Glasgow-Edinburgh Collaboration

The Work Foundation have carried out a study and produced a set of case studies on collaboration.

The main argument in the report is that there are strong theoretical benefits associated with collaboration and some successful examples across the UK, but that just ‘working together’ does not mean that better outcomes will be achieved. Successful collaboration is based on evidence and has clear objectives. When it comes to collaboration that helps to enable growth of knowledge intensive employment, the research suggests that cross-sector collaboration – with universities, businesses and local authorities working together - is particularly effective, whereas issues such as housing and transport can be dealt with effectively by local authorities working together.

Access the report and case studies below:

• Can collaboration help places respond to the changing economy? - A review of how collaboration between local authorities can contribute to the growth of knowledge intensive employment.
• Collaboration case studies

Further information is available on the Work Foundation website.

A response to the National Planning Framework 2 Discussion Draft has been submitted on behalf of the partners in the Glasgow-Edinburgh collaboration initiative: City of Edinburgh Council, Glasgow City Council and Scottish Enterprise. The partners have submitted individual responses: the point of this submission is to reinforce those areas where we have common or complementary views.

The Glasgow-Edinburgh collaboration initiative is well-known to the National Planning Framework (NPF) team. We have enjoyed a close and positive working relationship with the team during the development and consultation period for NPF2 and appreciate this further opportunity to shaping a vital policy document for Scotland’s future development.

Overall, the collaboration partners endorse the broad direction of NPF2 and view it as a significant improvement on the original NPF. In the response, we direct comments to a small number of areas where we feel that future versions of NPF2 can be strengthened. We believe that these amendments would enhance the document’s ability to support the achievement of “sustainable economic growth”.

View the National Planning Framework response letter here.

Created by VisitScotland in 1991, The Scottish Thistle Awards showcase business excellence and quality. As an important event on the tourism calendar, the media attention it generates helps VisitScotland and the sponsors raise the profile of the tourism industry.

The 2008 Scottish Thistle Awards are aimed at recognising and celebrating excellence in Scottish tourism, and to;

• Encourage professionalism, innovation and creative thinking within the industry;
• Promote quality service and products that reflect all that is great in Scotland’s world-reputed and foremost industry;
• Reward excellence in Scotland’s tourism industry in all areas and at all levels.

With 11 award categories, the Scottish Thistle Awards are open to all types of tourism businesses. No matter what sector you’re involved in, there’s sure to be one to suit you. The Glasgow: Edinburgh Collaboration Initiative is sponsoring the Collaboration Thistle Award to encourage and reward collaboration between tourism businesses over more than one local authority area.

If you are interested in any of the categories for the Scottish Thistle Awards or require further information on how to enter and the judging process, please visit www.scottishthistleawards.co.uk

Closing date – Thursday 5th June 2008.