Scottish Chambers of Commerce Launch Landmark Plan for Growth to Power Scotland’s Economy to 2050
31 March 2026 • Sarah Medcraf
The Scottish Chambers of Commerce today unveiled Backing Scotland’s Businesses: A Plan for Growth - a bold, business-led roadmap designed to help make Scotland one of the world’s most competitive, dynamic and globally connected economies by 2050.
Developed in partnership with the Scottish Chamber Network, representing thousands of employers across every region, sector and size of business, the Plan sets out five urgent national priorities that the next Scottish Government must deliver to support economic growth:
- Restore competitiveness and investment confidence
- Deliver infrastructure that powers economic growth
- Secure the future workforce
- Create the conditions for digital leadership
- Expand Scotland’s global reach
Rodney Ayre, President of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“Scotland has always been a trading nation, known for its outward-looking, innovative, and entrepreneurial spirit. Over the coming decades, that spirit will matter more than ever before, as countries compete intensely for investment, talent, and industries of the future.
“The next five years will be crucial in determining the next chapter of Scotland’s story. But we must be equally clear about the long-term impact of the decisions the next Government takes. If we are serious about building a more competitive, dynamic, and globally connected economy by 2050, decisions taken now must be anchored in long-term thinking.
“That means looking beyond electoral cycles and focusing on the foundations of growth: creating a stable, competitive environment that gives businesses the confidence to invest, scale, and succeed – and deliver prosperity across every part of Scotland.”
Launching the Plan, Charandeep Singh BEM, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“This is a moment for ambition. Scotland’s businesses are ready to invest, ready to innovate, and ready to create the jobs of the future. Our Plan for Growth sets out a clear pathway to making Scotland the best place in the world to do business.
“For too long, Scotland’s economic debate has been defined by shortterm cycles, political uncertainty and inconsistent delivery. Businesses cannot plan, let alone invest, when the goalposts constantly shift. This Plan sends a clear message: Scotland needs stability, predictability and a relentless focus on competitiveness. If we get that right, Scotland will win.”
Drawing on the experiences of the SCC Network, collectively representing 50% of the country’s private sector workforce, the Plan calls on the next Scottish Government to take decisive, longterm and crossparty action to stabilise the economic environment, accelerate infrastructure delivery, and create a globally competitive foundation for growth.
The Plan identifies the urgent need to tackle constraints that are holding Scotland’s economy back, ranging from stalled infrastructure projects and skills shortages, to rising costs and barriers to exporting. It sets clear milestones for action within the first Programme for Government, the first year, and by the end of the Parliamentary term.
Among its headline recommendations, the Scottish Chambers urge Government to:
- Commit to stable multi-year economic policy and fiscal planning
- Accelerate delivery of critical national infrastructure, including grid capacity, transport, housing, and digital connectivity
- Reform and strengthen Scotland’s skills, immigration, and talent pipeline
- Support businesses to adopt AI, digital tools and strengthen cyber resilience
- Expand Scotland’s international presence, trade support and export finance
With Chambers spanning every region, from Dumfries to Moray and Caithness to the Borders, the Plan reflects the shared priorities of employers across urban, rural and island communities.
Mr Singh added:
“Every part of Scotland has untapped potential, the focus now must be on delivery. The next Government must place economic growth as its top priority. Scottish businesses stand ready to play their part: this Plan sets out what must now be done to realise their full potential.”
Scottish Chambers of Commerce is calling on all parliamentarians to put the Plan for Growth at the centre of their work by implementing its policies, championing its priorities, and ensuring that economic growth and competitiveness guide decisionmaking throughout the next Parliament.
Calling on political parties to support the plan, Mr Singh concluded:
“If Scotland gets this right, the prize is enormous: a worldleading economy, thriving regions, rising incomes, stronger communities and a global reputation as a country that backs business and delivers prosperity.”