Growing and diversifying
The Covid-19 pandemic, climate emergency and new international trading environment make Opportunity North East’s leadership, action and investment essential for sustainable business growth in key sectors, high-value green jobs to drive economic recovery and a just transition that provides work, training and skills opportunities.
North east Scotland has a track record as one of the most investable, productive and entrepreneurial economies in the UK, with high levels of business start-up, research and development, exports and disposable income.
The region’s future economic performance is nationally significant to achieving net-zero targets, increasing productivity and exports, research and development, commercialising innovation and creating sustainable and high-value jobs for the future.
The private sector continues to look ahead, adapt and evolve. Investment in this region will deliver a national impact.
The Regional Economic Strategy provides a shared vision and ambition for the future of north east Scotland to align commitment, investment and action for economic growth and diversification. The strategy's co-signatories are Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council and Opportunity North East. The strategy is influenced and shaped by a broader regional collaboration, which includes the national enterprise and skills agencies.
The regional focus on diversification targets sustainable business growth in key sectors and high-value green jobs to drive economic recovery and a just transition that provides work, training and skills opportunities.
The vision shared by the private and public sectors is that in 2040, the Aberdeen city region provides outstanding economic opportunities, best-in-country quality of life and a spectacular natural environment.
- We will be an integrated energy cluster meeting the UK’s energy needs and leading energy transition by decarbonising oil and gas production; providing net-zero solutions across offshore renewables, carbon capture and storage and hydrogen; and creating green energy jobs for the future.
- Our business growth and skills focus on digital tech, high-value manufacturing, innovation and the low-carbon economy will provide new high-value jobs and training opportunities in our traditional and new sectors.
- Our diversified economy, entrepreneurial culture, and place-based strengths will make us a location of choice for businesses, investors and talented people.
The goal is an economy growing across new and traditional industries, supported by an agile highly skilled workforce, open to opportunities and better able to anticipate and respond to future challenges.
The Aberdeen City Region Deal is one delivery mechanism for north east Scotland's economic vision.
Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council and Opportunity North East, together with the UK Government and Scottish Government, are working to address the challenges of growth and diversification by capitalising on the substantial economic opportunities in the region.
The £250 million deal, co-funded by the two governments, includes £210 million of innovation projects for the oil, gas and energy; food, drink and agriculture; and life sciences sectors.
ONE is the private sector partner in the deal and the lead partner and a co-funder of the BioHub and SeedPod sector innovation projects.
Opportunity North East Ltd
11 Queens Gardens
Aberdeen
AB15 4YD