In shaping this International Strategy for Glasgow, five key pillars of delivery emerged as central themes consistently highlighted by our partners.
These pillars are underpinned by three enabling themes:
They also relate to key areas of work which have emerged from our research on the approaches taken by other cities. While there are numerous ways in which Glasgow engages globally and delivers on its international agenda, this strategy distils them into these five core pillars.
Pillars
The following section sets out underneath each of the pillars, our key strategic outcomes and actions we will deliver over the next five years.
Our goals are ambitious, but our confidence is grounded in the strong, collaborative relationships we have built with our stakeholders. Their support and commitment to this strategy ensures we will deliver these initiatives and achieve our vision of a globally competitive and connected Glasgow City Region. Combined, this provides a focused framework for driving our international activities, ensuring that Glasgow maximises its impact and influence on the global stage.
Economic
We will improve and enhance Glasgow’s growth, resilience and sustainability by embracing and guiding the internationalisation of our local economy.
Through global trade, foreign direct investment and strategic partnerships, Glasgow attracts businesses, talent, and capital that drives development and innovation. This proactive approach has enabled the city to tap into new markets, build strong alliances, and enhance its competitiveness. Glasgow's success is evident as it was named Europe's top large city for attracting overseas investment this year, reflecting the strength of its investment strategy and collaborative partnerships.
Strong trade relations with key markets such as the United States, EU member states, and emerging Asian economies further position Glasgow as a significant player in the global economy. Ranking 4th among UK Core Cities for goods and services exports, with values of over £6billion and £8billion respectively, Glasgow's total exports exceed £14billion, making it the 4th leading exporter among UK city regions. This highlights the city’s pivotal role in driving regional economic growth through international engagement.
In this strategy, following consultation with our key stakeholders and the business community, we set what we see as our key international markets for the future. Our work over the coming years will focus on these areas and prioritise our resources in this way. These are:
- Western and Central Europe
- The Eastern Seaboard of North America
- West Coast of the USA and Silicon Valley
- UAE
- Southeast Asia
In addition to these key markets, we recognise the key role that London plays as a gateway for Glasgow to the wider world.
To do this we will:
- Utilise government funding programmes to implement innovative support programmes, such as International Challenge Funds, to support Glasgow businesses create meaningful relationships in areas where there is strong geographical economic synergy.
- Continue to support local businesses develop the skills, resources and networks needed for successful entry and expansion into international markets, including support for new trade missions that align with Glasgow's strategic goals in priority international markets.
- Explore the development of a Saltire Scholarship model to promote international trade and innovation, positioning Glasgow as a hub for global talent and entrepreneurship and review the Glasgow Exports model to reflect on how to better support businesses in their international trade and market expansion efforts.
- Establish a centralised data hub in collaboration with key stakeholders to share data and market intelligence, enhancing connectivity, collaboration, and evidence-based decision-making across Glasgow's international initiatives.
- Enhance the key sectoral analysis undertaken by the Glasgow City Region Intelligence Hub by conducting targeted research and leveraging stakeholder networks to identify and map emerging geographic markets.
- Conduct a comparative analysis of available data to benchmark Glasgow City Region's performance against other UK and Scottish cities, focusing on key industry clusters to highlight relative strengths and pinpoint areas for growth.
Education
We will ensure that Glasgow’s young people are empowered to take advantage of global opportunities, and that Glasgow continues to be seen as an attractive place for global talent to come study, work and live.
Glasgow is home to a robust and dynamic array of further and higher education institutions that play a crucial role in fostering global engagement, both through research collaborations and commercial ventures, while also attracting a diverse international student community. In 2021/22, international students delivered £41.9billion of economic benefit across the UK. Per student, the net economic impact was estimated to be £125,000 per EU-domiciled student and £96,000 per non-EU-domiciled student. Put another way, every 9 EU students and 11 non-EU students generate £1m worth of net economic impact over the duration of their studies. In Glasgow, it is estimated that figure could be as high as £868.5million.
The value of our academic institutions, however, is greater than solely the additional financial contributions of those who choose to come to Glasgow to study. These institutions are essential to our global outreach efforts, acting as catalysts for cross-cultural understanding, the exchange of knowledge, and international cooperation. Glasgow's educational landscape has significantly advanced in building a multi-cultural environment for students and staff, preparing them to navigate complex global political and social contexts, and in forming strategic international partnerships in research, education, and business.
