RSE: The economic contribution of the third sector in Scotland
The purpose of this paper is to highlight some of the barriers to a wider recognition of the third sector’s economic contribution and to stimulate debate on how these blocks might be overcome.
The paper was based on interviews with and contributions from a number of participants in third sector organisations and followed by a roundtable discussion hosted by the RSE.
Key messages:
The third sector – which includes charities, community, and voluntary groups
and other non-profit distributing organisations – primarily provides services
which are important in reducing inequality and disadvantage and improving
health, wellbeing, housing, and community cohesion.
Despite the inherent complexity of the third sector highlighted in this report,
its economic contribution, through employment, purchasing and commercial
activities, remains substantial with many analyses showing it to be greater than
other sectors including health and life sciences and creative industries, which
enjoy considerable Scottish Government support.
By contrast, the third sector is often overlooked as a source of wealth generation
and seldom included in national or local growth strategies. The RSE believes this
could mean opportunities to enhance regional and national economies
are missed.
