PEST Analysis of Dundee

City review, featuring a PEST analysis, local insight, and more

Introduction

Our coverage of towns and cities around the world with a population above 50,000 includes a detailed examination of Dundee, United Kingdom. This study encompasses a PEST analysis, an evaluation of the business climate, transportation infrastructure, and market forecast for the city. To ensure the most current information, this report is regularly produced and updated according to a set schedule.

Premium members have exclusive access to the complete study on Dundee, which encompasses a PEST analysis, market outlook, and numerous other valuable sections.

City Description

Dundee is a city located on the east coast of Scotland in the United Kingdom. It is situated on the banks of the Firth of Tay, which is the longest river in Scotland. The city has a population of approximately 150,000 people and is the fourth largest city in Scotland. Dundee has a rich history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Neolithic period. Geopolitically, Dundee is an important city in the United Kingdom. It is located at the mouth of the River Tay, making it a strategic port city for both commercial and military purposes. The port of Dundee is one of the largest in the UK, handling a variety of cargo including oil, coal, and timber. This makes it a key player in the country's economy, contributing to the trade and transportation of goods both domestically and internationally. Dundee is also a major centre for education and research. The city is home to the University of Dundee, which is one of the top universities in the UK. It is known for its excellence in life sciences, medicine, and art and design. The university attracts a diverse student population from around the world, making Dundee a hub for international education and cultural exchange. In recent years, Dundee has undergone significant redevelopment and regeneration, transforming it into a modern and vibrant city. The waterfront area has been revitalized, with new commercial and residential developments, as well as the V&A Dundee, the first design museum in Scotland. This has not only boosted the city's economy but also put it on the map as a cultural destination. Politically, Dundee is a stronghold for the Scottish National Party (SNP), which advocates for Scottish independence. The city has consistently voted for SNP candidates in both local and national elections, highlighting its strong support for self-governance and autonomy.

Local Culture

City culture drives economic growth by shaping its social environment and attracting tourists, entrepreneurs, and talent. It fosters social cohesion and boosts productivity, while cultural activities diversify the economy and support sustainable, inclusive development.

Dundee, located in the United Kingdom, has a rich and diverse local culture that is deeply rooted in its history and traditions. The city is known for its warm and friendly people who take great pride in their heritage. The local culture is heavily influenced by Scottish traditions, with a strong emphasis on family, community, and hospitality. The city is also known for its vibrant arts and music scene, with numerous festivals and events celebrating local talent. The cuisine in Dundee is a reflection of its diverse population, with a mix of traditional Scottish dishes and international flavours. Overall, the local culture in Dundee is welcoming, dynamic, and deeply connected to its past.

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Industries

Below is a list of industry verticals that are intrinsic to the local region:

  • Manufacturing
  • Tourism
  • Education
  • Healthcare
  • Biotechnology
  • Creative industries
  • Retail
  • Agriculture
  • Financial services
  • Renewable energy

Business Environment

A city's business environment drives growth, attracting investment and supporting economic development. Key elements such as infrastructure, policies, skilled labour, and a strong customer base can boost productivity and profitability.

By promoting fair trade, streamlining processes, and ensuring legal and infrastructure support, cities foster a resilient economy and broader socioeconomic growth.

Dundee, located on the east coast of Scotland, is a vibrant city with a diverse business environment. Over the years, Dundee has transformed itself from being a traditional industrial town to a hub for innovation and creativity. The city's strategic location, with easy access to major cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, has made it an attractive destination for businesses. Dundee is also home to two major universities, the University of Dundee and the University of Abertay, which have produced a highly skilled workforce, making it an ideal location for knowledge-based industries. The business environment in Dundee is characterised by a strong entrepreneurial spirit, with a growing number of start-ups and small businesses. The city has a supportive network of business incubators and accelerators, providing a nurturing ecosystem for new ventures. Dundee's economy is diversified, with a mix of industries including technology, life sciences, creative industries, and tourism. The city has a strong presence in the video game industry, with major players like Rockstar North and Outplay Entertainment. This has earned Dundee the nickname "Silicon Glen", highlighting its significance in the tech sector. The city's business environment is also bolstered by its commitment to sustainability. Dundee has set ambitious targets to become a carbon-neutral city by 2045, attracting businesses with a focus on sustainability and renewable energy. However, like any other city, Dundee also faces challenges in its business environment. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the city's economy, with many businesses struggling to survive. The city is also facing the challenge of retaining its young, skilled workforce, with many graduates leaving for bigger cities.

Local Workforce and Labour

The local workforce drives economic growth, supports innovation, and attracts businesses by reducing recruitment costs. Employed residents expand the tax base, funding infrastructure and services, while promoting social cohesion and reducing inequality.

A skilled, diverse workforce is essential for a city’s prosperity, sustainability, and appeal as a place to live and work.

The labour market in Dundee, United Kingdom, is characterised by a diverse and growing economy. The city has a strong manufacturing sector, with a significant presence in industries such as food and beverages, textiles, and electronics. Additionally, Dundee is home to a vibrant service industry, with a high demand for skilled professionals in fields such as finance, healthcare, and education. The city also has a thriving creative and technology sector, attracting top talent in areas such as video game development and digital media. Overall, Dundee offers a variety of job opportunities for individuals with varying skills and backgrounds, making it an attractive location for both domestic and international workers.

Current Population

Population size and demographics are vital to a city’s economy. A larger population attracts investment and supports business growth, while decline can limit services and deter investment, creating economic challenges.

The current population of Dundee is 148,280.

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Transport & Infrastructure

Transport infrastructure drives economic growth by connecting people, goods, and services, boosting business efficiency and market access. It enhances workforce mobility, attracts investment, creates jobs, and supports tourism. Better transport systems improve quality of life by reducing commute times, increasing safety, and lowering environmental impact.

The city of Dundee, located in the United Kingdom, has a well-established transport and infrastructure system that supports its growing population and economy. The city boasts a well-connected network of roads, rail, and air transport, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors. In recent years, the city has invested in improving its infrastructure through projects such as the Dundee Waterfront development, which has led to the creation of new transport links and improved connectivity within the city. This has not only enhanced the quality of life for residents but also attracted businesses and investors to the city. With continued investment and strategic planning, Dundee is poised to become a leader in sustainable and efficient transport and infrastructure in the UK.

Market Outlook

Understanding city market trends helps businesses optimize strategy, investment, and workforce planning while offering a competitive edge. Policymakers use trends to shape regulations and infrastructure, while urban developers align plans for housing, transport, and recreation to future needs.

The city of Dundee, located in the United Kingdom, has been experiencing steady economic growth over the past few years. With a diverse range of industries including tourism, manufacturing, and education, the city has been able to maintain a stable and resilient economy. One of the key drivers of Dundee's economy is its tourism industry. The city has a rich history and cultural heritage, which attracts a large number of visitors each year. With the development of new attractions such as the V&A Dundee museum and the ongoing redevelopment of the waterfront area, the city is expected to see a continued increase in tourism in the coming years. This will not only create jobs in the hospitality and service sectors, but also drive demand for retail and leisure activities. In addition to tourism, Dundee has a strong manufacturing sector, particularly in the biomedical and technology industries. With the city being home to several renowned universities, there is a skilled workforce available to support these industries. The recent investment in the city's infrastructure, such as the new railway station and the expansion of the airport, has also made it more attractive for businesses to set up their operations in Dundee. As a result, the manufacturing sector is expected to see continued growth, creating job opportunities and contributing to the city's economy. Another trend that is likely to shape the economic outlook for Dundee is the increasing focus on sustainability and green initiatives. The city has already taken steps towards becoming more environmentally friendly, such as the development of a hydrogen fuel cell facility and the introduction of electric buses. As the demand for sustainable products and services continues to grow globally, Dundee is well-positioned to capitalise on this trend and attract investments in this area. However, there are also some potential challenges that the city may face in the upcoming years. One of them is the uncertainty surrounding Brexit and its impact on the economy. As the UK continues to negotiate its future relationship with the European Union, there may be potential disruptions to trade and investments, which could have a negative impact on Dundee's economy.

PEST Analysis

Cities are influenced by various factors, and a PEST analysis helps urban planners, councils, and businesses assess key macro-environmental elements:

  • Political: Policies, regulations, and stability impact growth and investment attractiveness
  • Economic: Employment, inflation, and income levels shape the city’s business climate and growth potential
  • Social: Demographics and cultural trends help businesses align their strategies with local preferences
  • Technological: Technological advancements enhance infrastructure, services, and business efficiency

A PEST analysis provides insights for informed decision-making on growth and investment.

Political Factors:

Dundee, a city located in the east coast of Scotland, is currently facing a number of political factors that are shaping its future. One of the most significant political factors is the uncertainty surrounding Brexit. As a part of the United Kingdom, Dundee is heavily influenced by the political decisions made by the UK government. The potential impact of Brexit on trade, immigration, and funding for projects in the city could have a significant effect on Dundee's economy. Another political factor that could impact Dundee is the Scottish independence movement. With a majority of Scottish citizens voting to remain in the European Union, the possibility of another independence referendum could create further uncertainty for businesses in Dundee. This could potentially lead to economic instability and affect the city's overall development.

Economic Factors:

Dundee has undergone a significant economic transformation in recent years. The city has traditionally been known for its manufacturing and shipbuilding industries, but in recent years, there has been a shift towards a more knowledge-based economy. The city is now home to a number of leading universities, research institutions, and emerging technology companies. One of the major economic factors in Dundee is the growth of the video game industry, with the city being dubbed as the "Silicon Glen" of Scotland. The presence of major game developers such as Rockstar North and 4J Studios has attracted a young and tech-savvy workforce, which has led to the emergence of a vibrant start-up culture in the city. The development of the Dundee Waterfront, a £1 billion regeneration project, is also a major economic factor for the city. This project aims to transform the waterfront into a hub for business, leisure, and residential activities, creating thousands of jobs and boosting the local economy.

Social Factors:

Dundee has a diverse and multicultural population, with a mix of students, young professionals, and families. The city is known for its friendly people and strong sense of community. However, social issues such as income inequality and poverty are prevalent in some areas of the city. The city is also facing challenges related to an aging population, with a significant portion of its residents aged 65 and above. This could potentially strain the city's healthcare and social services, and there is a need for appropriate policies and initiatives to address these issues.

Technological Factors:

Dundee has been at the forefront of technological advancements in recent years. The city's universities and research institutions have been instrumental in developing cutting-edge technologies in fields such as life sciences, biotechnology, and digital media. The emergence of the video game industry has also brought about significant technological advancements in Dundee. With the development of virtual reality and augmented reality technologies, the city has the potential to become a leader in the gaming industry. The city is also investing in smart city initiatives, with a focus on using technology to improve the quality of life for its residents. This includes the use of sensors and data analytics to improve transport and energy efficiency, as well as the development of digital services for citizens. Conclusion:

Appendices

The appendices section of this city report contains supplementary information we deem helpful in providing an understanding of the topics covered.

Further Information

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Methodology

This report forms part of our city analysis series, which covers every town and city in the world with a population over 50,000.

The analysis is based on information and learning from the following sources:

  • Proprietary databases
  • Government reports
  • NGO websites
  • API feeds
  • Desk research

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Disclaimer

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The facts of this report have been gathered in good faith from both primary and secondary sources. It is believed to be correct at the time of publication, but cannot be guaranteed. As such Platform Executive can accept no liability whatever for actions taken based on any information that may subsequently prove to be incorrect.