The key incentive for cultivating deep, enduring international partnerships based on sustained academic collaboration lies in the immense benefits of jointly addressing the world's most urgent challenges. Strategic alliances and the collective expertise of leading global universities are fundamental to achieving our international goals, particularly in relation to urban sustainability and the net zero agenda. Collaboration with external organisations stimulates innovation, opening new pathways for research, enhancing the relevance of educational content to future careers, refining teaching methodologies, and securing additional funding. Our international initiatives encompass a wide spectrum, including educational collaborations, curriculum development initiatives, and exchanges of staff, students, and ideas, all aimed at fostering a globally connected and vibrant academic community.
To do this we will:
- Work with our FE and HE institutions to activate their extensive alumni networks and Global Ambassadors to attract further investment, tourism and opportunity into the city.
- Leverage insights from international cities to support young people in developing skills and fostering cross-cultural connections.
- Utilise networks to enhance access and fully capitalise on opportunities provided by initiatives like the Turing Scheme to support educational and cultural exchanges.
- Through our Innovation Districts, seek international innovation collaborations that complement our key priority sectors.
Culture and Events
We will ensure that, by bringing Glasgow’s personality to life, we enhance the city’s global reputation as a place that people want to experience, enjoy and return to.
In our recent history, we have provided the stage for some unforgettable occasions, drawing on a range of strengths that contribute to its success. The global attention Glasgow gets from hosting Banksy’s first exhibition in more than a decade, the UCI Cycling World Championships and the Burrell achieving the Museum of the Year award, reinforces the image of modern Glasgow as a vibrant, inclusive and innovative city. It is this legacy that has given the organisers of the Commonwealth Games the confidence that Glasgow will be a place where their plans for a reimagined Commonwealth Games can flourish.
These events not only boost the city’s economy but also align with its strategic policy ambitions, reinforcing Glasgow’s identity on the world stage. They ensure that perceptions of Glasgow continue to be challenged and we live up to our reputation as the “friendliest city in the world”. Our events reputation serves as a platform for positive social impact, attracting a wide range of visitors and raising international awareness of Glasgow’s dynamic cultural landscape.
Glasgow is home to four of the five national performing arts companies in Scotland and was named the UK’s top Cultural and Creative City by the European Commission in 2019. Our civic collection of art and cultural items is one of the finest in the world, and in recent years art from that collection has been shown in Paris, New York, the Vatican, the Netherlands and Japan, to name a few.
The city has recently focused its marketing activities on a new Visit Glasgow approach. Through cultural exchanges, festivals, and conferences, the city complements national promotion and showcases its distinct identity and heritage.
Such activities create opportunities for the exchange of ideas, building partnerships, and fostering collaboration across sectors like trade, education, and policy. In this way, Glasgow enhances its global influence and contributes to a more inter-connected and inclusive international community.
To do this we will:
- Create a cohesive branding strategy that amplifies Glasgow’s unique identity, reinforcing its distinct position on both national and international stages.
- Work with Glasgow Airport and work with national Government to ensure there is fair support for the development of new flight routes that align with our strategic markets.
- Engage strategically, through existing Regional structures, with the Scottish and UK Governments to shape policies related to visas, funding and the creative economy, fostering a supportive environment for Glasgow's international growth.
- Deliver the actions set out in the Tourism Action Plan, led by Glasgow Life, which supports the Glasgow 2030 Tourism Strategy.
- Realise the bold ambitions presented in the city’s Culture Strategy, and its associated forthcoming action plan, focused around cultural profile, cultural participation, skills and sustainability.
- Attract, develop and deliver an international events portfolio that provides a platform to showcase Glasgow in key international markets and sectors, positioning the city as a world-leading, innovative events destination and a vibrant place to visit, live, work and do business with.
- Align support across the Council and partners to maximise inward investment opportunities, strategic partnerships and business development, particularly drawing upon the city’s world-leading civic, cultural and events reputation.
Networks
We will ensure that Glasgow’s voice is heard loudly and clearly, as a global leader, by leveraging our networks for the benefit of everyone who lives and works here.
Glasgow's active involvement in international networks is pivotal to advancing the city's global ambitions and leveraging opportunities for growth and collaboration. By prioritising engagement in global networks and partnerships, Glasgow has established a strong international reputation. These networks are crucial for building strategic alliances, expanding influence beyond national boundaries, and fostering collaboration on innovative solutions, policy development, and shared learning. They also enhance the city's ability to adapt to global trends, advocate in international forums, and address urban challenges collectively.
The Council, along with the broader Council family, is formally involved in over 24 international networks, with numerous other city organisations participating in even more. This extensive network engagement enables information sharing, best practice exchange, and collaboration, significantly boosting Glasgow’s profile. High-profile memberships in these networks provide valuable opportunities for technical networking, learning, and policy development, reinforcing the city’s reputation on the global stage.
