MORE than 100 academics and policy makers will this week begin writing "a manifesto for a Common Weal Scotland", a blueprint for how an independent Scotland could emulate the Nordic nations.
Billed as the biggest gathering of its kind in recent history, it is being organised by left-wing Jimmy Reid foundation which has pioneered the Common Weal concept.
Besides filling in the details of the plan, Thursday's symposium in Glasgow is intended to show voters that Scotland has the intellectual and academic firepower needed to deliver radical change in the event of a Yes vote.
Common Weal advocates adapting a variety of economic and social policies from Scandinavia and Germany to make Scotland a wealthier and fairer society. Arguing for a break with a UK economic model based on low wages, low skills and over-reliance on retail and the financial sectors, it proposes a more diverse economy in which the state fosters high-skill, high-wage jobs. This week's work will lead to a manifesto in May.
Although it will discuss new ideas based on the powers of independence, the document is also intended to be used as basis for devolving more powers to Holyrood in the event of a No vote in September.
Robin McAlpine, director of the Reid Foundation, said: "This is such a crucial moment in Scotland's history and many academics and thinkers want to get beyond theorising about what's wrong with Scotland and start a real debate about what we should do.
"Scotland is alive with ideas and this is a very significant gathering of people who have a very clear and carefully thought through vision of what Scotland could become."
The Reid Foundation will also discuss Common Weal at this year's Glastonbury Festival. It will take part in the political "Left Field" event curated by singer Billy Bragg.
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