Infrastructure connects people to jobs, businesses and trading opportunities locally, nationally and globally. Investment in new transport technologies, digital connectivity, energy transition to net-zero, rail expansion and more all have a critical role to play in reaching Scotland’s net-zero targets and returning the economy to growth in 2022.
Whilst progress is being made by the Scottish and UK Governments who are both setting out ambitious National Economic Transformation Strategies and Levelling Up plans respectively, businesses want to see greater urgency injected into the vital infrastructure and connectivity projects already underway to create the conditions businesses need to propel the wider economy back to the pre-pandemic levels of economic growth we all aspire towards.
Digital connectivity has never been more important to the Scottish economy and super-fast broadband connections have been critical throughout the Covid-19 pandemic for our businesses’ ability to operate remotely, for our young people to access effective online learning, and for our workforce to remain connected.
The Scottish Government is continuing to address the digital inequality that exists in Scotland through a wide mix of policies but the pandemic has added to the urgency to go further and faster. Governments should work together to invest in an ambitious digital roll-out revolution which delivers gigabit-capable full fibre broadband and good mobile coverage to every home and business in Scotland as soon as possible. Picking up the pace in this area will help to keep Scotland connected and internationally competitive.
As essential as upgrading Scotland’s digital connectivity is to economic growth, so is improving our transport connectivity and infrastructure, domestically and internationally.Aviation and airports are at the heart of Scotland and the UK’s continued economic success which supports thousands of jobs, bolsters international trade and underpins the tourism sector which touches on every part of Scotland’s economy.
Scotland’s business community were pleased that our calls to create a new Scottish Aviation Strategy had finally been heard by the Scottish Government and it’s important this opportunity is used effectively to kick-start the industry’s revival and growth.
Of course, with ongoing international travel restrictions in place, it’s vital that in the interim targeted support is made available for the sector and government seriously consider the need for an aviation restart fund, route development and further financial support for regional airports across Scotland. Our counterparts across the European Union are providing vital policy and financial support and Scotland and the UK must do the same.
Scotland should also seek to lead the way in driving the aviation sectors Net Zero agenda with sites , including St. Fergus in the North East, offering prime opportunities for the production of sustainable aviation fuel.
Around 40% of Scotland’s transport emissions however come from cars, opposed to just 15% from aviation, and if Scotland wants to reach its ambitious Net Zero goals much greater investment in a strategic plan to drive the adoption of low emission vehicles across the private and public sectors and developing the infrastructure to support them such as charging locations and hydrogen refuelling stations is necessary.
Businesses also want to see clearer commitments and timetabling for those major infrastructure projects already underway such as the dualling of the A9 and A96 to ensure business in the Highlands and North East are better connected to the central belt, boosting business travel and tourism options for those regions.
All these infrastructure and connectivity issues pose major challenges and opportunities for Scotland and it’s essential that government works as closely as possible with industry if we are to realise the full economic potential of Scotland within the next decade as the economy, jobs and workforce transition away from carbon intensive industry and successfully pivot into a sustainable, greener economy.
The rapid establishment of Scottish Greenports and Freeports will also unlock significant economic activity and innovative projects such as the Acorn carbon capture and storage facility in Aberdeenshire have the potential to be world leading examples of a Just Transition in action.
Businesses stand ready to work with government to support our economy and climate ambitions and collaboration will be required to access and secure the funds necessary to support investment, innovation and development across Scotland.
By securing and investing in our connectivity, Scotland can create a collaborative, digital and low carbon economy that celebrates unique Scottish localism, while at the same time attracts diverse global businesses, investors and talent.
