grow their business and ultimately grow our economy in a way that can benefit us all. I am more than happy that I choose a career where I can make our future better.
Name: Eleanor Young
Role: Events Team 
What drew me to this economic development role: My interest in economic development comes from wanting to learn about how policies and actions can lead to growth. I have a particular interest in the energy transition and the economic opportunities associated with it.
Resources
As part of our Young Professionals network, you have access to a range of CPD courses, networking events and podcasts.
Please see below for a variety of resources that may be of interest to members:
Listen to Holly, Clare and Mukai’s discussion with Neil McInroy on the Talking EDAS podcast, talking all things economic development.
We held our first in-person event in partnership with BiGGar Economics in April. Please subscribe to be kept up to date with upcoming events.
EDAS offer a range of CPD courses to help you grow your skillset. Please note that fees apply – get in touch with one of the team for more details.
Join our LinkedIn group to stay in the know with latest updates, learn more about upcoming events, share knowledge and find out how to get involved.
“A career in economic development means that you are helping to transform Scotland’s economy to be fairer, wealthier and more sustainable. As a graduate on the Insights and Economics team at Scottish Enterprise, I gather and share intelligence and data from companies, across sectors and places, to help shape SE’s activities to best contribute to Scotland’s economic development.”
Holly Sherrie, Scottish Enterprise
“The EDAS: Introduction to Economic Development course was great – really helped me understand the makeup of Scotland’s economy and different metrics used for economic development.”
Hannah Fleming, Scottish Enterprise
Get in touch
If you or someone you know if interested in finding out more, please get in touch.