Collaboration at the heart of Aberdeen City Council commitment to economic growth
19 June 2018
Partnership working to unlock the potential in key sectors is at the heart of ambitious plans for the north-east economy.
Members of the Aberdeen City Council City Growth and Resources Committee today (June 19) gave their backing to a refreshed Regional Economic Strategy.
The blueprint was first established in 2015 and major progress has been made in the past three years – including the signing of the £826million City Region Deal, innovation in finance models through the successful £370m Aberdeen City Council bond issue and delivery of key elements of the City Centre Masterplan, including Marischal Square and the Aberdeen 365 events programme.
The creation of The Oil & Gas Technology Centre, start of construction of the Aberdeen Harbour expansion, securing investment in the region’s digital infrastructure and significant progress in bringing forward transport and other investments in innovation have all dovetailed with the initial aims of the strategy.
The updated strategy for 2018 has a focus on established and emerging sectors: Oil, gas and energy; Food, drink, agriculture and fishing; Tourism; Life sciences.
Cllr Douglas Lumsden, Co-Leader of Aberdeen City Council and Convener of the City Growth and Resources Committee, said: “Collaboration will be crucial to realising our economic ambitions for the city and the region – and the strategy itself is a very good demonstration of that principle.
“The strategy has been prepared in conjunction with Aberdeenshire Council and Opportunity North East (ONE) to ensure a joined-up approach with realistic and achievable outcomes.
“The significant strides that have been made since the launch of the strategy in 2015 demonstrate the appetite for progress and the ability to deliver. The refresh takes into account the developments in that period and the objectives for the next phase.
“Maximising the oil and gas opportunity, strengthening and diversifying the economy and continuing to attract investment and talent will be vital elements of the action plan going forward.
“The emphasis on partnership working extends to the private sector and the response we have had has been very encouraging. There is an energy and a commitment throughout the region to ensuring we do not rest on our laurels and continue to push for economic growth that will benefits residents and businesses alike locally as well as for the economy nationally.”
The RES will continue to revolve around the key themes of investment in infrastructure, innovation, inclusive economic growth and internationalisation.