BUSINESSES are being asked how Dorset can demonstrate a competitive advantage over other areas between now and 2030.

Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is calling for evidence to support the development of a local industrial strategy, which will drive the county’s productivity and prosperity.

The LEP has previously outlined its 20-year aim to achieve a county economy twice its present size, with 80,000 more jobs.

It wants submissions from the public, private and voluntary sectors. Evidence could include data, research papers, surveys or strategies that show the importance, innovation and future growth potential of particular sectors.

It is interested in sectors that are likely to bring breakthroughs in technology or skills, or to become a focus of future growth for the county.

Jim Stewart, chair of Dorset LEP, said: “Dorset’s economy is resilient, growing, and has the potential to deliver greater prosperity for our county and beyond for generations to come.

“Our Local Industrial Strategy will set forth how Dorset is able to utilise its strengths to maximise its contribution to UK productivity, identifying long-term priorities to improve skills, increase innovation and enhance infrastructure and business growth,” he added.

“I encourage companies with an interest in the local economy to respond to this call and help Dorset LEP gain a more in-depth understanding on our competitive advantage or what this could be by 2030.”

Dorset LEP also wants information on any of the government’s “grand challenges” – including artificial intelligence, data, ageing, future mobility and clean growth.

The local industrial strategy is aimed at guiding local investment and the use of funding granted to LEPs by central government and other national schemes.

It is a response to the government’s UK Industrial Strategy, which aims to boost productivity by backing businesses to create jobs and invest in skills, industries and infrastructure.

Evidence should be submitted via email to mhanulova@bournemouth.ac.uk by February 14.