Glasgow also benefits from strong ties with leading international Higher Education institutions through these networks, creating opportunities for staff, students, global alumni, and industry partners, and supporting broader internationalisation efforts. By deepening these international partnerships, Glasgow aims to strengthen its global position, influence, and capacity for impactful collaboration.
To do this we will:
- Create a Global Glaswegians network and establish an Ambassadors Network to promote Glasgow, attract investment and build strategic partnerships.
- Work with partners to prioritise Glasgow’s participation and representation at strategically important network events, specifically COP, Global Expo’s, New York Tartan Week and other trade fairs, both at home and abroad.
- Through collaboration with key London agencies, create the conditions for the city, and its partners, to maximise the opportunities presented by one of the largest global economic hubs, on our doorstep.
- Align resources across partners’ international activities to ensure effective collaboration and maximise the benefits for Glasgow.
- Host an annual forum to bring together partners and the business community to review progress on our international ambitions.
Civic and Communities
We will ensure that our international activity benefits all our communities, and that we maximise the benefits of our civic ‘soft’ power.
Glasgow's civic soft power is a crucial element of our international strategy, enabling us to influence and attract through our cultural assets, values, and social capital. This is demonstrated through cultural diplomacy, public engagement, and international partnerships that foster dialogue, understanding, and collaboration. By leveraging our unique cultural identity, vibrant civic society, educational institutions, and community-driven initiatives, we strengthen international relationships, enhance our global reputation, and promote mutual respect. This soft power approach not only amplifies Glasgow’s influence on the global stage but also supports sustainable international cooperation and development.
The Lord Provost’s office plays a vital ambassadorial role for Glasgow, hosting numerous civic events and engagements each year and leading an international relations programme that promotes the city globally. This includes fostering Commonwealth and international development efforts and maintaining productive twin city relationships, which significantly contribute to global networking and collaboration.
To do this we will:
- Align support across the Council and partners to maximise inward investment opportunities, particularly utilising the city’s world-leading civic and cultural assets.
- Deepen and enhance our city-to-city connections, based on a strategic methodology to identify synergies and ensure a meaningful contribution to the wellbeing of Glaswegians.
- Foster active engagement from local communities and organisations in global outreach efforts, ensuring a cohesive and inclusive approach to international engagement – focusing initially on the engagement opportunities offered by the Glasgow 850 celebrations.
- Utilise our role in the Eurocities Network to further advance social affairs aligned with the needs of our citizens.
- Through the FCDO’s Centre of Expertise in Green Cities and Infrastructure, we will respond to the impacts of climate change and poverty by supporting the delivery of sustainable cities and resilient infrastructure, drawing on the skills and capabilities of Glasgow businesses to support emerging cities in developing countries.
Enabling Themes
These five pillars of delivery are underpinned by cross-cutting, enabling themes. They stem from our recognition that the pillars cannot be treated in isolation and that the delivery of our outcomes requires a whole system approach. They are:
I. Connectivity and Infrastructure
II. Pride of Place
III. A Single Voice
Glasgow is well connected to the world, but continued success means that we need to enhance that connectivity. We understand that our ambitions to improve trade, exports and cultural connections will require improving our physical connectivity to international destinations. However, we also recognise that people-to-people networks are the driving force to achieving lasting change. Through this theme, we recognise our need to nurture and enhance those networks both externally and internally to the city.
We are immensely proud of our city and its people.
That is something we have sought to reflect in how we talk about ourselves, and for which we continue to receive accolades. From Glasgow Smiles Better in the 1980s to its current city brand People Make Glasgow, Glasgow’s place marketing has been award-winning. People Make Glasgow is credited with galvanising and articulating the friendliness and people-focused ethos of the city which has been voted the world’s friendliest city more than once, and recent survey evidence demonstrates that it still captures the overriding sentiment of the city.
We celebrate the city’s 850th anniversary next year. In so doing, we want all our people to be able to boast about all that makes this a unique and lasting place to live, work and do business. Through our engagement with stakeholders, we understand the importance of the physical place offer, being enhanced through our City Deal investment and core Council initiatives. And we also reflect on a common belief that Glasgow’s many strengths can be more forcefully articulated. We are at the forefront of a new industrial revolution, a city recognised for our cultural offer and our quality of life. Glasgow is at the cutting edge, and we want to embrace that future with confidence, optimism, and Glaswegian bravado.
Our city works best when it works together. We have immense talent, skills and creativity, within our communities and across our institutions. We seek to harness and amplify that, by speaking a single message with a single voice. Our international activity is mutually beneficial, our diversity is a strength, our offer is unique. By uniting our efforts, we will unlock the potential to accomplish far more than we could individually.
The action plan supporting this strategy sets out plans for developing a compelling single voice for the city delivered by partnership working across the strategic pillars.
