The Strategic Audit provides an international benchmark of how Scotland performs on a range of different indicators when compared with other countries. It draws on previously published material from governments or international organisations like the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
It provides a snapshot of Scotland's strengths and weaknesses now, showing where we might build for the future and where challenges remain.
A video summary of the Strategic Audit is also available, providing a five minute overview of its key points.
The Trend Analysis highlights some of the main trends - or influences - that are likely to affect Scotland over the next 20 years or so. It uses both quantitative and qualitative evidence to indicate which factors are likely to be significant in driving change over the medium and long-term.
Following a model called GLIMPSES (Globalisation, Life course, Individualism, Media and technology, Politics and government, Shape of society, Employment and Sustainability), the analysis considers which trends are likely to be significant for Scotland, what evidence we have about those trends, the factors likely to affect them and the expected implications for Scotland.
Trend analysis papers are not statements of policy. They are instead initial working documents that we plan to expand and update regularly on the basis of the feedback received about them. We hope that they help to prompt discussion and debate about our possible futures.
