For over twenty five years, EDAS has been the main membership body that supports and represents those working in and contributing to economic development in Scotland.
Whilst economic development can be technical and is a professional discipline, it’s also critically important to everyday business, life, and work. Economic development encompasses subjects spanning economics, planning, geography, demography, sociology, and public policy. In many ways it’s a core part of how our society functions and who it functions for; it’s central to the lives we live, the jobs we do, the future of our local places, and Scotland as a nation.
With over 3,000 members across the country, EDAS has been the leading membership body for economic development professionals in Scotland, acting as:
- A Trusted Bridge Between Policy and Practice
- The Home of Scotland's Economic Development Community
- Scotland's Leading Provider of Economic Development Learning and CPD
A Trusted Bridge Between Policy and Practice
EDAS occupies a unique position at the intersection of national strategy and frontline delivery. We can translate complex policy into practical tools, frameworks, and understanding. We channel lived experience, innovation, and practitioner insight back into policymaking. This two‑way flow ensures Scotland’s economic development system remains relevant, grounded, and future‑facing. Unlike commercial consultancies or political agencies, EDAS offers an independent voice. We are driven by our members and offer a pan-Scotland view with a commitment to an economy that works for people, place and planet. We amplify practitioners’ voices and collective expertise — not institutional interests.
The Home of Scotland’s Economic Development Community
For more than 25 years, EDAS has been the professional home for those working to create a fairer, greener, and more prosperous Scotland, with a membership community spanning public, private, social, academic, and third‑sector organisations. EDAS offers a safe, independent space for debate, learning, and professional identity, bringing together people who would not otherwise meet, learn together, or collaborate, building diverse communities of practice – from local authorities to national institutions, social enterprises, and mission‑driven networks. We convene cross‑sector dialogue, surface emerging insights, and support coherent national narratives on Scotland’s economic transition. This role is increasingly vital as economic development becomes multi‑disciplinary and distributed across new actors.
Scotland’s Leading Provider of Economic Development Learning & CPD
EDAS is the gateway into a lifelong learning journey for economic development professionals. We offer a high-quality, accessible, and practitioner‑focused learning pathway in Scotland. A clear entry point for new practitioners and early‑career talent.
Our current policy themes for 2024/27 are:
People
Place
Prosperity
Planet
Combined with attractive membership incentives, we continue to evolve and develop our services and activities, which currently include:
- Regular events
- 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.
In June 2024 we launched our three-year EDAS strategy for 2024 – 2027.
- That Scotland has an environmentally sustainable, prosperous and inclusive economy that works for all people, businesses, communities and places.
- That those working in economic development have the necessary new knowledge, understanding, skills and support to implement this vision.
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