Scottish Investment Zones Announced - What's Next?

Two new investment zones targeting economic growth in Scotland were recently announced. Glasgow City Region and the North East will each be supported by up to £80 million in targeted investment and tax reliefs over the five years following an agreement between the Scottish and UK governments.

This news will receive significant attention in the North East of Scotland where the Port of Aberdeen lost a bid to gain Freeport status and the Acorn project was not granted Track 1 status. However, many questions still remain.

Besides the economic question as to the best way to distribute the funds - small business grants, matching public/private funds, university research bursaries, or tax breaks/incentives - one big question may be where to focus investment. The government press release states the target focus is driving growth in priority sectors including "technology, the creative industries, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and the green sector". Surely, in