Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Assistant Director Economy.

Scrutiny Committee – Economy considered the report at its meeting on 7 March 2013 and comments will be reported.

(Report circulated)

(Minute 33)

The report of the Assistant Director Economy was submitted, seeking support for the preparation of a strategy and action plan setting out how the City’s economy could benefit from focussing on the development and attracting of science and technology organisations, creating high quality employment.

Scrutiny Committee – Economy considered the report at their meeting of 7 March and the support and comments of members were noted.

Executive welcomed the preparation of the strategy and action plan, acknowledging that support for the growth of higher value jobs was an essential element in the future success of the City.  They endorsed the need to take specialist advice to enable the City to take full advantage of potential opportunities to grow the City’s knowledge economy.

Executive resolved that a strategy be developed to promote the further development of the City’s knowledge economy and funding of up to £20,000 be approved to secure specialist advice to prepare the strategy.

The report of the Assistant Director Economy was submitted, seeking support for the preparation of a strategy and action plan setting out how the City’s economy could benefit from focussing on the development and attracting of science and technology organisations, creating high quality employment.

Scrutiny Committee – Economy considered the report at its meeting of 7 March and the support and comments of members were noted.

Executive welcomed the preparation of the strategy and action plan, acknowledging that support for the growth of higher value jobs was an essential element in the future success of the City.  They endorsed the need to take specialist advice to enable the City to take full advantage of potential opportunities to grow the City’s knowledge economy.

RESOLVED that a strategy be developed to promote the further development of the City’s knowledge economy and funding of up to £20,000 be approved to secure specialist advice to prepare the strategy.

(Report circulated)

To consider the report of the Assistant Director Economy – report circulated

The Assistant Director Economy presented the report, seeking approval for the preparation of a strategy and action plan, which would set out how the City’s economy could benefit from focusing on the development and attracting science and technology organisations, to help create high quality employment. The Knowledge Economy was described as being based around activities which created value from exploiting knowledge and technology, rather than physical assets and traditional employment.  Support for the growth of higher value jobs was an essential element of looking to the future success of Exeter.  The Assistant Director Economy outlined how the Council would seek the necessary advice and support.

A Member suggested working with Devon County Council to identify adult and community based training opportunities with a skills based focus. The Assistant Director Economy agreed that would be a worthwhile exercise as part of a broader approach by the Employment and Skills Board.  He also responded to a Member’s comment on the specialist advice, stating that it would be sought by employing a consultant with proven experience working with other key agencies and major private and public sector organisations.

Scrutiny Committee – Economy supported the development of a strategy to promote the further development of the city’s knowledge economy, and requested Executive to approve funding of up to £20,000 to secure specialist advice to prepare the document.

(Report circulated)