About: What we do

What we do

In June 2021, we launched our three-year EDAS strategy. Our vision is:

  • That Scotland has a sustainable, prosperous and inclusive economy that brings economic, social and environmental wellbeing to all of its people and communities, and
  • That those delivering economic development have the optimum skills and knowledge to support and implement this vision.

VIEW THE EDAS STRATEGY 2021-24

EDAS is an agent of change, facilitating a substantial improvement in the effectiveness of economic development activity in Scotland through increasing the knowledge, skills and networks of those involved in all aspects of economic development.

This community is widening and EDAS will strive to promote partnerships and collaboration across all sectors so that the ideas, talents and assets of all who are key to creating a thriving economy are connected and we support the prosperity and wellbeing of Scotland’s people, businesses, communities and environment.

For over twenty years, EDAS has been the main membership body that supports and represents those working in and contributing to economic development in Scotland. With over 3,000 members across the country, EDAS has developed a trusted reputation for delivering:

  1. High quality events and spaces for dialogue which attract academics and expert speakers each year;
  2. Policy briefings, knowledge sharing and practitioner-led community of practice networks; and,
  3. University-level CPD courses and learning opportunities to support the needs of the economic development community.

Find out more about our upcoming events here.

Our current policy themes for 2021/22 are:

  • People
  • Planet
  • Place

Combined with attractive membership incentives, we continue to evolve and develop our services and activities, which currently include:

  • Regular events and annual conference
  • Continuing professional development activities
  • Networking opportunities with people from a wide range of different geographies and organisations
  • Parliamentary briefing focused on economic development matters
  • Regular news and information bulletins
  • Independent and informed policy initiatives
  • National and international collaborations

Throughout all activity, EDAS aims to adopt the following working practices:

  • Be membership driven
  • Be inclusive to all those with any interest in economic development
  • Continuously improve our activities
  • Continuously strive for improvements in economic development in Scotland
  • Be recognised as the “ONE” organisation that everyone interested in economic development MUST join
  • Have an international perspective, directed to Scottish issues
  • Be a respected authority on good practice in economic development presenting an independent and informed view
  • Present good value for money.