Enterprise Networks

Part of the debate – in the Scottish Parliament at 2:38 pm on 26 September 2007.

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Photo of John Swinney John Swinney Scottish National Party 2:38, 26 September 2007

Yes, one of my objectives in all these reforms is to ensure that businesses have easier access to enterprise development support.

On industry boards, the First Minister, Mr Mather and I took part in a meeting of the financial services advisory board, which we all found helpful in focusing on the issues that are of relevance to the future of the financial services sector. Earlier this week, Jim Mather met the equivalent body for the life sciences sector. We did that to understand and appreciate how the Government can support the efforts of those sectors.

Of course, Mr Neil's point on the integration of the academic and enterprise development sectors is important. That is why, in taking forward the policy areas that are central to the health of the Scottish economy, the Government has established such clear working between me and the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning.