under three headings: An outward and enterprising nation Maximising Scotland's assets Realising the potential of our people A table of short term (5 year) and long term (10 year) priorities was presented in the Executive Summary to the Blueprint for Scotland: An Outward and Enterprising Nation – Priorities Maximising Scotland's Assets – Priorities Realising the Potential of our People – Priorities International Trade Visits Since 1960, SCDI has worked to develop Scotland's international business links, organising a programme of global trade missions. By 2007, more than 5,000 companies had participated in 350 trade missions abroad. SCDI trade visits have supported companies to visit export markets, focusing on growth markets for Scottish exports across the World. A large number of organisations joined our trade visits, ranging from sole traders, SMEs, large organisations, universities and colleges. SCDI Events SCDI runs approximately 100 events each year involving senior business and civic leaders, politicians, and major international thought leaders. Flagship Events SCDI Forum – held annually in spring. This major conference event in the Scottish business calendar has gathered together key leaders and influencers from the Scottish, wider UK and international business and political spectrum to debate the future of the Scottish economy since 1970. Annual Lecture – held in Aberdeen in January each year with a high-profile economic leader giving the keynote address. Highlands and Islands Annual Dinner and Business Excellence Awards – recognising business excellence in the Highlands & Islands region each September. International Awards – SCDI has previously delivered a celebration of Scotland's international and exporting success. The 2010 International Awards Dinner was addressed by former Mayor of New York, Rudy Giuliani. In 2011, former General Secretary of the United Nations, Kofi Annan gave the keynote address; and at the 2012 Awards Dinner at the Emirates Arena, Glasgow former US Secretary of State, Dr Madeleine Albright addressed a capacity business audience. London Series – a series of sessions in London related to Scottish interests, engaging businesses and politicians in London. Other Events An active events calendar is also delivered across the geography of Scotland throughout the year: Influencers' Series dinners programme Meet the Politician series Membership Networking events Election hustings Membership consultations Business Seminars & Conferences History The Scottish Council for Development and Industry in its current form was created in 1946 by the amalgamation of two earlier bodies, the Scottish Development Council and the Scottish Council on Industry. Scottish Development