Our goal is to stimulate sustainable growth of Scotland’s economy.

Research and development funding

We want to stimulate business innovation by encouraging companies to invest in research and development and strengthen links between Scottish companies and our universities.

In our 'Fund your business' section find out how we encourage businesses with our Innovation and R&D Grants.

Supporting the rural economy

• 20% (430) of our account managed companies are in rural areas
• The Scottish Investment Bank currently has £12 million invested in 35 rural companies
• Over 40 companies have completed the Rural Leadership Programme.

Working with sectors

We focus on industries where Scotland has a competitive advantage within the global marketplace. Visit our 'Business sectors' to find out how we are supporting:

• Aerospace, defence and marine - over 800 companies employing 40,000 staff
• Chemical sciences - generates £2.7 billion from exporting activity
• Construction  - employs 190,000 in 17,000 businesses
• Creative industries - supports 60,000 jobs and contributes £5 billion to the economy
• Energy - more than 2,000 companies operating in over 100 markets
• Financial services - contributes £7 billion to Scotland's GVA
• Food and drink - exported £4.5 billion worth of products
• Forest and timber technologies -carbon neutral, producing naturally sustainable construction products 
• Life sciences -worth over £3 billion to the Scottish economy annually
• Manufacturing - generated over £21 million of productivity benefits in 2010/11
• Textiles - export value of £300 million 
• Tourism - £5.2 billion economic contribution 

Strategic Guidance for Scottish Enterprise: 2012 - 2015

This document outlines the strategic direction for Scottish Enterprise from John Swinney MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth.

Our response, from Scottish Enterprise Chairman Crawford Gillies is also available.

• Strategic Guidance for Scottish Enterprise: 2012 - 2015 (PDF, 5.1MB)
• Scottish Enterprise - Letter of response to John Swinney MSP (PDF, 94kB)