Professor John Robertson OBA
From Business investment rises to 20-year high in Scotland published yesterday:
A new report has shown that business investment in Scotland has risen to a 20-year high – in contrast to a fall across the UK.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes today helped to launch the annual CBI–Addleshaw Goddard Scottish Productivity Index, showing a rise in business investment to more than 10% of GDP for the first time in 20 years.
The Index confirms Scotland leads the UK in higher-level qualifications with 53.7% of the working-age population educated to this level. It also highlights key progress in patenting activity, internet speeds, and the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. https://www.gov.scot/news/business-investment-rises-to-20-year-high-in-scotland/
Looking at the full report, there are some very positive signs.
Higher business investment:
Business investment as a share of Scottish GDP expanded by 0.8-percentage points (-p.p.) in 2023 to 10.2%. Meanwhile, the UK overall experienced a 0.3-p.p. decline from 9.8% in 2022 to 9.5% in 2023. For the first year since 2005, Scotland now exceeds its long-term trend (1998-2023) of 9.8%.
46% more patents per head:
The number of patents granted in Scotland fell from 273 in 2023 to 237 in 2024. When adjusted for population, this represents an increase in patents per 100,000 people compared with the previous year, indicating a modest improvement. Despite this recent uptick, Scotland remains below its long-term average of 6.36 patents per 100,000 population recorded between 2019 and 2024. However, Scotland continues to outperform the UK overall, with the 2024 figures showing around 46% more patents per 100,000 population than the UK average – suggesting Scotland holds a relative strength in patenting activity.
Significantly more graduates:
As of 2024, Scotland has the highest percentage of the working-age population with higher education certificates or above at 53.7%, surpassing the UK average of 47.1%. % of working-age population with Higher Education Certificate3 or above 53.7% (2024) There has been a significant increase in higher education attainment in Scotland, rising from 30.2% in 2004 to 53.7% in 2024, indicating a strong long-term upward trend. However, between 2023 and 2024, there was a slight dip in the percentage of the high skilled working age population of 1.4% from 55.1% in 2023 to 53.7% in 2024. In comparison, England’s higher education attainment stands at 47.1%, Northern Ireland at 42.2%, and Wales at 44%, with all showing increases but still trailing Scotland in 2024.
Source:
Talking-up Scotland 'Albatraz' 
Ah but, they’re no very good. Stands the reason because they are Jocks.
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