Business diaspora says Scotland needs to become ‘less inward-looking’

The research report, Perceptions of the Scottish business diaspora, was undertaken by Momentous Change on behalf of the Scottish Business Network (SBN) and included over 1,000 respondents from 74 different countries.

The “Scottish business diaspora” was defined as those who are born Scottish or have worked, studied or have family connections with Scotland, and the research study sample included business owners, founders, directors or senior executives from SMEs to large corporates.

When asked about “positive descriptors” in relation to how Scotland is perceived, 72 per cent of respondents described Scotland as “friendly”, 45 per cent described the nation as “resilient”, 44 per cent classified Scotland as “entrepreneurial”, 35 per cent said it was “progressive” and only 29 per cent of the sample described Scotland as “outward looking”.

The study also asked how Scotland could improve its international standing vis-a-vis other trading nations, finding a high level of agreement around the need to build stronger networks and extend the supply of information flowing between the Scottish Government, its enterprise agencies, other trade-related bodies like SBN and those Scottish companies who have the ambition to step up their export activities and achieve internationalisation.

Russell Dalgleish, chair of the Scottish Business Network, said: ”When we initiated this project we could not have envisaged the level of support and insight we would have secured from members of the Scottish diaspora. I am incredibly proud of the team and the effort they have put in to secure the views of over 1,000 senior business figures based across 76 countries.

“The findings of this research have already influenced our strategy to support the development of SBN Chapters in major cities across the globe with New York launching at the beginning of April.”

Kingsley Aikins, founder and CEO of Diaspora Matters, said: “What was striking in this landmark report was the realisation that ‘lost actors can become national assets’ and the diaspora can play an important role in nation branding for Scotland.

“In a world where major powers are looking inwards small countries like Scotland and Ireland need to do the opposite and build global networks of affluence and influence. Key now is to build on this encouraging report and put policies, programmes and projects in place to build on the potential”.

Christine Esson, CEO of the Scottish Business Network, said: “Engagement with the global Scottish diaspora community is a key element of Scotland’s economic development and export support. The diaspora can provide in-market knowledge, expertise and potential resources for any business seeking to grow through exports.”

Michelle Thomson, who co-authored the report alongside Professor Roger Mullin from Momentous Change, said: “As described by one of our respondents, a £100,000 contract with a non-priority target country like New Zealand is just as valuable as a designated priority country like China.”

Professor Mullin emphasised: “A key finding is the importance of culture and understanding how to best do business within that culture.”

The Momentous change report saw a widespread demand for more trade missions from Scotland, with SMEs and larger corporates revealing a desire for Scotland to step up activity in this area.

Many of the Scottish business diaspora respondents want to support the creation of a more enabling export environment for Scotland as a trading nation.
Along these lines, respondents want to see a more unified and joined-up international network for the Scottish business diaspora.

Key proposals of the SBN report include

1. The Scottish Government should further develop country briefings and not only for so-called priority countries.
2. In conjunction with the Scottish Government, key stakeholders including the Scottish Business Network should conduct a detailed review of how best to brand Scotland in terms of international trade.
3. Adetailed review should also be conducted into how to improve Scotland’s trade mission-related activity.

Ivan McKee, the Scottish Government minister for trade, investment and innovation, said: “I welcome this report from Momentous Change which shows a significant number of people globally continue to view Scotland’s brand as friendly, trustworthy and ethical.

“This report also offers excellent insight into how we can continue to strengthen our global presence overseas thorough our diaspora, who are invaluable in generating business, trade and investment opportunities.

“Despite the challenges we face as a result of Brexit, the Scottish Government will strengthen our international ties and continue to work to support exporting businesses and develop international links.”