HIE's operating plan 2007-2010

The latest operating plan from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) details the key strategic projects which the development agency will be backing between now and 2010, along with a set of eight 'primary measure' targets covering many smaller-scale initiatives.

The plan is HIE’s annual agreement with the Scottish Government which details the specific projects and actions we will take to deliver our long-term objectives.

HIE agrees its operating plan on an annual basis with the Scottish Government to set out how it will deliver its enterprise strategy, 'A Smart Successful Scotland', and translate its own strategy, 'A Smart, Successful Highlands and Islands', into specific actions to grow businesses, strengthen communities, develop skills and make global connections for the area.

Current strategic projects towards which the agency is already contributing cover a wide range of issues designed to create a successful region - from business growth, higher education and cutting edge research to arts and culture, renewable energy and community development.

This year, for the first time, HIE's operating plan underwent a strategic environmental assessment (SEA), to gauge the potential effects HIE's activities could have on the environment. The assessment was aided by responses from a public consultation and commits HIE to minimise negative environmental impacts. (See related page, right)

Measures the agency will now take include monitoring progress with its SEA commitments; measuring the carbon footprint of the Highlands and Islands and of HIE's external and operating expenditure; reviewing sustainable development and environmental best practice in other appropriate organisations, and augmenting project appraisal methodology to include criteria that will consider impact on the environment.

Download a copy of the operating plan in Adobe pdf format - in English and/or Gaelic - here (right).